I've been spending a fair amount of time lately thinking through how we process information and translate that to how we communicate. Remember, I have a PhD in research methodology so I spend way way way too much stupid time worrying about the silliest of things. Last night in bed, (alone, and I won't admit to what time it was) I had this entire blog figured out. I knew just exactly what I was going to write. Could I remember one idea when I crawled out at 5 am? No way, and I know I had three thoughts. They were, by the way, brilliant. Stay tuned. Maybe they'll come back to me.
I've been spending (probably too much time) organizing. How are my files on the computer? Do I have the right spreadsheets for my current book? My protagonist has to overcome xxxxxx and have I got that right? When do I let this book rest and go back to edit the prior one?
So, the question really becomes at what point do we just write. Right or wrong. Just write.
I'd love to hear from you. And, I don't mean to sound snuffy (as my kids say). Just one of those days. Sound in. Let's hear it.
11 comments:
Cassy,
I don't know if I'm processing or not, but I worry about everything it drives my husband up the wall. He's always saying "Why are you worrying? It's out of your control, so worrying will not change anything." He's right, I waste a lot of energy on things I can't change.
I guess you have to find a balance, if it's something that can be changed and should be changed, then figure a way and do it. Worrying about it, even if it is in your control to change, isn't going to actually change it. You can only do that by action.
That is so much easier said/written than actually implemented.
This goes for writing also. If the plot doesn't work as you write through it, you'll figure it out. But if it doesn't, you won't have a choice but to remove it from the story. Why worry and process. Just write. Then through the editing process work the kinks out.
Oh, and anyone reading this, the M&M's are at Coffee Time today from noon to 6pm EST. Come and visit us.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/karenfindoutaboutnewbooks/
I love the fact that you have a PhD in research methodology. Sweet.
I think I am confused about when to write. I finished my first WIP and joined SinC and found out I have to be active on Facebook, Twitter, and blogging. So I quit writing to be social and now I need a jump start to write again.
I say all that to say, I am clueless.
Mary! How wonderfrul to have you here. You are right- it's all a balancing act. My husband too always has a comment or so to offer. Maybe he's right, and well, maybe we have to also figure it out ourselves.
One of the things I have learned is that the mess on the floor from all those words we have cut, deleted, and omitted, really is just a mess. The broom does just fine to clean them up. I have more words waiting in the wings.
See you at Coffee Time!!!
Carole: Welcome! It's good to see you here. I agree that figuring out all the social networking can be a challenge. There is so much to learn.
BUT, I do think the biggest issues is to write. We need to write the best book we can. It's so easy to be wrapped up in all the "have-to-do" business to sell. If we don't get the friggin book done, there is nothing to sell. Okay, can you hear me talking to myself?
Balancing is the thing. If you do this then that doesn't get done or maybe not to your satisfaction. We have to figure out what works the best for us at the time.
For me right now I'm trying to balance the decision of going against not going to the New Jersey writers conference in October. What will I gain? and what will I lose by going/not going?
My daughter gave me a little gadget that sits by my bed. When I get a thought or a brilliant line of dialogue in the middle of the night, I pull out the little pen on top and the notebook lights up.
Maybe you need to get one of those, Cassy, LOL
As for your question, I'm not sure there is a right or wrong way to write. We all have our certain way of doing it. Whatever works for you.
Hope you have a great writing trip.
I remember seeing a sign that says, "Worrying works. 90% of the stuff I worry about never happens." LOL
I've gotten better over the years about NOT worrying so much, but I think worrying comes naturally to writers -- we're always thinking and analyzing and plotting inside our brains. PLUS we can come up with a ton of possibilities for "What if?" :)
It's not always easy have a writer's brain!
And as somebody once said
'don't sweat the small stuff, everything is small stuff
Lindsay, it's funny you say to "not sweat the small stuff." Jon's favorite comment is "keep all the little things small." I had one of my girls at some age that was still the hand-holding age tell that to a stranger in the grocery story. Then there was the time Jon and the girls saw a small bumper-thumper accident and the driver freaked out. They pulled over and Jon asked, "what's rule number one?' My four year old (at the time) said, "never panic." And Jon said, what's rule number two? At which point my then six year old asked, "Never panic some more?"
Cassy
LOL with a little ROFL.
Love those rules.
We all have our moments, no doubt about it. And, right now mine is trying to get more pages done!
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