Several weeks ago I pitched the idea for a series of linked novellas to one of my editors. She liked the idea and told me to send her the first one when it was done. Since then, I haven't been able to write word one on that novella. Now, in my defense, I did get edits on The Passion-Minded Professor, and galleys on both The Ride of Her Life and Bad To The Bone. But all this time, I've felt so guilty for not working on this new novella.
This afternoon I went out for a walk - we finally have sunshine and 60 degree weather in western New York - Yay!! While I was walking, a new beginning to the novella popped into my head and I realized I hadn't been able to start the story because I didn't have the right beginning. If I shift the focus just a bit, it will work so much better.
I should be used to this. It actually happens to me quite often. Just a chapter from the end of my last story, I found I couldn't write a word for days. I started feeling guilty, frustrated, and then suddenly one day an idea came to me that made the ending so much better than it would have if I'd forced myself to plow through to the end. So I have to trust myself to believe the answer will come. And it will be worth the wait.
Now, I have to get writing.
Natasha
4 comments:
Yay on the novellas! I'm excited for you!!! And I had a blast chatting with you in the Geekery chat last night :) I'll link you on my blog!
It was a lot of fun, Shelli. I'll add you as well :)
So that's what happened to me trying to finish my book, The Protectors... and why I'm rewriting the whole thing from beginning before the end is complete.
Glad I'm not alone.
Foxhawke
I know what you mean about not being able to start something without the right beginning. I don't always know where I'm going with my projects, but I know I can't get there unless I have a great beginning.
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