Between the end of the semester and the holidays, there hasn’t been a lot of time for writing, but I’ve managed to do a bit of work on one of my WIPs. This is a manuscript I’ve been working on for years now, one that I just can’t seem to get right. A couple weeks ago I had an idea of how to drastically change the premise to give the story new life.
With the new idea in mind, I feverishly began to rewrite. After fifty pages, I gave it to my husband to read so he could tell me if I was on the right track. He’s read this story so many times, it’s a miracle he’s willing to look at it at all!
After reading those fifty pages, he nodded his head and said, “It’s a good start. But I think there needs to be more to it.” Of course, this wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear. But when I thought about it, I realized he was right. If I wanted to do a real overhaul of the story, I’d need to rethink the entire thing.
So I started brainstorming (i.e. banging my head against a wall). Finally, the other night, I sat down and made a chart. What does my character want? Who/what is stopping her? What changes? These were all basic questions, but now that I’d started to rethink my premise, I had to figure them out all over again. In a way it almost felt like I was starting from scratch.
Eventually something clicked and I managed to write a vague outline. When I was done furiously scribbling, I ran the ideas past my husband. “That could work,” he said, which is the exact same thing he said years ago when I first told him the original premise for this book. Will my new idea work? I have no idea. But I’m finally excited to go back to working on the story, which is always a good sign.
How are you all doing with your WIPs? Any frustrations or epiphanies you’d like to share? I probably won’t be posting again until next week so happy holidays and happy writing!
- Categories: WIP, Writing Rants
So great to hear I’m not alone. I’m trying to work through an idea for a new book. I’ve gotten about 27 pages written, but there’s something missing.
I’ll keep banging my head against the wall till I figure it out.
Good luck to you!
Shari, you are definitely not alone! Some stories just take a lot more head-banging than others. Good luck!
I can definitely relate. My WIP is my baby, and I love the beginning and the end. It’s the middle that is frustrating. I think I just need to carefully consider the subplot/s and that more “things” need to happen along the way.
Your current writing exercise (above right) really got my wheels spinning, as well as the questions you asked yourself in today’s post: Wjat does my character want? Who is stopping her? What changes? Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for stopping by, Amber! I’ve definitely felt that middle-of-the-WIP frustration. I think you’re right that it’s a matter of analyzing and planning; eventually something will click into place. Good luck with it!
I’m slowly rewriting the ending of my MG. Lots of head banging. Happy Holidays!
Hi Heather! Even if you’re going slowly, you’re still moving, right? Good luck!
Anna, I like to do that, too — start asking questions about what my character wants, etc., and getting it all down on paper/document. It really helps. Good luck with your WIP! And have a very Merry Christmas, and a New Year filled with joy!
Thanks Andrea! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!
Know how you feel. I’ve done that same head banging against the wall. Not good for the head or the wall, but sometimes it has to be done. Good luck.