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It's the first Wednesday of the month AGAIN - how can that be? It's also the final one of this year, which is hard to believe!
I'm looking forward to hopping around to find out what everyone's insecure about this month. My insecurity this month is lack of belief in my ability to stick with a project.
I'm a flitter. It's a fact. I get bored easily.
It's been strange to discover this about myself because I'm endlessly patient waiting in queues and I'm happy to sit and think my thoughts in waiting rooms or at bus stops, so it's not a case of being impatient.
Or maybe it is!
Maybe part of the trouble is that I don't have the patience to get into a project for the long-haul. Now that I think about it, quite a few of my posts have been on this subject!
I change my mind a lot, lose heart, lose the impetus to continue...
There's no magic wand to wave. The only person who can sort this out is me.
When I start my next novel I will keep other projects on the go to dip into if I'm not feeling the love for the new one. I will try to know where each strand of the story is going but not in such a way that there is no room for change or tangents (I'm a pantster). I will bribe myself with something nice to have or do
I wonder whether I'll be whingeing the same old whinge this time next year, or whether I'll have cracked it?!
Wishing you a secure and successful 2013!
Linda x
15 comments:
I had to tell myself not to even look at my other projects while working on my novel. I knew they would be too much of a distraction.
A novel is a huge commitment, but maybe you could view each chapter as a 'new' project, and break it up like that?
I can really relate to this....I have a similar problem :(
Another writer friend was telling me it's to do with certain personality types, and unfortunately I'm the type to be ready for the next project before the last one is finished.
But, to put a positive spin on it, we're usually the ones with loads of ideas! Just not enough hours in the day or the determination to complete them all ;)
(((((Hugs)))))
Xx
NaNo taught me to see one project through to the end. I was (and am, admittedly) a flitter, but once I start a project I have to see it through or it will never get finished. I'll write a page or two, maybe a chapter, and then move on to something else. I know this about myself. I have hundreds of projects with less than 50 pages written. I got bored, and let myself stop.
So I write straight through, and usually it turns out well in spite of me.
Lauren
I have the same problem! It wasn't until a friend challenged me to get something done that I actually did it. It took him hanging over my shoulder with a tight deadline to make me do it, and I'm so glad I did. Even though I'm struggling with that same book now, I was glad I got it done at lest one time :)
Wow, that could be a problem. I personally find writing short stories to be a lot harder. I just use too many words to explains something. But I am sure you will figure out a great strategy that you will feel happy with. It is just a matter of time. Thank you so much for following my blog.
I kind of flit as I always have several writing projects going at once, but I see them through - unless I decide they're completely hopeless.
I usually commit to one project for a month at a time. When there's a set time limit, it's easier for me to keep my focus on it.
I have a suggestion. If you can manage to outline a bit about what each novel chapter is supposed to accomplish -- you can approach each chapter as if it's a short story. Put in the characters and setting, and then the tension/conflict can rise in each chapter until they reach the climax -- and then you stop. That leaves each chapter with a cliffhanger so readers will turn the page, and it lets you have shorter and more doable goals.
This works for me, and I hope it helps you. :-)
I love Annalisa's idea! I am the same as you—easily distracted. I'm going to see if looking at each chapter as a project will help.
Good luck! :)
Thanks so much, everybody. I like the idea of treating each chapter as a short story!
I used to be a flitter. Now I write outlines and stick with it until I'm done. Best wishes for all of your projects in 2013!
I'm still working on my first novel. I'm finding it hard to balance life (two teenagers), blogging (an addiction) and finding time to write. Chronic illness doesn't help either...nor does depression. I'm trying to be kind and patient to myself. I love writing, but when it becomes a chore, I know Im on the wrong track.
Thanks for being a follower. I never did make it around to all the new ones I gained during last year's challenge. I apologize for that. It was an overwhelming time for sure ;-)
I'm now following you, too.
Tina @ Life is Good
http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/
I so get bored very easily too and one of my many vices is starting a project and then wondering off somewhere to start something else!! I guess that's why I thought I'd try Nano for the month. LOL!
I wish you all the best for 2013 too!! And I totally think bribing yourself with something nice is a GOOD IDEA!! Yay! Take care
x
I can identify with this post, and I think it's actually an attribute of creative people. I tend to jump between novels and genres a lot. In fact, I write in 4 genres, but have only published in two.
Think of it as a gift. You're bored because you're creative. The challenge is to finish the project, but if you put your mind to it, you can do it!
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