This post can now be found at my new blog: www.onethousandlights.com
Friday
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About Me
- zz
- Currently I'm writing, reading, remembering, regurgitating, philosophying, battologising and completing my Masters in Creative Writing... (eek!)
non-creative types
Novel Chapter (pt1)
Novel Chapter (pt2)
4 lessons from unwilling mentor
The first time
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Excellent post! I fail miserably at #4. I know it. I've acknowledged it. But still...
ReplyDeleteI think you make some excellent points here. My NaNo novel has been on the shelf for going on 5 months now. After the A to Z challenge is up I probably need to get back to it to see if it really is crap. I hope not! I've been telling people about it and blabbin about it on my blog so now I gotta do something.
ReplyDeletelee
May 3rd A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post
I fail at most of your points. But I keep trying. Thanks for dropping by my blog. May your writing dreams soon be realized, Roland
ReplyDeleteHi, just thought I'd pop over and say thanks for follwing me and check out your blog. Glad I did. Now I'm off to read your other posts.
ReplyDeleteLove #4! It took me a long time before I was able to do that.
ReplyDeleteAlso, love your blog! I have you added to my blog roll.
I like number ten! Having writing friends to share the journey makes the novel writing seem less daunting and when goals are reached, celebrations must occur! :) Lovely blog. Thank you for following mine. I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteWell, nothing keeps me sane. As far as focus...my writing group and loved ones who encourage the writing. Keeping the TV off multiple times during the week. And reading fellow bloggers struggles and encouragements.
ReplyDeleteSo thank you!
Thanks guys! And welcome to the new kids! I'm kinda surprized I didn't get angry objections to point 1!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! It was so encouraging :) And thanks for coming by my blog, cause then I got to meet you :D
ReplyDeleteFantabulous post! I love the people who tell me I can just be me, take it light and do whatever works for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat might be right for one person, might not be right for another. Thank you for sharing your experience. And your right, we don't need to prove anything to anyone except ourselves.
I've already forwarded links to this post to other writers in their first-draft, first-novel stage. It's been years since I've been there and I totally promote every point you've made. Thank you for stating it so well!
ReplyDeleteWriting is a journey, not a requirement. The benefits are huge once you step forth.
#9 is one of your best points. The creative process should not be taken under duress. This is exceptionally important because much of the creative process requires going into those nasty spots within, to unearth the drama and conflict which makes a good story. So the process should be as pleasant as possible.
We tell tales to reveal how characters are transformed by their experiences. It takes effort and emotion to do so well, and it's tough for an author to go there. So it's also important the author goes into those dark spaces of story, while they are personally in a safe space.
Which brings us to #10. Yes. A cheer squad matters!
CHEERS!!!
Thanks for the feedback Rebecca and G!
ReplyDeleteTerri, I really appreciate your comments, you're always very encouraging :)
So, can I just tell you how much I needed to hear this and how much I loved it!! I'm right in the middle of writing my first novel and have had a seriously crappy week with my writing. All kinds of doubts and worrying about if I should go back and fix the garbage that I wrote yesterday. But you have inspired me to just keep going. Thanks SO much!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Great advice! I hated telling people that I was writing, when I started writing my first novel. My husband would tell people and I'd just about die. LOL
ReplyDeleteCongratulations zz on finishing your first. My only other edition is to increase the frequency of writing over quantity, that way the story and the novel stays fresh in your mind and can't be filed away.
ReplyDeletehow very cool, congrats on finishing it Jocelyn Devon
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