Sorry about that.
In short? Sometimes the intersection of writing and book blogging sucks. Most of the time, I think it does make me a better writer. Having to think - constantly think - about what I like and don't like in a book does a lot to make me think critically about my writing, and most especially to help me avoid the sorts of tropes and stock characters I hate to read.
Another thing book blogging makes me think about constantly, though, is marketing. And while judging whether or not a current project will sell or get good reviews is certainly a useful ability, it's one that lately I can't seem to turn off: and it's killing me. It's killing all the fun to be had in getting my current story off the ground, because all I can think of is that it's not necessarily one I'd give good reviews as a blogger or one that will be ending up on the NYT bestseller list.
The kicker is that it's not even a project I have real plans to sell. It's one that I'm essentially working on as a long writing exercise to get myself back into the groove, because the last time I finished a novel project was two years ago and that is the most depressing thing ever. So. *pulls hair out*
Here's where I ask for your help, oh infinitely wise readers of this post: has anyone else had this problem? How did you get over it? Any advice on how to get back to writing for me and only me?
Thanks, all, and your regularly scheduled book blogging program will be returning
4 comments:
Sorry, I don't write so I can't be of help. But if you'll take my pretty generic advice: DON'T STRESS ABOUT IT. First, whether something works or not is all dependent on the writer. I usually find myself hating love triangles, but when a select few authors try their hand at them, I love them. So there really is no ABSOLUTE formula for what bloggers rave about or what gets on the NYT bestseller. And honestly, if it's for YOU, it's for you. Write something for yourself and challenge yourself not to change it. Or maybe get a writer buddy who'll write, cry into ice cream, and give encouragement with you. But I know that's all easy for me to say since I'm not a writer, so... I tried! :>
Hope you get over this hump~ (And I think like I SHOULD be doing this... but I'm not ALL. THE. TIME.)
I will do what I did with Emma last night - what is perhaps the best long essay/blog on writing. It's by Laini Taylor, who writes fantasy that is just beyond comprehension when you realize what she did to make it so perfect.
http://notforrobots.blogspot.com/
One small thing she does that I think you need to do - if this draft of your project is just for ideas/groove, then label it something. Remind yourself whenever you open the document that opening it means work and that work will lead to whatever name the document has.
I mean, working on a titled work is different that "Write This Or Die" (what I've done with a few of mine) or "Playful Shit"
I should theoretically think this when I open up that time-honored fantasy or that LGBTQ romantic YA, but I refuse to tell myself it's worthless because it wouldn't sell or something. Immortal words from Tim Gunn (which I aim to live by whenever I can), "Make it work." So, if you have to, tell yourself that YOU are a unique writer and will MAKE that project work, even if it is unconventional. Unconventional can lead to cult followers...or NYT bestsellers. :)
Hey, Sweet Girl!
All writing has to start first and foremost for ONLY it's inceptor. If we write for the sake of being on the NYT Bestseller list or with a marketable quality… we'll fail. Not everyone is meant to be on the Top 10 list (or whatever) But does that mean the characters in our heads have any less right to be heard and see the page? I don't think so. Most of the time, writing is a catharsis for something our minds finds missing, needs help with, has a desire for… etc.
I say, keep writing. Forget all the outside, extraneous crap. I know it can be hard (it is for me, too) but in the end, if you don't love your work… why would anyone else?
You are amazingly gifted. Keep at it and cut your concussed brain a little slack. ;)
@Jenn: Hey, I don't think that's generic advice at all! In fact, it's awesome. Next time I'm writing and I can't even stand myself, I think it would really help to remember that a lot of people have different tastes than me. Thanks! And for what it's worth, sometimes I think the best advice a writer can get comes from readers and NOT other writers.
@John the Bookworm: I haven't read anything by Laini Taylor yet, but holy BLEEP does Daughter of Smoke and Bone look amazing. Definitely one I plan on picking up! And hahaha, I actually love the idea of titling it "playful shit." Right now the file is titled "draft" in a folder titled "this is a working title." So. xD Thanks!
@Carissa_Elg: *HUGS* Thank you! You rock, lady. And, of course, you're absolutely right. Time to get back into my writing groove!
Thanks, everybody! Last night I hit a breakthrough (thank goodness - I don't know how much more angst my family could take). So...until next time I feel like bashing my head against the wall, okay? ;)
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