CHEATING ON YOUR WIP (HOLLY SCHINDLER)
We all want our books to be a joy to read. Generally
speaking, if our books are a joy to write, that often means our readers will
enjoy reading them.
Sometimes, though, thatās easier said than done.
Inevitably, at some point, the book we were so enthused
about becomes a slog.
Sometimes, what you need to do is get back into the play or
the fun of words.
Again, easier said than done?
Maybe not.
Often, returning to the fun of writing means grabbing on to
another project.
Go ahead. Cheat on your WIP with a shiny new less problematic project. Indulge in a play day.
Doesnāt have to be a work in the same genre or age category.
Doesnāt even have to be a piece youāll seek publication for. Maybe itās a poem.
Maybe itās a picture book. Maybe itās a stray scene that youāve had in your
head for a while. Maybe itās a character you'd like to explore.
If you feel like writing it down, thatās great. If not:
Consider dictating it. Or sketching the new character you
might be itching to develop. Go on a photography trek to an area youād like to
put in a story.
This is simply an exercise in total, complete creative fun.
Do something youāre totally excited about.
Often, if you can rev that excitement, it will still be with
you when you come back to your WIP. Youāll infuse your pages with joy again.
(Another bonus: sometimes, those āfunā days can occasionally
lead to breakthroughs in your WIP!)
Love it. And in fact, the novel I have on deck started out this way. (Now I just have to finish the actual WIP)
ReplyDeleteMany times taking a break from the WIP has led to happy meanderings that have led to enhanced scenes or bits of dialogue. I found a perfect sentence this morning while riding the elliptical at the gym...
ReplyDeleteMy new favorite word: slog! Ain't it the truth! Thank you for this discussion!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Gilbert offers great encouragement for us to have a torrid illicit affair with our writing in her fabulous book BIG MAGIC. Sneak off at lunchtime for a passionate few moments with. . . .our writing!
ReplyDelete