Wednesday, March 30, 2011

WIP Fire. Or... How To Get Your Groove Back

So. A while ago, I wrote a post on how to get back to your WIP after being away for, like, forever. Today, I'm sort of discussing the same thing, but not exactly.

*scratches head*

I'm currently working on the second draft of my WIP. I say second draft, but really, it's a HUGE rewrite. The task is much more daunting than I had expected, folks. 

But I love it.

Well, I love it when the words flow easily for me. Those other times? Not so much.

So here's an extra tip on how to get your groove back after a while of not writing a particular project:

4) Give yourself permission to brainstorm

I often stare at the screen for waaaay too much time, not knowing what the heck to write. But if I don't write something, I feel guilty and lazy. Here's the deal: if this happens to you, DON'T FEEL GUILTY AND LAZY. Brainstorming is work. You're thinking about improving your WIP. How to inject sense into the thing. These days, I spend more time brainstorming than I do writing. And when I do sit down to write, the pages fly by because I know where my story is going (keep in mind, this is a second draft. First drafts can be trickier). It takes me less than an hour to meet my word count goal of the day. All because I didn't force it out, and took my time to ponder first. 

Folks, embrace the pondering. It is awesome.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must go ponder how to tackle my homework... *sobs*

Reminder: Don't miss Operation Awesome's next Mystery Agent contest! Be sure to check it out this Friday, Aprils 1st. And NO, it's not an April Fools joke :)

6 comments:

  1. Great suggestion! Now only if I can get my brain working to brainstorm...hmmmm.

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  2. Great suggestions. I agree, brainstorming helps a ton. I hate just staring at my screen trying to think of a great word. Good luck with the wip. =D

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  3. I do love a good brainstorm. I think taking time to think about your WIP is just as important as actually getting the words on the page.

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  4. Huh. That's actually some great advice. I'm in the middle of re-writing my novel from 3rd person to 1st, and it usually flows pretty well, but sometimes the inspiration doesn't come.

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  5. Great tip! I've been stuck on a WIP for MONTHS, so I think I'll take a stab at this brainstorming idea. :)

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  6. Great post and I agree - brainstorming time is important. Sometimes, for me, even just taking some time, period. When I'm not even consciously thinking about the WIP, yet ideas are percolating and developing.:) good luck with your rewrite!

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