Oh my gosh... this is me. I had muddled my way through my first novel for so long that I finally hired an editor. She slaughtered me. I just couldn't bear to pick it back up... And then... I had this idea for a short story. I haven't completely finished it yet because I had an idea for a new novel while writing the short story. I felt refreshed. I felt... better. Words were tumbling out. I wrote with abandon and it was delicious. And now I have a lot of words for two projects and took a long break over the summer when my garden started overflowing. My break has helped me realize what is a priority and what is not. I even see a way out for that first novel, although I won't revisit that one right now. Breaks are good. Sometimes our own "all is lost" moments are good, too. Because the epiphany comes next! Best of luck. Keep trucking!
I can totally empathize with how you're feeling. It's SO TOUGH, but also, you're not doing anything wrong. It's just hard to write a novel, especially the first one. It's counterintuitive, but I've come to (semi-resentfully) believe that the struggle means things are moving in the right direction. If only this process could be easier!
Not sure if you're familiar with The Plot Whisperer by Martha Alderson, but that book saved my sanity when I felt this same way writing my first novel! I go back to it all the time. It's equal parts comforting/validating and instructional. Not that any writer ever NEEDS more craft books (LOL) but I wanted to mention it in case it might interest you and hasn't crossed your path yet!
Oh my gosh... this is me. I had muddled my way through my first novel for so long that I finally hired an editor. She slaughtered me. I just couldn't bear to pick it back up... And then... I had this idea for a short story. I haven't completely finished it yet because I had an idea for a new novel while writing the short story. I felt refreshed. I felt... better. Words were tumbling out. I wrote with abandon and it was delicious. And now I have a lot of words for two projects and took a long break over the summer when my garden started overflowing. My break has helped me realize what is a priority and what is not. I even see a way out for that first novel, although I won't revisit that one right now. Breaks are good. Sometimes our own "all is lost" moments are good, too. Because the epiphany comes next! Best of luck. Keep trucking!
Thanks for sharing this, Taylor! Im glad to hear your break has been helpful too 🩷
I love that you used the format! And I disagree: it's the draft that's chaotic. It usually has to be. Until it's...not? It will happen!
From your mouth to God's ears 😂🧡
I can totally empathize with how you're feeling. It's SO TOUGH, but also, you're not doing anything wrong. It's just hard to write a novel, especially the first one. It's counterintuitive, but I've come to (semi-resentfully) believe that the struggle means things are moving in the right direction. If only this process could be easier!
Not sure if you're familiar with The Plot Whisperer by Martha Alderson, but that book saved my sanity when I felt this same way writing my first novel! I go back to it all the time. It's equal parts comforting/validating and instructional. Not that any writer ever NEEDS more craft books (LOL) but I wanted to mention it in case it might interest you and hasn't crossed your path yet!
Thank you, Kristin! <3 I have not read or heard of that book but if it saved your sanity, I'm purchasing immediately lol