Many things have gotten easier the more books I write, but some things never get easier and one thing that seems to get harder each time is starting. Starting used to be one of my favorite parts.
I think because I've got a better grasp now on how important great openings are... it all feels so high pressured to me.
Also, I descended through a few circles of hell while revising my last manuscript, (and those were just revisions for me...) and so I'm probably nervous about plunging myself into that angsty place again.
But, I need to start book 3 in my current contract soon, and I also want to write a short story ASAP. And I'm realizing how long it's been since I started something new...
Yikes. Any tips?
Maybe I just need reminders that this whole writing thing is worth it. There are good parts, right? LOL. Needy much?
* BTW. I don't know who the artist for this fab cartoon is... but I snagged it from here. I think it's my new mascot. I should look at her daily to remind myself how crazy I can be. :)
6 comments:
Maureen, I just started a new book last week and spent way too much time angsting over it. Finally, I just started - ok, I wrote four different first pages. Then I chose one. And went with it, telling myself I could always revise later.
I've now moved on to the second chapter, but I just shelved it too and am starting over on it as well. Some things never change, despite publishing a bunch of books.
Good luck!
Maureen - relax, have a cup of tea, turn on the computer....
Then finish the series because I would really really like to see how it ends.
See... no pressure. Just some fans waiting to see what's in that pretty head of yours. :)
No. Anxiety girl is MY mascot.
My solution to startabookaphobia (which is a brilliant term, btw) is to not necessarily start at the beginning. Is there a scene that's alive in your head already? Write that. Maybe it IS the beginning. Maybe it's not. You'll still have started writing, though, and that breeds more writing.
You need drinks!! nothing cures anxiety better than drinks....
Oh, I love all of these suggestions. Especially Sinead's. It sounds the most practical. ;)
If that cartoon had pink hair - it would be you. Yes you.
You're going to rock.
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