My writing has been a process. I started out slow as Christmas, then I hit my writing stride and started pumping out words, ideas, etc. Then – I stopped.
Argh! I’m in my seventh chapter itch or whatever! It’s not that I want to stop writing and move onto something else, really (though I do have flashes of that), it’s just that I know where I want to go, but I can’t decide how to get there.
I’m pleased with the bones that I’ve laid down in the previous chapters (it’s a first draft, so its all crap, but the ideas make me happy and I know pretty much what I need to change for my second draft). The problem lies in what the heck to do next!
I open up my word document and just stare at it. I might write a paragraph or two and then it’s like a deer staring into the headlights.
Der. No clue what to write. I’m stizuck.
I guess this is that whole writers block thing, huh? It’s just frustrating because I know where I want to take it, but the middle of this story is giving me fits! I’m beginning to get flashes of ideas, so hopefully I’ll start working my way out of it.
So seventh chapter itch or slump or whatever – I’m in it.
It would make me happier if I could make it cool like Marilyn.
Hi Amanda,
I can’t remember how I found your blog (lurking on Absolute Write maybe?), but thought I’d say hello. I feel your pain. For me, journaling in the voice of the character and getting deeper into their whole goal, motivation and conflict can help. I hope you re-hit your stride and get unstuck soon.
Lori
That’s not a bad idea! I just really can’t figure out how to get from point A to point B, so that might help. :-)