So...I haven't been blogging for a while now. Or writing, actually (well, that's not all that unbelievable...). I've just been drained lately. Physically, emotionally, creatively. Work has been particularly stressful lately. So when I'm not working I pretty much just want to sleep. I've even started taking naps in the afternoon. I hate naps. So anyway, I just haven't been feeling the inspiration lately. I haven't even come up with blog ideas, but honestly, I haven't been trying very hard to find them. I guess I just felt like taking a break.
So of course, I have no idea what to write about! Luckily the IWSG folks have added a new feature: a question to answer! This month's is: What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?
Hmm. Well, ok, when I first read this question, it kind of depressed me. I honestly couldn't think of anything. I could tell you several instances where people told me my story was awful (ok, two), but I don't think anyone's interested in that. But good? And something specific? That was tough. I actually had to go digging for something, in a long buried Facebook message from a former coworker who read the original short story that would turn into UL. He said: "I am very impressed with your ability to flesh out your characters and environments. You have an attention to detail that is of a high order, without being overwrought, and you know just when to pepper dialogue into the exposition." So that's good, right? He went on to provide some constructive criticism as well, adding that "I hope this isn't too harsh. I'm harshest on work that I like the most." It was actually kind of nice to go back and read this since I don't let anyone read my stuff, like, ever.
Perhaps I would add another honorable mention, because it wasn't really something good that was said, but the reaction was exactly what I was looking for. When I was sending out my second draft chapters as I rewrote them, I did have a few friends and coworkers who were actually keeping up for a good chunk of the book (you know, before everyone decided to just give up *sigh*). I'm sure I've mentioned the twist at the end of Chapter 17 before. It's one of my favorite moments in the book, actually. Well, the day after I sent it out, I went to to work and when another coworker came in, she walked up to me and screamed "WHAT DID YOU DO????" which honestly was the exact response I would want from a reader after that particular chapter. So it was pretty uplifting for me.
Ok, so I started this post thinking I had nothing to say and I've rambled on forever. That's usually how it goes, isn't it?
I love that honorable mention. It's great that you were able to elicit that response from a reader—especially given that it was the exact response for which you were hoping. That would have been uplifting for me, too. :)
ReplyDeleteHope work gets less stressful for you soon!!
I think that honorable mention is awesome!
ReplyDeleteThey say that taking shorter naps is better, leaves you less groggy, etc. I don't usually find that it works that way for me, but thought I'd pass it on. Hang in there!
See, I loved the question this month because we ALWAYS focus on those two negative voices rather than the abundance of positive ones. This was a great opportunity to reflect on all the awesome moments along the way.
ReplyDeleteThat honorable mention is fantastic! Just what any writer wants to hear about a twist. And the message is great too. One of my biggest pet peeves is "overwrought" writing so that part of the message jumped out at me. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteThat first comment was definitely a keeper. Post that at your writing desk so you can see it every day.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely got a reaction with that chapter!
ReplyDeleteWow I think that was a wonderful compliment! I'd print it out and frame it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you handled your cliffhanger rather masterfully. It's a perfect case where one should belt out, "MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Keep to the positives and I hope you find inspiration soon!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Sometimes the best thing is the reaction. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I'd love someone to come up to me and yell "What did you do?!" LOL! That would make my days since I love to do twists and cliffhangers. ;)
ReplyDeleteI think those are two awesome reactions! Getting someone who digs into the meat of your writing is awesome! And someone who reads it and is exactly where you want them to be is awesome, too!
ReplyDeleteI've only had someone yell "what did you do?" at me and it was because I killed off his favorite character . . . which I had planned to do, but I was glad that he was invested, even if he didn't like my choice.
BTW - this is just me, trying to blog comment from my families account instead of my individual one. Sorry.
DeleteHi Sarah
ReplyDeleteWriting is a process and I totally get how a stressful day can leave you uninspired. Continue the effort even if you only get a paragraph or a page done every couple days.
Nancy
You have received very encouraging comments, and that is excellent. However, there are times when we are drained. It is a phase. We go through it and then when we come out of it, we feel elated.
ReplyDeleteAll the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Loved your rambling! Yes, that's the way it happens. You've got some great feedback and I really loved the WHAT HAVE YOU DONE response. Perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!
Happy Writing!
I think it is good to stop and reflect on the positive things that have been said, it certainly helps keep us going through the tougher times. What a brilliant reaction from your co-worker too!
ReplyDeletelol Those are really good responses.
ReplyDeleteYou hate naps? I love naps! I wish that workdays were like kindergarten, where we would be allowed to take naps.
ReplyDeleteAnd sorry that work has been stressful. Sometimes it is good to take a break and decompress.
I'm not down with naps either--notice that brilliant play with slang. But there are times when I'm writing and getting up before the sun that I crash before dinner. The body just demands it. Damn. I hate it when it doesn't that.
ReplyDeleteHope the stress at work lessens for you.
I've also been a bit scarce in blog land, also mostly due to feeling burned out due to work.
ReplyDelete