McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft

Returning to a story

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blgarver:
I usually try to end on a beat.  I usually finish a chapter in four or five good sittings, and try to end my sessions on a cliffhanger.  I think I do it just to keep myself amped about the story. 

I often will stop right before a big scene.  Not because I'm not sure what will happen (i'm not sure exactly what will happen, but that isn't why I stop).

It could be a scene I've been working toward, that one scene that has fueled my efforts the entire time, just because I really want to write the scene.  And then I'll stop a paragraph or even a sentence before that goal-scene begins.  Just pack up and go home.

It's like prolonging foreplay to make the love making better or something.  But I let it stew a little longer in my head, start thinking hard about the scene instead of just having a vague idea about what I want to happen.  Sometimes I'll let it simmer for weeks before I get back to it. 

I don't like going that long between sessions, but hey...what're ya gonna do.  I write when the words come.  And so far that seems to be working.  Though slow it may be.

BLG

the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh:
My work and home situation is such that I usually get to write one night a week, and it's usually Friday; I try to finish a chapter, or at least come to a reasonable break point within a chapter, every session.  [ My chapters tend to come out between two and four thousand words, for what that's worth. ]

It's certainly easier to get going again when the next bit is going to be fun and I know how it goes, but the combination of being a bit obsessive-compulsive and knowing I have limited time to do this in usually gets me putting words on the screen even when the next bit does not appear immensely exciting.

blgarver:
So, I need some advice about returning to my novel after being away from it for at least a month, and probably more.

My situation: half way through the book, by my estimates.  Had a two or three week spurt of writing every day for 5 or 6 hours after work.  Got busy with work and bills and real life obligations.  Slowly slipped out of the habit.  Two weeks ago my beloved little cousin was killed in a car wreck, and that sent my spirit into a downward spiral.  I still want to write, and I keep trying to motivate myself to get back into the groove.  However, I simply don't feel like it.

I realize I'm still grieving and handling this in my own way, but I feel bad for putting my writing off.  Chris would not have wanted me to put anything before my writing, and I really want to finish this book for him.

Has anyone ever gone through a period when their passion for writing was faded for some reason?  Any advice on how to polish it up and get back to work?

WonderandAwe:
Write something.  Anything.  Doesn't have to be your story.  Something small and unimportant to get you back into the habit.   

blgarver:

--- Quote from: DaiDreamer5 on November 30, 2006, 07:40:21 PM ---Write something.  Anything.  Doesn't have to be your story.  Something small and unimportant to get you back into the habit.   



--- End quote ---

I finally just sat down and started reading my book from the previous chapter I had finished.  After an hour or so, I was back into it, and am now into Chapter 11.  Yay!

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