I took a few days off of writing and caught up on other things. I figured I was just burned out and taking some time away would help. It didn’t.
In the end, I realized that my problem was avoidance. The beginning of my WIP is a new thing for me. Because it’s my first true series, I have to somehow set up the backstory without dumping it, but also without revealing so little that the reader ends up feeling like they should have read Book I first.
So I start and then stop. Go back and then creep forward. It’s taking way too much time and my brain isn’t really wrapping around it all well. I have to pause and look at what I’ve written as if I don’t know anything that happened in Book I and see if it makes sense. Whenever I do that, I realize that what I’ve written isn’t clear enough. So I layer in more. Then I re-read it while thinking of the first book, wondering if those who did read it will go, “Ugh. I read all this already. Where’s the new story?” It’s a learning process, which is great. But the deadlines are unyielding so taking my time isn’t an option.
Over the last 6 months I’ve come to realize that whenever I’m stuck, my mind wanders and I start procrastinating. This is a really, really bad thing to do when time is your enemy. Usually I can pull out some paper, map GMC (goals, motivation, and conflict for the non-writers out there. 
), and figure out what’s holding me back. In this case, I have a 5-page synop (which is totally huge for me. Usually, I can barely reach 2 pages with a synop), so I know what I’m going to write. If I can get past the beginning! *smacks forehead*
I hope I get it together soon. I can’t keep ending the day with only a page or two finished. 
Thank you, Stacy! I appreciate all the luck, hugs, and inspiration!
hugs back atcha!
on December 17th, 2006 at 11:54 pm
I have complete faith in you Sylvia….and boy this is one of those moments where I’m actually glad I’m not a writer! Good luck, hugs, and much inspiration being sent your way…
on December 17th, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Ha, Jordan! You’re funny. I’m waiting for you to figure it out and teach me. *g* ((hugs))
on December 16th, 2006 at 10:40 pm
Karen,
Yikes! 50 pages. ((Hugs)) I’ve had to do that before. I think you’re right. I think I just have to keep going and then fix it later.
Thanks for the advice!
on December 16th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
I’m going to have to do the same thing come Feb., when I start RED’s sequel. I do not look forward to it. I’m sure you’ll figure it out, then you can help the rest of us.
on December 16th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
I know exactly what you mean! I just cut the first 50 pages of a book due Feb 4th. I was forcing myself to write and moving the characters around on the page. This is the third book in my alien series.
Sometimes you just have to forget about what you need to do and write the story. You can always go back an add the other stuff later. If I get too technical, I’ll lose the story every time.
Good Luck,
Karen
on December 16th, 2006 at 8:57 am