Tuesday, August 2, 2011

10 Questions Every Writer Asks


10. Why is it so much easier to write about writing than to actually write? I think every blogger must wonder this at some point.

9. Why is my writing in my head so much better than the writing on the page? Annoying, but true. Usually.

8. How does time seem to fly by when I'm writing well, but yet crawl when I'm struggling to write one decent sentence? Unfair, but true.

7. Do I have too many characters? Too few? Only your plot knows for sure. Or your editor.

6. How did I manage to forget that subplot that I began on page 20 and appears to have vanished without a trace? I refuse to admit if this has actually happened to me.

5. Good grief. How many more editing passes is this manuscript going to need? The answer always seems to be (for me) one more than I originally thought.

4. When will I ever consider myself a success? (on non-JK Rowling-terms)

3. Will anyone really want to buy this book? The question that niggles at the edges of your brain as you near the finish line.

2. Will I ever have another good idea? Not an idea; a good idea. The nightmare of every writer.

1. What happens next? Really. What happens? (Aren't first drafts fun?)

15 comments:

  1. We've all been there. And what about 3 characters with the same name?

    Terry
    Terry's Place
    Romance with a Twist--of Mystery

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  2. Elspeth - I definitely ponder those questions, too! And how did "I am going to set aside this entire weekend to write" dwindle to, "OK, I am going to sit down for five minutes and jot down that chapter title!"?

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  3. These run through my head a lot. Thanks for showing me that other writers wonder about these things, too!

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  4. Terry; I've never given three characters the same name, but I have given names which are frighteningly similar.

    Margot; I know that scenario!

    Mood; LOL!

    Jan; I understand.

    Elizabeth; Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one struggling with these issues!

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  5. Yep. I also find myself asking why I'm so good at seeing what works and needs work everyone's drafts but my own. :P

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  6. I'm so glad it's not just me. Misery loves company :)

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  7. Sarah; Of course you're not alone? Tea?

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  9. Sorry about that -- the fingers are not spelling well today :(

    How about the character with the unisex name that changes gender throughout?

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  10. Mary; LOL! Or...you've written a character who is unsure of their sexual identity. That could be worthy of a literary grant.

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  11. # 7: definitely too many policemen :(

    And note to myself: having an Eskild and an Edvard together may not be a good idea either.

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  12. Dorte; Policemen tend to travel in packs, which is most annoying for writers...and I agree with you about the names!

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