Yep, that says it in a nutshell. You see, yesterday I accidentally submitted to Blogger that my blog was spam. What I thought I was doing was listing my blog as one that was receiving spam. Oy!
I was then frantic to undo what I had done. But, apparently I'm okay, because my blog is still here, and I am able to post. Of course, then I wonder--has it just not come through yet?--or perhaps it went through but because there were no more reports, my blog is fine.
Wow, what a way to sabotage myself. But you know, we do that with our writing, too. We think we're being clever, but in actuality we are shooting ourselves in the foot. You know, that extra bit of description that leaves your reader's yawning, too much dialog (yes, that can happen) that leaves your reader wondering what is in the head of your protagonist, and so forth.
When I was in Chautauqua last summer, my mentor wanted me to write a bit more on my story, starting it at a different page. So, I did. Then I reread what I had written, and decided I needed to add a couple of things. I should have left it with my original instincts. Everything I had added, he pointed out and said it didn't ring true, or didn't need to be there.
So I'm learning to trust my instincts, and not be my own worst enemy. What about you?
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7 comments:
Katie, I checked your blog yesterday and today and saw that it still happily dressed the page. Hope it stays that way too.
Sabotage? I sabotage my writing time by procrastinating and never get any done.
I think my biggest problem now is not having enough scenes. So I've thought about this and think I'll write the scenes I know will be in it, and then hope that connecting scenes will grace my brain.
How do you think up scenes? I don't want to add a scene that doesn't move my story along. If you can understand what I am asking.
I know what you're saying. In my first book, Guardian, I ran across the what-do-I-say-next syndrome. When I found myself stuck like that, I'd sit down with my husband, and we'd brainstorm on how to get more action in and what I could do to further the story. Although I don't usually use his suggestions, they are like a springboard for me to new and fresh writing.
So glad to see that you didn't lose your blog.
Have a great weekend!
I get lazy. If the scene doesn't come fast, I start at the beginning of the chapter and edit until I get to the part where I freeze. I've actually been doing this for months, until yesterday when I was determined to move on. Stalling at that same spot didn't do me any good. I need someone to brainstorm with.
Good post. Thanks for the help.
Hi Katie,
I'm also glad you didn't lose your blog. It's so much trouble to learn all the ins and outs. I'm just beginning to learn and its lots of fun when you get it right.
I remember those wonderful Saturday mornings listening to Let's Pretend. I think that's when I got onto the road to imagination.
BarbaraB
httpL//barbarbockman.wordpress.com/
I just wanted to let you how much I enjoy your blog and award you the Versatile Blogger Award. You can find out more at http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-was-awarded-versatile-blogger-award.html
Hi Katie,
A friend just told me that her ex-husband shot himself in the foot and she meant it. He didn't mean to.
As you point out so well, writers do the same; adding a line-a paragraph where none is needed. Your mentor sounds so fine! As do you.
Thanks for interesting points, as always.
Charmaine Gordon
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