I’ve been off of blogging for a few days, just getting caught up with life. Last Thursday, I released my latest e-book, a Snowflake analysis of Gone With The Wind that I wrote with my daughter. That kept me busy for a couple of days.
I also had some extra work to do on an ongoing consulting assignment. Plus the lawn to mow (we have about an acre and a half of grass, and it’s the growing season right now). Yesterday and today, we burned a large pile of accumulated vegetation from the yard. But I’m back to blogging tonight, at last.
Sometime this weekend, one of my Loyal Readers wrote to ask about how to deal with Senioritis. This was a reference to my article on the four stages that prepublished writers go through on their way to publication: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. As I recall, the specific question was how to deal with being a Senior way longer than you expected.
In a Just Universe, of course, great writers would get published and be paid what their writing is worth.
Tragically, we live in an Unjust Universe. I’ve long ago learned to deal with this, although I do allow myself one day a year to rage against the injustice of it all.
My question for you all is in two parts:
1) What stage are you in?
2) What is your biggest obstacle to writing in this stage?
There is no prize for answering, except that I might make a brilliant and insightful suggestion on how to deal with your particular obstacle. And it’s even more likely that one of my other Loyal Readers will have a brilliant and insightful suggestion. One thing I’ve learned is that there is tremendous knowledge in a large group of smart people. And my set of Loyal Readers is both large and intelligent.
So leave a comment and let’s get talking! Even if we don’t solve your problem, sometimes it’s just nice to get a little sympathy from your fellow writers.
1) Sophomore
2) My biggest obstacle is time. But that isn’t my main concern. Is it possible to reach the next stage if you can’t attend writer’s conferences? Air fare from NZ is a little expensive.
I am a junior. My biggest obstacle is sorting priorities so that I get some writing done along with the day job and the evening jobs. I work with a writing conference (webmaster), but I need to get the snowflake done for the next conference–in two weeks.
1 Sophomore.
2 Lack of commitment is my biggest challenge. All I’ve ever wanted to be is a writer. But I’m terrified of not being good enough.
So I find lots of other things to do. Work a job I hate for slave wages, put the needs of my family and friends before mine. Worry about finances because I mismanage most aspects of my life so I don’t have time time to write. Any excuse will do.
Then when I do discipline myself to write, I can’t decide between dozens of different projects that I have begun. So nothing of substance ever happens.
Then I’m able to tell myself that I could’ve been somebody if only I’d had the chance.
Simplify, clarify and focus. I know this, but it’s easier said than done!
I’ll say sophomore.
Writing for me is easy (most of the time); marketing my completed works I have trouble with.
It’s a combination of lack of motivation (dreaming is easy, making it come true is hard), and lack of confidence.
Sophomore.
Same as above. Lack of time. Lack of taking the time. Procrastination. Putting other things before writing, but mainly because I feel so overwhelmed and indirected in my writing.
1. Senior (I spent many many years laboring in the other grades. Ten years? Twelve?)
2. Time management. This last weekend I had the privilege of attending Book Expo in NY. Wow. That’ll help you feel small. But I came home to a mountain of work, along with three sweet children now off on summer vacation. I honestly don’t know how I will do it all. Have fun with them, write a book, promote another. Eek. (Before you think I’m a whiner, ungrateful for the chance to write, I absolutely assure you that I’m thankful for the opportunity. But managing my time is a real problem, which is weird because normally I’m quite anal about doing it well.)
1) 1/2 Sophomore, 1/2 Junior (I’m well published in professional journals).
2) a) My PhD dissertation, for which I have absolutely no ambition to complete right now (talk about senioritis!).
b) Dyslexia, I’m a slow writer/reader and have to rely pretty heavily on spell check. Grammar is a different story…I try to follow the rules, but what looks correct to me, ain’t necessarily so. The professional writing actually helps here, except when I submit to a British journal and they stick o’s and u’s into my words, swap r-e for e-r, etc. (I just proofed a galley :-/)
Four years ago at Mount Hermon, Randy pegged me as an early junior. I’ve made steady progress since then and just a few months ago, I would have said definitely a senior given the encouragement I received on my latest work. But lately I’ve had issues with my new WIP. I feel like I’ve regressed. So my biggest obstacle right now is my own semi-success. I can’t seem to make the jump to graduation and I’m frustrated! Perhaps I’m trying too hard now.
1) Sophmore
2) Being able to evaluate my own writing. I can look at someone else’s writing and evaluate but when it comes to my own there is the big question mark that hangs over my head. Grammar and spelling are easy enough but is what I am writing interesting to someone else and is it clear? This I can not evaluate.
I think I’m a Freshman/Sophomore at present.
So far I’ve only written fanfiction, short/flash fiction, and am co-writing a screenplay with a friend. I have a couple of novel ideas that I’m currently working on setting up in the Snowflake method.
My main problem is writing time. I work 12 hour nights on a rotating schedule and am a single parent. Though my children are getting older, my youngest is almost 12, and giving me a bit more freedom, getting time alone to concentrate on writing isn’t easy. Plus obligations to family and others.
I’m trying hard to force myself into writing at least some most days of the week. I’m also squeezing in some time to study writing books and methods, including Randy’s (which I’ve found extremely helpful). I figure that when I do actually get to the point of sitting and writing them, I’ll have a good share of the basics embedded in my head to work from.
I also belong to a couple writing sites and am curious of what Randy thinks of belonging to any. What I joined to help me improve my ability, I’ve been disappointed in. Mainly I’ve found them not helpful in giving any pointers and are filled with people only wanting others to read and give glowing responses on their work.
Sophmore.
I have trouble with all the do’s and don’t’s. Before I knew any of them, my writing was spontaneous. Now I freeze up, thinking of all the rules. Often teachers and critiquers looking at my work contradict one another. That puts me in an even deeper muddle!
1) Freshman
2) I agree with Mark’s comments. I am my own worst enemy. I think I fear success and at the same time I fear not being good enough.
1) What stage are you in?
I reckon I’m in the sophomore stage – as I’ve been seriously writing my heart out for the last eight years or so, as well as “studying” the craft of writing. (If that’s what you can call reading every library book and online article about fiction I can find … ) I’m now in a crit group and learning to look objectively at my writing. (Well, more objectively … ) I think I’m beyond the basic basics, but I’ve never tried submitting anything to an agent or publisher.
2) What is your biggest obstacle to writing in this stage?
(i) Craft. Perhaps ignorance is bliss, but I’m happy with my characterisation and plotting – I think it’s the ‘nuts and bolts’ of writing that is my biggest weakness.
I was educated when basic grammar and classic literature were not in fashion here in Oz, and I am struggling to learn (and retain) the rudiments now. I have to get my crit group to explain when they use foreign phrases like “past perfect tense”, but my grasp of the basics is so slack that I’m still having trouble remembering which is the object and which is the subject of a sentence …
(ii) Antipodean address?
Vanessa mentioned she’s in NZ, and I’m in Australia – I’m also interested in what options there are for those of us outside the US and others who haven’t got the option of attending genre-relevant writers conferences.
I’m a Sophomore who tested the waters of the Junior level and decided the waters were too dangerous. So, I’ve hung out with the Sophomores where it’s safer. But making the excuses for why I’m not progressing is wearing thin, and I either need to move on, or find another focus for my life.
Biggest obstacle to overcome: IF
(And wireless Internet, if I may add a second. 🙂
IF I write regularly, I might neglect my family and other relationships.
IF I tell someone about my writing, I risk rejection, apathy or ridicule.
IF I choose writing over the other gifts I think I’ve been given, how can I know I’ve chosen wisely without “success” (a.k.a. publication) to back me up?
IF I write, can I ever truly learn to express what is in my heart and mind, or will it always fall short (in my estimation)?
IF I would get published, will I be able to deal with the workload?
IF I would get published, what if I’m a one-hit wonder?
IF I would get published, will I be able to do all the other “stuff” that goes along with it? (marketing, dealing with unhappy readers, etc.)
IF…
…is definitely the biggie for me.
My main problem is being ok with my freshman status as a fiction writer, because I’m a senior in the non-fiction realm, you might even say a grad- I’ve published two books with reputable houses (on Christian spirituality) and several articles. I’ve learned “what it takes” as a nonfiction writer, but it’s difficult to trust that I have the talent, or what it takes, to write fiction. I’ve lost that first honeymoon flush all new writers get, and since fiction is SO much harder for me than nonfiction, it can be hard not to despair. But fiction is what calls me, so….
I am in the freshman stage.
I live in Costa Rica, and there are not many opportunities for writing workshops and there are no writers group. So I rely on the internet for information.
The biggest obstacle for writing is me. After watching Dr. Phil on cable, I was able to set up boundries, telling the family that certain hours in the evening was for me and me alone. It was respected. I started that this week, and we had a heavy workload recently and was finally able to stop and write, read and do my work.
I know that I need to set goals, and keep to those goals. I am forming a “rooster” group with some ladies so that when we fail on one of our goals, we can sound off and encourage one another.
I also lacked in praying for my writing, and the zeal had died down. After a good prayer time, the zeal came back.
So this is what I did.
-Pray
-Set time for myself, everything else around me had to stop. The dishes will be there in the morning, they won’t go anywhere.
-Recognized that I was the problem, not my excuses. All of us have 24 hours in a day, it just depends what we do with it.
-Write, and do my writing exercises.
What grade am I? I’m not sure.
Here’s my situation. I have a column that appears weekly in a local paper. I have made my first 2 short story sales, and keep sending out short stories.
I have written 3 novels. 2 are trunk novels, one I’m shopping. I am currently working on #4.
I have only gotten form rejections on the novel.
I have attended writing workshops but no conferences yet.
My biggest obstacle? I feel way behind other writers. I’m 49 and only started getting serious about writing general fiction 2 years ago. I feel I have a long way to go and wonder if I’ll ever get there.
I’m a Sophomore
For me the biggest obstacle is that I finished writing my “trilogy” BEFORE I found out about “The snowflake method” or “Scene and Sequal.” So, now I’m having to trudge through each of them, sentence by sentence, getting it all in the “right” order…ha! I find myself completely unmotivated to do this – it’s so much more than just editing.
I’m a Sophomore
For me the biggest obstacle is that I finished writing my “trilogy” BEFORE I found out about “The snowflake method” or “Scene and Sequal.” So, now I’m having to trudge through each of them, sentence by sentence, getting it all in the “right” order…ha! I find myself completely unmotivated to do this – it’s so much more than just editing.
I’m a junior and my biggest obstacle is writing time. Homeschooling four kids doesn’t leave much time or creative energy to write. But I’ve found I can write a lot on the weekends. So I’m trying to revise/edit during the week and create on the weekends. So far it’s working.
Another obstacle in writing is the crazy plot twists that come to mind and then have to be sorted out in the middle of writing! Just thought of one last night and it’s slowing down my writing!
I’m not sure what level I’m at. I’ve had hundreds of articles published and been in several books, but have no books of my own–but I’m working on that. I too need discpline and clear direction. Sometimes I’m thrilled with what I write, and at other times it seems so weak compared to great writers.
Re those who can’t attend conferences, you can get tapes and listen to the teaching and glean much. (Like Randy’s from Mt. Hermon or OCW.)
I’m like Sarah in non-fiction–three published books. Fiction, sigh, I think I’m in the summer of my junior-senior year.
Obstacles? I have no excuses. I just need to get it done.
I am a South African living in America, and English is not my first language. Sometimes, I get so frustrated when I have a great thought, but then it is blocked by a long search for the right vocabulary. I have already studied half a ton of books on the craft, and I am pretty disciplined as far as sitting down and writing is concerned, but I do not know how to judge my freshman-sophomore-junior stage… take note, no “senior” in that qualifier. Anyone out there who wants to read the first chapter of my novel and tell me? (I would certainly appreciate it.)
Gratefully, I’m at the junior level. I’m happy that again this week I’ve submitted my middle grade fiction series to a different publisher, the day after I got a rejection letter for the same project from another. No problem. Am still researching tons of material for a screenplay I’m writing. So I feel good that I’m sticking to writing tasks fairly regularly.
My biggest obstacle is hanging in, seeing one task to completion. Then there’s my web site to update and my blog posts are way overdue. I feel I zig-zag in focusing on writing projects, yet even my life is like that. I suppose that’s the life of a writer as the balls of real life have to be juggled and time made to be alone to write. And then my husband had foot surgery this week, so I’m playing nursemaid as well. I sit down to write and he needs tended to at the same time (but he’s worth it!).
The one thing I make sure of is to mentally be writing as I make dinner or do laundry. Thinking of the next plot turn or how to further develop a character. So perhaps time is not wasted as I think it can be. It’s just that there are so many writing projects to complete.
Well, I was going to say I was a junior approaching my senior year, but after reading Donna’s post above, perhaps I’m a sophomore too. I’ve published articles and I’m in the middle of rewriting my first novel … again. I’ve rewritten it several times, marketed it, had it rejected, then professionally edited, now I’m rewriting and will market it again, as I work on my second novel. So, is that a sophomore, junior, or senior?
What’s my biggest obstacle to writing? Ditto to the above comments. Scared that I’m not really smart enough or creative enough to write. Worried that if I am not fruitful (published) enough to be effective for the Lord. However, as so many of the above people have said, my number one obstacle is time. Writing is a blast. Rewriting is hard work and time consuming. I work full time, have a family, and church commitments. Sometimes I can’t wait to get home after work to write, but I need to cook dinner, clean the kitchen, feed the dogs, and water the fuchsias first. When at last I sit at my computer and it’s approaching 8 PM, but I’m not sharp or as jazzed as I need to be to produce clever, thought-provoking, tight sentences.
O Time, Time! Wherefore art thou, sweet Time?
Oops. Addendum to above: I just read your Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior article. I’m currently an embarrassed senior.
1) I’m a junior. I’ve been working hard on my basics for several years now. Still have a lot to learn, but my writing is coming together. Pitching to editors terrifies me, but after I went through your teleconference class with Allison Bottke, I put together a business plan and a very detailed proposal which I just pitched to my #1 hope. THEY LIKED IT! In fact, they said it was one of the best proposals they’d ever received. (THANK YOU, RANDY AND ALLISON!) Now I have to wait and not get my hopes up. I’m finding that difficult.
2) Obstacles. Huge! I’m one of those people who gave up their day-job to write. I was a teacher who took early retirement because I couldn’t stand the pressures of home, job, and this burning desire to finish a fantasy trilogy I’m in the process of rewriting for the 4th time. (Every time I went to a major conference, I learned so much I had to start over.)
I struggle so hard to maintain a healthy balance in my life: writing, family, home, my own spiritual-physical-emotional health. I sometimes go to bed frustered (my word for flustered and frustrated).
After spending a lifetime putting family and students’ needs before my own, it is very difficult for me to take care of my own health first, but if I don’t, I lack the energy and focus to handle the things I want to do. Time is my most valuable commodity. Any words on how to spend mine wisely?
Kindergarden.
Thirty hours a week, I sit at the computer playing with my blocks of craft. I’ve been doing this for five years now. I have the time. I have the tools. I have the teachers.
I’ve spent all five years at Mount Hermon taking classes from all the pros. Everything I learned will take the time to apply and refine. In all the frustration of being human, I realize the only way to become a professional successful writer is to write and rewrite.
I have no reason to complain. God took six days for our world, I figure I can take six years before one day I go “WOW, it worked! What’s next?”
Until that day, I will always feel inadequate, small, stupid. But with my craft honed from hell, I know that God’s my daddy, my cat is my editor, and Randy is a good friend for inspiration and guidance.
I think it’s time for my nap.
1. Solidly a junior (ironic, since I just finished my junior year of high school).
2. My biggest obstacle seems to be my age!
That’s not to use it as an excuse, 17 is not by any means too difficult an age, but the fact that most publishers do not seem to believe I have enough life experience to write a good piece of fiction.
I have had a couple editors and one publisher look at my manuscript and tell me it’s good, but my age still seems to stand in my doorway. Which…somehow I find odd, if my fiction is good. My age could be a selling point.
1) Sophomore
2) Currently splitting my writing time between short stories and a novel. My problem is when I do write is I often want to get to a certain scene that refuses to wait its turn. This is generally a scene that can only happen when X happens, and as I am trying to get there I don’t see X happening at all. I get frustrated because I really feel this scene and its just not gonna happen. Then, what I am working on feels stale. I am forced to shelve it for awhile and then go back once the story burns to be written again. What do I do to keep the fire burning for the whole story, inspite of that consuming scene?
I really don’t know. It surely depends on what I’m writing.
I like Karen Damato’s answer.
I work and sometimes… No. All of the time now– I realize that what comes can be of two varieties. Either truly amazing and I wonder where it came from because it simply appeared or something which has come from every little bit of agony during the process of writing, rewriting and subsequent developmental phases.
Honestly, I feel sometimes that it’s not me at all. It comes from somewhere else and I can’t claim authority over it. Neither for what is good or what is inferior to the last.
I think the biggest obstacle for me is balancing research and writing.
Also, in balancing my short works with my longer works in progress.
There is a lot of soul searching that goes on in the working of the craft. Twice I have mentioned balancing, and if you include the last: it makes three times.
I think this is worthy of mentioning: that writing is all a matter of balancing what we are conceptualizing and our ability to share it with the reader in the correct manner.
If our ego lays heavy on the page and we indulge in purple prose, we are perhaps steering too far inward. On the other hand, if we are writing simply for market trends, then we may be selling out.
A large part of the craft is enabling the reader to “get it” without having to wade through superfluous meanderings on the part of the writer.
Balancing. That’s my biggest obstacle.
Blessings,
Joleena
1) Senior, very solidly.
2) I’m stuck, in typical senior fashion. I’ve read the books. Attended the conferences. Subscribed to the magazines and e-zines. Written. Submitted. And been rejected again and again, “Your writing is good/Your idea is unique, but…”
I’ve been fine going through the previous stages, because there was something more I could always do. But now no one can seem to tell me what more I can do to add that final sparkle to my writing, except do the same thing I have been doing. Write, read, submit, write.
And yes, I know. The solution is perseverance. I just hate wandering in circles. Sigh.
For Liane, from someone who started attending conferences at the same age: I don’t know if age is a factor among editors (something I believed at your age, but now–seven years later–somewhat doubt, though they might use it as the excuse). But my recommendation is forget about your age. Just learn to write as well as you can and to act professionally as you can. The doors will open at the appropriate times.
Now if only I can take my own advice.
I sure hope I don’t click send before I finish this because I may not want to send it. Talk about age – I am 74. The first thing I ever sent in to a publisher was published, a book of Bible stories. That was in 1986. Then I had a series of Bible story books published in 1999 and 2000. I have had a few stories and articles published also so I guess I’m a senior. My problem is procrastination. I write things and file them in the two drawers of my filing cabinet. Sometimes I send them out and when I get them back I file them. I have tons of stuff. Recently I’ve started going back over things and found some really good writing. So I’m submitting again. Hopefully when they come back I won’t just file them again.
I really liked the prayer suggestion. I have all my things that are presently “out” posted on a white board. I need to stand in front of that board daily and ask the Lord to use each one, show me how to improve it, or give me more patience to wait. But He can’t wait too long or I’ll have to be published post-humorously. (Humor intended)
I’d Freshman, as I used to think Sophomore. US School Years confuse me..
I am Dyslexic, and NEEDS a Spell checker. (I only Learn to spell my name after 5 years in School)
I have the big problem, I started a Time travelling story as a starting piece. And it Part B It’s already beginning to take some work to make sure I don’t contradict myself.
(If Any one REALLY wants to know I wrote the Origns here: http://bignutter.deviantart.com/journal/10692757/ )
My problems is numerous.. But I know Remedy is: Someone who’s willing to Crit/chat about my work often, it the best thing to keep my drive up. (I consider myself to be a Poor Crit person.) I’m just too shy to ask someone yet.
How Did I discover the remedy? Simple, UK Uni.. they don’t give me the drive for me to do the reports..
I’ve got some Freshman characteristics and some Sophomore, so I’m probably somewhere in the middle. Maybe on a summer vacation between the two…
Like a lot of other people, staying motivated is probably one of my biggest problems. Then there’s all the people that think I’m wasting my time because I should be working towards something that will pay better. I guess that’s not really stopping me, but it sure is annoying.
I’m a Sophomore/Junior. I’ve been published in three books — collections of biographies — but don’t have my own book published yet. My biggest obstacle is energy and overcoming brain fog. I have three kids with disabilities, my husband is a pastor, and I run a Christian School. I am tired.
1. Junior/Senior (on some levels; some days I feel like I just finished 8th grade)
2. Time management on every front (waving at Gina); thinking about finding an agent, and then wondering if I really need one yet; wanting to craft a ‘bigger’ book.
None of these categories fit me. I must be homeschooled.
Wow! What a response Randy. I believe I am in the Junior going into the Senior stage. I have run out of conference money but truly see the value in networking.
I finally was able to join ACFW and they are a really encouraging bunch which I really needed to have in my life at this time in my writing. My third novel was turned down after four editors said they liked it but didn’t pick it up so I am baffled because that was happening in publishing other pieces until I broke thru the glass ceiling awhile back and everything got picked up. So…I mentioned this to Donita, she says average number of novels is seven before one gets actually published. Well, that encouraged me and so I started my fourth one. I can really see the difference from the first to the present one I am working. I feel encouraged by your site that it is in God’s timing and the odds are for me if I keep on keepin!
I can’t wait to read your responses to some of these. Why this is like a nice class for me to chew on and learn more. I have an unsatible desire to learn everything I can about the writing world that God has called me into.
I’m not sure what level I am since I did things backward. I submitted a completed manuscript to four major publishing houses before I even had a clue about what writing was all about. Of course it was rejected, but one actually said my subject had potential and they would like to encourage me to keep trying other publishers (do you think that was a subtle suggestion to never waste their time again?)
Since then I’ve studied writing, attended seminars, and joined a writing group so I know everything I did wrong. The problem is that since I’ve learned what I did wrong I can’t seem to do what’s right.
The first novel was a joy to write. I couldn’t wait to get at it each day. Now I begin to write and I get so hung up on character development, plot, MRU’s, Scenes and Sequels and all the other do’s and don’ts that I can’t get beyond the first few chapters. I’m sure that I don’t have the talent to write a used car ad much less a novel. It’s that little voice in my head that says what on earth makes you think you have the talent to be published.
Are all novelists this insecure?
I’d say I’m a senior, in more ways than one! I’ve had a non-fiction book on elder issues published, and now preparing for a second printing, and have had byline pieces in a number of devotional collections. I have one novel finished, in polishing stage, and another well-started. Several more seeds.
I can empathize with nearly every response above. I started writing when I was 10 years old after I had read every novel in our small-town library. In those days there didn’t seem to be the concern about age-appropriate books. I had 63 hand written pages of a mystery written when my brother discovered it and teased me–I tore it up.
I played at writing all through my 20s and 30s (and 40s) taking several writing courses, along with all the family situations mentioned above: care for family, outside activities, church. But I had so many interests I didn’t want to give up, so writing didn’t advance but the ideas kept coming.
I finally decided what I wanted to be when I grew up (and turned 60), and gave myself permission to say no to lots of other things. I no longer have the time constraints, but I understand how difficult it is for you younger ones.
Two obstacles: 1) Deciding, at this late stage, which of probably twenty projects is the most worthy of pursuit. I’ve recently joined a small Orange County CWF (CA) writers’ group and the regular meetings, the accountability, encouragement and feedback we offer one another are very valuable.
2) I’ve finally accepted that the gift of writing is God’s call on my life and is a legitimate ministry. I struggled with a sense that it was too much my personal desire. But all creation took place as a result of words. So why are we so hesitant about our own God-given words? But He can’t use our words to touch anyone until we get them written!
My helpful hint: I keep at least two projects going. I find that when I get into a scene it starts to pour out, but when the scene is finished, I’m drained and don’t go into the next scene. After a stretch I pull out the second project and make myself get into that. The “change of scenery” if you will, feeds itself and I’m making progress on more than one WIP. Works for me.
Thanks for this forum, Randy. Everybody keep at it!
Pauline, you go girl!
There does seem to be a thread of insecurity running through all our responses. I’ve struggled with accepting that writing is God’s call on my life as a legitimate ministry. It seemed so self-centered for so long.
I’d say I’m a senior, with one non-fiction elder issues book published and in current preparation for a 2nd edition; and a number of byline devotionals in collections. One novel finished, in polishing stage, and another well-started.
Several more seeds.
I can empathize with nearly every response above. having gone through all of it. Still struggle with which of at least twenty projects to pursue. Fiction, devotionals, Bible studies, articles. I have so much in mind and recognizing that years are numbered. Pauline, you go, girl!
Thanks for the forum, Randy. Although the time we take to read these great posts and your articles takes away from writing time, they do encourage and help. (I spent 30 minutes this morning reading your Scam article!)
Everyone keep at it.
Tami asked: Are all novelists this insecure?
I can’t talk for others, but as for myself, yes. 🙂
Like you, I found my first novel a breeze and loved writing it. Of course, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Now I get all caught up in the rules and writing has become a chore, but one I still care deeply about. I just have trouble switching off my editing voice as I write.
I consider myself to be a Sophmore even though it has been 14yrs since I had a novel published.like many others here, family and work had to come first. When I was offered the chance of early retirement three years ago, I grabbed it with both hands and set a rule; 60% of my day would be for writing or research, 20% for the mundane things we all have to do in life to survive and the final 20% for socializing…
I now have another novel ready for marketing and two more in draft stages…which leads me into what I think after the ‘Synopsis Syndrome’ is the bane of all writers….THE QUERY LETTER!…
So Randy I would like to know how you got round this and what ‘When Formula’ you use.
1) I’m a sopohmore
2) I’m getting articles and devos published, but am still waiting to sell another kid’s book. I’ve come reeeeally close a few times, but, here I am.
Well, I’d like to think I’m a sophmore, but I’m really not sure. Like Laura Ware, I’m in my late forties (I’ll still be 48 for the writer’s cruise), so I got a late start in the writing game.
Obstacle: probably motivation. It comes and goes. I cranked out 56k words of my first novel for NaNoWriMo last year, but I’ve only recently broken 100k. It seems as I get closer to finishing it, I find it harder and harder to work on it. Yes, I have some time I could devote to it, but I just plain don’t.
Up til NaNo, I wrote strictly short stories. I didn’t get serious about writing for publication until about 2000, and I still haven’t published anything.
Gremlins in the system last night.
I wrote my response at 12:02 but it didn’t post.
Tried redoing it. Have you ever tried to recreate something you’ve lost? It’s never as perfectly on target as the original. 🙂 Tried posting the second and it didn’t post either. I decided there must be a midnight deadline, so toddled off to bed. Now here you all are!
I’m a senior–writing, and physically (Pauline, you go, girl)! A non-fiction book on elder issues is now in preparation for 2nd printing, and a number of byline devotional pieces in collections. I have a completed novel not yet submitted and am well-started on a second.
Biggest obstacles: 1) Accepting that the gift of words is a legitimate ministry (why do we question that?). All creation came into being through words of The Word.
2) Deciding which of at least 20 projects to pursue
in the time remaining.
Thanks for this forum, Randy. Keep at it everyone.
Freshman…er…woman 🙂
I started this past November and have learned a ton about writing! I have discovered that I like writing even better than reading.
Fantasy Fiction is my genre and I am currently 30,866 words into my first draft of book #1 of a series.
My biggest obstacles are to keep focused on the project at hand and not to blog when I should be writing…ooops, gotta go! *grin*
I’m a returning freshman. That is, I dropped out for a while, but I couldn’t stay away. Years ago, I actually burned a pile of writing after someone laughed at my literary efforts. Oh, impetuous youth!
Besides impulsive behaviour, which I strive to control, my obstacles are time management and my own very nasty inner critic. I can find all kinds of reasons why I shouldn’t be writing at any given time, but I’m starting to realize that I can override my own thoughts and that I feel better when I just sit down and write for awhile.
Thanks for the support, Randy!
Well, I’d be a freshman.
My biggest obstacle right now is that I reeeeeeally want to write more of my story, but I have to re-read some 160-odd pages of my NaNoWriMo to remind myself where I am and what’s actually happening in it before I finish.
What’s helped my writing the most so far, though, would be two things:
1st, getting some of my scenes critiqued by friends on teddekker.com, and other tips/etc. from them.
2nd would be the AFW E-zine. Good stuff.
I believe I’m a senior.
I have a great CBA agent and I finaled recently in the Genesis contest. I’ve had good rejections from publishers (love her writing but the story doesn’t fit us or love the story but it doesn’t fit us).
My biggest obstacle? Kids at home. They’ll both be in school next year.
Randy, may I ask a question? I’ve been studying up on your writing the perfect scene article. You say that we must have a Scene and Sequel, back and forth, and that makes total sense.
But what about when you have a couple character POVs in the book? I can’t quite get my brain around what to do then. If I have a Scene from character A’s POV, is it okay to go to character B and have him do a Scene? And then the next time I do a POV with them, do I need to do whatever is due up next for them?
The problem I see with this is that sometimes, character B’s POV is a Scene in which character A is dealing with the Sequel aspect. (Am I making any sense?) Do I keep track on whether to do a Scene or Sequel based on each character’s POV only?
Okay, I’ve talked myself into a circle! Off to study some more.
I would love more info on the whole, multiple main character thing. I know there’s almost always multiple POVs, but they can revolve around 1 main character. I’ve noticed a lot of things you talk about, esp. in the E-zine, are mostly concerned w/ stories that have one main character, and it’s briefly mentioned “of course, different rules would apply if you had multiple main characters.” This is something I would really love for you to address more, as I’m sure would others.
Thanks for reminding me of those thoughts, Sally.
I’m a sophmore with junior envy, and I dropped out for many years between freshman and sophmore.
My biggest obstacle is that I’m more of an editor than a writer. I love to write, but I love to edit more and so I got hung up on rewriting the same first few chapters of about four unfinished works until I lost interest in the projects. However as of last October, I gained a writing buddy/accountability partner, added 55k to a WIP in November and finished the manuscript in January at 115k. Now my problem is going back and editing it into something I’m willing to put my name on–and my standards are extremely high.
I’ve never attended a writing conference, nor do I plan to. It’s not that I don’t think I’d learn something from them, I’m just not willing to spend money on something that is unlikely to ever return the investment. I have workshopped one on one with a published writer however and that was very helpful. I think my writing is of a calibre to b
… be published, but I don’t think it’s good enough to meet my standards yet. I will only wade into the marketing pool when I’m satisfied with my work.
(accidentally hit submit before I was ready–sorry for the double post.)
I hope I am a senior. I have been published in newspapers and a staff writer for a bi-weekly newspaper for the past 25 years. Newspapers are wonderful outlets When you get sick of rejections–they take just about anything. However,the hardest thing I have ever done was the completion, just this week of my first book, And the Whippoorwill Sang, due to be released in September. I am used to writing 1000 wd essays, so attempting this book, a funny, bittersweet memoir, was a stretch. I think I have only one book in me–except maybe for smaller chapter books for children. Many of Randy’s excellent advice kept me going, when I was ready to toss the book and the pc out the window!
Micki Peluso
I am a kindergarten.
I am reading over the postings and impressed with all of them. I see myself in most of them, so I don’t feel all that weird. That’s cool.
My biggest obstacle is my high standards, too. I want to feel that what ever I submitt is worthy of being submitted. At this time in my writing attempts, I am not there yet, not even close. I have a question regarding Laura Ware comment “what is a trank novel?”
I am a woman, and I feel that it is sad that we seem to put ourselves on the bottom of the totem pole for the most part. I have read most of us will find time for the writing after we even water the fuchsias. I am sorry to hear that because I believe that we have a lot to offer the author game. I am here now, and I plan on being here for a long time to come, and I have a lot to offer and I am learning about it and one day I will have something published, I know it.
Thanks for listening, a best wishes to each and everyone of us.
Wow! Have a responce. 😀
1) Junior, I think. I’ve been here a while–maybe I’m almost a senior. I’ve got six published short stories, a couple e-columns, an agent, several requests for a full, and a huge stack of rejections. But no book with binding and a purdy cover. 🙁
2) Time! I have: Four kids. Homeschool. Volenteer editing at a magazine. Youth Leader with my husband. Chronic Fatigue (probably from all of the above). And did I say four kids? Uhg!
Plus, I must admit I’m easily distracted. I love writing short stories and have a hard time letting them sit to work on my novel.