WIP Update: Stuck in the Muck
Posted by annastan on June 23rd, 2010. Filed under: WIP, Writing Rants.Things have been a bit sluggish with my WIPs recently. I’d hoped to get my fairy tale revision done by June 15th but things haven’t quite worked out that way. I know which areas need work, but figuring out how to fix them has been a bit daunting. I finally went back to doing some research, hoping it would inspire me; so far it’s been interesting but nothing’s really jumped out at me.
As for my other project, which we’ll call Island Book, I’m in this strange paradox that also involves research. I’ve realized that in order to work out certain aspects of the story, I need to do more research. But I also need to figure out more of my story in order to know what research needs to be done. So yes, you could say I’m a bit stuck.
My lack of productivity is starting to really grate at me so I have to find some way to break out of my stuck-ness. Maybe some free-writing will help? If I find a solution, I’ll let you know.
How are you all doing with your WIPs? Anyone else stuck in the muck with me?
June 23rd, 2010 at 7:58 am
Nope, you didn’t read my mind this time…nope.
Okay, you so did! Again.
If you never go through this stage as a writer, then you wouldn’t ever succeed, IMO. It’s the highs AND the lows that push us to win.
June 23rd, 2010 at 7:59 am
Anna, I just blogged about my being stuck with the first draft of my novel! Great minds think alike.
Free writing sounds like a good thing to try!
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:38 am
I’m not there now, but I have been. I say don’t try to force it and do something else and the answer will probably come to you. Or write a bunch of What if questions.
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:50 am
Just days ago, I was really stuck. I’ve learned that when this happens I’ve either just made a big mistake or I’m about to. So I try to get quiet and listen, but the lack of productivity — words on screen — can be frustrating. When I decided I’d taken a big wrong turn in my plot, I did some wrap-up and called it a draft. Now it’s onto revision, and there’ll be dumping and adding.
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:07 am
When I’m stuck in the muck, I draw–my hand, my coffee mug, my telephone, whatever is handy. I’m not very good at it so sometimes I just doodle with lots of coloured markers. I find that my mind can’t dwell on anything else except where I’m going to put the pencil or marker next and for 20 or 30 minutes all the critical voices are shut down. It’s like a mini-spa for my brain. Another thing I do when I’m stuck is to get out from in front of the computer screen and take paper and pencil somewhere else in the house or to a coffee shop. A change of scene and tools can work wonders.
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:08 am
I’m stuck because my novel is too complicated. How complicated? 50+ characters, a dozen storylines and half a dozen points of view. Approximately.
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:43 am
I just got over a stuck hump and the only thing that helped me was my subconscious. I “knew” what I wanted to convey but every time I tried to do it — it didn’t work.
Free writing helped too but I think my mind just needed to work it out and then I had a aha! moment (it involved getting rid of some subplots and a character).
You’ll get unstuck soon I’m sure.
Reading a good book helps too. It can be inspiring and get your own creativity moving again as well.
June 23rd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
I must be in good company–I’ve been mired down in my WIP this week, too. I struggled for two hours to write less than two pages yesterday. I’m just not sure how to get where I want to go next. Of course, life has been intefering this week, too. Two nights of little sleep, out-of-state guests, and finishing 4-H projects have cut into time and productivity. So instead of writing, I’m still procrastinating.
I hope find your way out soon. I’mgoing to keep slogging through it.
June 23rd, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Jon, you’re so right. It’s all part of the process. Hopefully I can dig myself out of this low!
Andrea, maybe there’s something in the air. The beginning of summer seems better for vacationing than writing, doesn’t it?
Laura, good call about the “what if” questions. Those always get my mind churning.
Marcia, you’re right that being stuck means there’s a problem somewhere. Now if I could just figure out where…
June 23rd, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Heather, I love that advice! I’m absolutely awful at drawing, but I actually rather enjoy it. I’ll have to give it a try – thanks!
Kayleigh, it sounds like you have a monster on your hands! But remember that once you have the core of your story figured out, you can always cut cut cut.
Karen, you’re probably right. I just need to give my mind some more time to figure things out. If only I wasn’t so impatient!
Kay, I’m with you! Sometimes life gets in the way and it can be overwhelming to even think about writing. But we’ll get there!
June 24th, 2010 at 9:29 am
I’m stuck too. It’s funny how I thought I was done, then all these little things popped up – why would he do that? how do I work in that plant I left back in ch. 3? etc. etc. What works for me is a long bike ride – ideas seem to fall into my brain when I’m out in nature. It’s weird, sometimes I’m not even consciously thinking about my story, and all of a sudden a random thought will turn into a solution.
Good luck!
June 24th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Oh yes. I’ve been terribly stuck. Mostly because I’ve been so preoccupied with the whole “on submission” thing. But, I FINALLY broke through last night and started jotting notes on an idea that’s been stewing. You know what did it? A complete change of scenery and medium. I was volunteering at my daughters rehearsal and had 15 minutes of nothing, so I grabbed my new pen and paper set from my purse and started brainstorming and boy did it work! Now I can’t wait to get started writing it!
June 24th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I’ve been stuck — but now I think I’ve moved to paralyzed. I decided to make some major character changes to my MC’s parents. Especially Dad. This will change everything. I’m taking a deep breath tonight, and diving in to work tomorrow. Wish me luck.
June 25th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Sheila, I haven’t been on a long bike ride in a while. I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks!
Lisa, oh yes, the On-Submission Monster specializes in sucking ideas away. I’m glad you were able to break free of him!
Judy, it sounds like you’re being really brave. You can do it!