Tonight is the first time my writing group meets without me (thanks to circumstances involving my impending surgery), so I’m singing the writing woes blues.
Yes, I’m writing in a way. I’m blogging consistently, but every single day, I think about Maeve and how I’m letting her down by not giving her a decent storyline. I love my characters, I love my setting, I love the Big Thing that happens to Maeve halfway through Book One that changes the course of her life, but I. Hate. My. Plot. Or, more accurately, I hate the lack of it.
I’m gearing up for NaNoWriMo next month, but I already feel defeated. I have four books in the Maeve Sawyer series that try to follow some type of narrative, but I’m fast running out of ways to keep Maeve occupied whilst I figure out exactly what she’s supposed to be doing. I’m trying for Jim Butcher meets Janet Evanovich, but at the moment I’m feeling shades of E L James (without the inexplicable success) instead.
Any suggestions for coming up with an amazing plot would be greatly appreciated (yes, I know the answer is essentially Butt In Chair, but it’s hard to reason with my muse when she gets whiny). Also, if you’re planning to NaNo, be sure to shout out (since misery loves company).
In the meantime, if anyone is looking for me, I’ll be staring up at the trees, hoping for a figurative bolt of lightning to strike. Okay, who am I kidding – I’d take the real thing, if it sparked an idea. *grin*
Well, you’re certainly taking pretty pictures, at least! That’s a lovely shot. 🙂
I have faith that your muse will return — perhaps when you least expect it. (Maybe while you’re preparing for/recovering from your medical procedure, and letting your body rest, your mind will have a eureka moment! Sending you good creative vibes!)
Thanks, thinky! My money is on inspiration striking just as the anesthesia starts to kick in… *grin*
I totally agree that sometimes the best way to solve a creative problem is to stop thinking about it. The other thing that I’ve found helpful at times (and I haven’t written a book or anything that ambitious) is to just write something – even if it sucks, even if it’s not the thing I’m supposed to be writing. It seems like the act of writing eventually opens up your brain in some way and things start to flow a bit more. I dunno. Everyone’s process is different. All the best to you – with the writing and your medical procedure.
Appreciate the suggestions, Stephanie (and the well wishes). I thought that blogging would help unblock my plot issues, but no go. I think instead of going round in my head, I really do need to sit at the keyboard and hash out a possible solution. Thanks again for dropping by!
That does sound frustrating! I hope that you get great advice from seasoned writers, I feel like “Butt in Chair” is good advice and maybe just letting everything, every possibility, go wild until you find the plotline that doesn’t make you want to stick a fork in your eye. I’m sure you’re MUCH better than E.L. James. 🙂
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Jess! 😀
I am impressed that you know your character so well, and that you’re gearing up for NaNoWriMo.
Wishing you well with the surgery.
Thank you, Lori – after having Maeve nag at me for the better part of four years, I don’t have much choice but to know her well. 😉
Appreciate the well wishes!
Instead of trying for Jim Butcher or Janet Evanovich or even E.L.James how about trying for Tracy York. She sounds like an amazingly creative writer too me from what I have read of her work. Also check out Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic. She has a wonderful take on the Martyr versus the Trickster. I think you need the Trickster. Good luck
That’s a sweet thing to say, Diana. I’ll definitely check out EG’s book in the very near future – tons of my friends have been recommending it, and I’ll keep an eye out for the Trickster. Thanks!
I’ve never done NaNo, but I was considering it this year because I’ve set aside a piece of fiction in order to get through a non-fiction book contract. And I miss the fiction. But unless I make room for it, it won’t get done.
Sorry you’re missing writing group 🙁
I’ve done NaNo every year since ’07, and I’ve “won” all but two years. I find it’s a great way for me to stop overthinking and just write. Please shout out if you have any questions about it.
I’m still bumming I missed it, but as it turns out, only three people showed (and two of them were running the group in my absence). Not sure if that makes it better or worse… 😛