Jan 31, 2010

Wannabe Writers #1

Hi blogger friends! I'm doing it; I'm going to try to start my own meme (as I believe they're called). This a group is for all of you out there who are un-published like me. I often find myself searching the web for information during my struggles as a new writer. So I wanted to start a place where us future young-adult authors can come together to ask those questions, share our stories, and get feedback. Here's how it works: (click here)

Where I am in the writing process: I've been writing since Nov. 21, 2008. I remember the exact date because I was sitting in the movie Twilight when I decided I wanted to give writing a shot. Since then I finished one mess of a manuscript--which I decided to abandon--and I am nearly done with mess number 2. After I finish and edit #2 I will be trying to submit it to agents.

My current problems: Wrapping up this thing. I know how I want it to end but making it end nicely is nearly impossible.

My question(s) this week: Staying motivated? I've really been having a hard time staying focused lately. The end of my book is near but I keep finding myself struggling to just sit down and type. Any advice on ways to stay focused? What do you do to keep yourself going?

13 comments:

Stina said...

I love to write fiction. I love to make my ms better. And I love my characters. Those three motivations are all that I need. It also helps that I have a bunch of ideas for new books eagerly waiting in the wings. So even when the rejections come in, I've got something new to focus on. :D

sarah darlington said...

Yes that's true! I think when I start trying to submit my current manuscript I will need a 2nd project to fall back on and focus on.

Sarah Woodard said...

I have so many ideas for books that I am not worried if one falls flat. Writing is like free therapy for me in a way.

Bookish in a Box said...

I have several projects going too. My brain gets too crowded with good ideas to focus on one for too long. If I'm really stuck, I step away from writing for a few days.

Christina said...

I find that the main motivational tool for me is simply thinking about my goal. I want to have my character's stories told, and that is a huge factor with seeing it through. If the characters feel real, it's the least I can do to share their story.

I find that I need little things for inspiration as well, normally song lyrics, book passages, just something that reminds me of the story I'm working on and helps me feel their emotions. It's the most helpful thing I've found to motivate me.

Hope that helps!

sarah darlington said...

Thanks guys! This is all very helpful! Actually just knowing there's other people out there like me is really helpful

MIchael Peeples said...

Try to write at the exact same time every day (or evening). It may take a few weeks, but soon you will find yourself anxiously watching the clock, and the Muse will start to showing up on time.

It won't be too long after that, you'll learn that you become cranky if you miss that time.

That's when you'll know...

RRigdon said...

How fun is this blog? Love it! I'm always distracted and tired (I'm a mom of three), but I want to carve out regular time to write. I've finished one novel by scraping little bits of time together, but I want more structure. Can't wait to listen to what everyone has to say.

sarah darlington said...

Thanks Rachel. I can't image how I would be able to write with 3 kids. Go you.

Aubrey said...

I'm a born pessimist. I stay motivated by remembering how short life is & how much I've got left to do.

Sometimes I watch Dead Poet's Society! LOL

S. A. Soule, Creativity Coach said...

Great post! Us wanna-be writers gotta stick together...

Witless Exposition said...

This is such a great idea! I look forward to seeing everyone's responses. I like that it's a small group, too. It's a little more personal and real as opposed to faceless internet mobs. Look forward to the coming weeks!

Anonymous said...

After struggling to get back into blogging about writing and writing itself, I decided to use this to help me out. Reading other writer's struggles, progress and ideas has been incredibly helpful. Better late than never, I suppose.