Rick's post of yesterday reflects what a lot of us writers feel, as we struggle to block out the outside world and enter the world of our imagination long enough to craft decent stories. I too am behind on my latest WIP and find it much more of a slog than previous books "The world is inside our heads". I think that's a better description than "I'm getting too old for this".
But because I am a professional and I have a deadline to meet, I am soldiering on. By sequestering myself at the cottage these last two weeks with few outside distractions beyond those that lurk on my internet feed, I managed to get some good writing done, but I am at that stage in the book - the stage every writer knows well - when I don't like the story and think it's crap. Not a happy place, but I just have to keep ploughing ahead, looking for ways to make it more exciting, and the characters more vivid, interesting, and likeable. The latter because I think having at least a few characters I like being with and find interesting is essential to really engaging with a book. It's the same when I read a book. If I don't like or care about anyone, especially if everyone is annoying, I will toss the book aside.
I have an essential research trip to British Columbia coming up next week, and I'm hoping that being on site will be both inspiring and energizing. I often get great plot ideas from walking in my characters' shoes. Meanwhile, I have lots of preparations to do, so this is a short (and late) post.
But I can't sign off without a quick cheer for one of the experiences that truly lifts the lonely, frustrated writer's mood - the arrival of author copies from the publisher. So look what arrived today!
This latest Inspector Green novel is due on the shelves in late October 2021, although it may show up earlier. But it's up on Net Galley for review and available for pre-order at your favourite bookstore as well as online. Order soon and often to help a poor writer survive! And stay tuned for other events. Sadly, Covid may squash all my hopes of real in-person book launches this fall, but I will wait a couple of weeks before deciding.
Is anyone else so done with Zoom?
Worth repeating, even though I believe I mentioned this earlier: While you are in BC, don't miss the artistic works of Emily Carr.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I thought your most recent book launch with Rick Mofina interviewing you was excellent and enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it would have been nicer to be there in person, but it worked far better than I was expecting and I wouldn't hesitate to join in.
But I do have to agree that Zoom et al are getting pretty old. However, as the only other safe alternative at the moment is to not have anything, I'll take Zoom.
Hope your trip to the Left Coast is a terrific one. Bon voyage -- in the true sense of the phrase!