Jun 19, 2010

Wannabe Writers #21

Wannabe Writers is a writing group for the un-published and anyone is welcome to join. It's a place where future authors can ask questions, share stories, and get feedback. Click (here) to find more about how it works.

Where I am in the writing process: Still un-published. But lately I've been in a bit of a writing funk. I just haven't wanted to do much of it. But not this week! This week was great! All I wanted to do was write and it was all thanks to a great beta-reader I found on the NaNo website. (A beta-reader is just like a critique partner only the relationship is one sided.) It was like this reader got inside my head and helped me come to the conclusions I've struggling all year to reach. She saw my story from an angle I just couldn't grasp. So, if you're scared to show your work to someone, I say why not take the risk. I mean chances are you story will never make it as the number one New York Times Bestseller, but maybe finding one other person to give you those special words of encouragement will help get the motivation you need to at least finish it.

My current problems: I guess my biggest problem this week was wanting to write 24/7 and not really having the time to do that. (Gotta work.) I have all these ideas floating around but I can't get them out fast enough. It makes me wish I had a tape recorder.

This week's question: Do you carry a writing journal around? Do you believe jotting down the ideas as they come is the best way? I mean if I don't get it all out now will it be lost forever?

10 comments:

Miranda Hardy said...

Looks like you had a great writing week, Sarah. Maybe I should put the editing aside and start writing again for a little bit.

Stina said...

LOL. I have a journal by my bed, but usually I'm grabbing scrap paper and jotting notes down until I can transfer them to my computer. :)

Amanda said...

A tape recorder is a wonderful idea. I finally broke down and got one about a year ago. I don't use it often, but it's really helpful when stuff comes to me right away, especially when I'm driving!

Robin M said...

I don't and probably should. My memory isn't a good as it used to be. I'll get a bright thought about a story and later end up racking my brain trying to remember it.

Jeff King said...

I don't... but I kick myself every time I great an idea that comes to me from across the great void--and I fail to recall the wonderful plot line later.

So yes, you should carry something to jot your ideas down with—I just don't because I am lazy--I guess.

Hannah said...

I carry a notebook in my purse and take it wherever I go. I also put notes on my phone in a pinch because that's sometimes easier to do than find a pen and pull out the notebook. But I have to. My memory's not fantastic and I get inspiration from even the littlest things.

Unknown said...

I have critique partners, but I've thought about using beta readers. And as far as the notebook is concerned, my answer is YES! I definitely need to carry a notebook around. Actually, since I take my Blackberry with me everywehre I go, I use that. Plus, it's easier and faster to type when it's the middle of the night and I don't feel like getting up to get a pen, lol! Sometimes, ideas hit me in the weirdest places. :o)

Swimmer said...

Wow that's great about your story and the beta-reader.


Good luck on the story ideas!

Margo Berendsen said...

It's been a matter of debate for me and several writing friends what the difference was between a crit partner and a beta-reader. Glad to have clarification!

You always come up with good questions. Thanks!

Bookish in a Box said...

That's awesome! I'm glad you found a good beta reader; they're invaluable. Keep pumping out those ideas!