Wednesday, October 22, 2008

A Writer's Frustration

As writers, we get frustrated. Something's not going right in the story, or life gets in the way and we can't write as much as we want to, or the dreaded writer's block gets in the way.

Right now, my frustration is different. I have too much to do! So many stories are falling into place at one time that my head is spinning! I'm in the middle of an MG sci-fi novel that has grown over 5,000 words in two days. I'm revamping another MG story and it's coming along pretty good. All this sounds good, but this can actually turn into a very bad thing. When you have too much on your hands, one story does not get that devotion it needs and sometimes great stories are lost. I'm doing my best to prevent that from happening.

So, is there any frustration you want to vent out? I'm calling a venting session for all writers who just want to yell over cyberspace and someone's willing to listen. So, go ahead, vent away!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, Madison,

Your blog post came at a very good time. I'm on page 139...or word #33,051 to be more precise...of an adult science fiction novel I’m writing. I feel distracted, I’m wracking my brain trying to figure out what to write next, I’m doubting the words as I write them, second-guessing everything...escaping to surf the Internet. Aaaaargh! Writing a novel is always such hard work because it takes both effort and long stretches of time. I know the problem I’m trying to resist: I probably need to re-read the pages I’ve written so far before continuing on with the writing. Aaaaargh, so much to write, so little time. Thanks so much for inviting us to vent! I feel better already! Now, back to writing...

Ian said...

Madison this seems like a very easy problem to fix at least from my point of view ...... can't you just put some of the stories on hold for a few months until you get the earlier ones finished ? Seems simple enough to me lol.
I understand frustration believe me you probably couldn't find anyone more frustrated than I usually am :P but when I get frustrated its usually over things that I don't really have any control over ( IE: about everything thats important to me in my life :P ) so thats why this seems like a simple fix to me. :)

Madison said...

Hey, no problem! We all need to vent every now and then, so I'm here to lend an ear! I know everything will work out in your story! Happy writing! :D

Madison said...

Oh, Ian, if only you understood! Haha! No, I'm kidding! Frustration is frustration, no matter what you're doing. The problem is that when you put a story on hold, you can loose it if it's progressing as fast as mine are.

I'll keep you in my prayers, Ian.

Ian said...

haha thats true , I guess putting a story on hold may not be a good solution but if you have too much on your hands you might have to just get rid of a story or two and then when you finish the stories you decide to keep working on they'll end up being better because you were able to focus more on them more plus I'm sure when your finished with them you won't have any trouble with new ideas for new stories haha :)

I'll keep you in my prayers also :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for your encouragement, Madison. I’m sure you’ll resolve your own frustration and complete what sound like incredible projects. I envy your productivity right now. I looked at your Blog, and wondered if you’re about to be published in the books you have posted there: Elements of Fantasy, Celtic Fantasy, and Unusual Suspects: Stories of Mystery & Fantasy. Getting published by both Dragon Moon Press and Ace would be fantastic.

ORION said...

Aloha Madison!
Your AW buddy responds...
It was horribly hard to leave my beloved characters in LOTTERY.
Each time I got immersed in my next project- then I would be pulled back to LOTTERY because of a tour or book club discussion. It was extraordinarily frustrating.
What I learned?
The best quality an author can have is to be able to compartmentalize- write those good ideas down but stick with the one you're on until it's finished.
Do I follow my own advice?
Most of the time lol!
Much aloha!
Patricia Wood

Madison said...

Thanks, Ian!

Marylin, unfortunately, no, I am not about to be published. I have some final grammar tweaking to do on my query letter, then I'll send it out to the agent.

ORION!!!!!!!!!! Great to hear from you! Yeah, it is hard to leave characters you've been with for so long. They really do feel like old friends.

Madison said...

Oh, and congrats on LOTTERY'S success! I really do need to find your book and read it. I've heard from outside sources that it's pretty good!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Madison,

Best of luck with your query letter. Your blog site is very professional.

Madison said...

Thanks! If my query succeeds, I'll post on how to write one. I've learned a LOT in my study!

Madison said...

Wow, Marilyn, I just checked out your site and I've got to find your books! They look so interesting! Here's to continued success!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Madison,

Thank you very, very much! I really appreciate your kind words.

Best Wishes,
Marilyn
http://www.marilynpeake.com

WH said...

I always have too many projects going, and it drives me nuts because I feel passionately about all of them. In the long run, my ghostwriting clients get the attention.

Madison said...

Same here, too many projects I love. Right now I'm working on a YA fantasy/sci-fi genre cross, something I thoght I'd NEVER be able to pull off, called "The Difference Between Worlds." I also have about six other WiPs. Crazy!