Getting it clear enough in my own mind to spit it out. I've tried a number of planning and outlining methods, but sometimes it's just not clear to me and it takes forever to write a page. Other times it's clearer and comes more quickly. I think it's just my own mind wrestling with the ideas until something clicks, and perhaps the other distractions in life keep that from happening on a regular basis.
Have you tried pantsing it? I'm totally a pantser, at the moment some 330k words into a fantasy with zero clue how it's going to end (which will be somewhere around 500k) 😅 It's wonderful. It's the only way that I write and it mixes focus and that constant temptation to dance with new ideas.
For concentration, I like to put headphones on and write with my eyes closed. I write at about 2500 words an hour at that pace, so that even 10 minutes means something toward progress.
I've tried both. The first book took me a long time pantsing, and got into a regular flow when I would finish a new chapter, it's like the next one opened up. I did a follow up story that was 1/3 the length, and it wasn't quite as easy. The full sequel has been brutal because there are more threads.
Even with pantsing the first one, I would get stuck for long stretches figuring out things I needed to know to have it make sense in my head, like how fast you can march on foot, versus with horses. Then, how long it would take them to reach each place based on those speeds.
I think it might go differently if I could focus solely on the writing, but that's not an option right for the foreseeable future.
Having music for the series totally helps. I listened to a certain playlist over and over again while writing those books.
Of course! I usually read in Gmail and I always forget to go to Substack to leave a like and a comment. Sorry about that. I'm not good at making new habits, that's for sure. 😂
Well said, Noah. When you write what you want to read, readers respond. You can't write for everyone, so you write what you love, what resonates with you, and then slowly you collect those like-minded souls who will devour everything you write. And yes, writing becomes a joy. (I agree on LOTR. I zipped through a whole lot of it to get to the awesome characterization parts.)
Great points! Writing what we think the market wants but we ourselves don't care for is a recipe for writers' block.
I once had an alpha reader who, among lots of great advice, said, "You should explore this character's trauma and PTSD a little more."
I had 0 interest in doing that.
So I pondered her feedback for a day or so and decided there were plenty of authors doing that, and I didn't need to. So glad I did!
This is so good. That truth just sets my heart free, finally! I feel good to start writing again after a long break. Thank you for sharing this
I've heard this alternatively described as writing what you know. I still find it hard and slow most times.
Yes sir. It's a similar message!
Which part is hard? I'm sure I can't think of something to help, but I'd love to try. 😅
Getting it clear enough in my own mind to spit it out. I've tried a number of planning and outlining methods, but sometimes it's just not clear to me and it takes forever to write a page. Other times it's clearer and comes more quickly. I think it's just my own mind wrestling with the ideas until something clicks, and perhaps the other distractions in life keep that from happening on a regular basis.
Have you tried pantsing it? I'm totally a pantser, at the moment some 330k words into a fantasy with zero clue how it's going to end (which will be somewhere around 500k) 😅 It's wonderful. It's the only way that I write and it mixes focus and that constant temptation to dance with new ideas.
For concentration, I like to put headphones on and write with my eyes closed. I write at about 2500 words an hour at that pace, so that even 10 minutes means something toward progress.
I've tried both. The first book took me a long time pantsing, and got into a regular flow when I would finish a new chapter, it's like the next one opened up. I did a follow up story that was 1/3 the length, and it wasn't quite as easy. The full sequel has been brutal because there are more threads.
Even with pantsing the first one, I would get stuck for long stretches figuring out things I needed to know to have it make sense in my head, like how fast you can march on foot, versus with horses. Then, how long it would take them to reach each place based on those speeds.
I think it might go differently if I could focus solely on the writing, but that's not an option right for the foreseeable future.
Having music for the series totally helps. I listened to a certain playlist over and over again while writing those books.
I can absolutely relate. This is so true. But once you find your voice, it's so much easier!
It is!!
Thanks for reading, Abigail!
Of course! I usually read in Gmail and I always forget to go to Substack to leave a like and a comment. Sorry about that. I'm not good at making new habits, that's for sure. 😂
Oh, I appreciate it either way. 😊
Well said, Noah. When you write what you want to read, readers respond. You can't write for everyone, so you write what you love, what resonates with you, and then slowly you collect those like-minded souls who will devour everything you write. And yes, writing becomes a joy. (I agree on LOTR. I zipped through a whole lot of it to get to the awesome characterization parts.)
😊 It's funny because it also the same truth when it comes to marketing, isn't it?
Definitely. It made marketing much easier when I realized that. It's like a treasure hunt to find your tribe.
And it's fun because those are the people who really love your writing anyway 🥳