I think it has something to do with momentum. I usually try not to let myself get propelled by momentum when I am writing. I have very clear rules about writing momentum in fact:
1. Wake up early and turn on the computer before I really know what is going on in order to avoid "deciding" to work. "Deciding" to work almost always leads to "deciding" not to work and so I avoid that.
2. Stop before I am done and leave something in the bag for tomorrow. Returning to something I am excited about is easier than writing something out and then having to start over the next day with fresh enthusiasm. This, by the way, sucks when I am writing a scene I like and have to forcibly put it down in order to keep it interesting for tomorrow.
3. Write the same amount every day. No momentum driven writing binges as they end in sleeplessness, loss of focus and bumping into stuff the next day.
4. When I am going to take a day off it must be a planned day off with no plan to make up for it later. I just have to resume the day after without indulging in guilt propelled overdrive.
5. Trust that it will be there. Do not chase down a half baked scene because I am afraid the momentum will disappear. But do stop whatever I am doing at any time to scribble story/plot/character/color/name/place/pet/smell stuff on whatever piece of paper I have handy--usually my book.
That is it really. I have other writing rules for myself which I will write about another day but that is it for momentum. It is funny that I am breaking these rules with this blog. I think it is all the lovely support I have had from wonderful friends and family. My friend Jainee posted this blog on her Facebook page and I was so touched. It makes me want to abandon my rules and write for the fun of it--which is... fun.
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Hi Priya! What a pretty name. Just wanted to pop over and wish you the best of luck on your publishing journey!
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough (or not interesting, depending on whether or not you think this anecdote is actually interesting), your agent was the first to request--and reject--a full of the novel that got me my agent! But it's all good, because some of her criticisms helped me edit and taa-daa! Things turned out well.
That being said, if you get to go live in London for research, I don't think I can like you very much. So jealous.
Hi Kiersten!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment! I think that your anecdote is interesting particularly as your agent was actually the next one on my list to query! I am so pleased everything worked out so well and your book sounds fabulous!
London is a perfect place to live... unless you love the sun!