WIP: Dragging my Feet
Writing » Work-in-Progress, Writer's BlockApril 29th, 2008
I have had two chapters left to write for First Draft B since the beginning of April, and I can’t seem to do it. Not because I don’t know what’s going to happen, but because these are the last two chapters. I’m terrified of a deus ex machina ending, I guess, even though that’s not going to happen as long as I follow my storyboard.
Am I the only one whose writing slows to a sluggish halt as the “finish line” approaches? I feel like I’m afraid of finishing. Which is silly, because we all know how I love editing. That, and I’ve already started plotting the sequel.
Tell me, how is your WIP going? Are you nearing the finish line? Have you hit a snag? I need some writing news to distract/urge me to continue.
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April 29th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I get ‘magically’ distracted when I’m not confident about the next scene or series of events. My next section involves a double-rigged trial, and I’m terrified that it’s going to be boring. (I haven’t written on Blue Crystal for four days.)
April 29th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I think that’s my problem, as well. The climax has come and gone. People died. People separated. People mourned. People broke up and others might try (finally) getting together, despite the approval/disapproval of their friends. I find it fascinating, but will my readers?
I’ve written little things here and there, but they relate to previous chapters, not the last two. The last chapter… well, it’s not that I can’t write it. It’s that each time I write it, I’m not accomplishing the tone I want, or I’m forcing the characters to do something they might not do. It’ll come to me, I’m just frustrated that it’s taking so long.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Some famous writer said it’s easier to edit words on paper than blank paper, so I’d just say write it and then fix it.
I’ve got major things I’m fixing in my WIP, but to me, it’s so much easier to fix holes/tone/problems when I’ve got something to start from.
May 5th, 2008 at 11:10 am
You are so right. That’s usually my philosophy as well. I think I’m letting my life struggles get in the way of my writing… that is, I feel I shouldn’t be writing when I have other “more important” things that should occupy me.
I always forget, for some reason, that if I don’t write I become so cranky. It’s like that quote from Libba Bray:
I’ve started reading again, even though I really don’t have time for it. Hopefully this will kickstart my muse into overdrive so I can push through these last two chapters. I already feel some ideas tickling me.