02 November 2016

New Story Syndrome

It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's the posting day for the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Click here to learn more and sign up!


Hello blogging universe! (Blogiverse?) I know I've been super off the grid lately. I guess it's hard to blog about writing when you're not actually writing, which has pretty much been the case for the past few months. I just haven't been able to come up with ideas lately. And I don't think I could write a blog post every week just talking about how I'm always tired...

Anyway, this month, I thought I'd take a crack at the IWSG's question, which is: What is your favorite aspect of being a writer? 

While I think there are a ton of favorite things, one in particular came to mind. I love that excited feeling when a story is brand new and the ideas just keep coming to you non-stop. I guess I've been feeling this way lately because I actually wrote something new! 

I wrote a short story to submit to the IWSG anthology contest, and I actually had a lot of fun crafting the characters and the world they live in. At first, I just had a basic idea of what I wanted the story to be. Then one day, the ideas started flowing (at work, of all places!) and every gap began to fill itself in. Of course, I procrastinated on actually writing the story, but I think I tend to do that when I really like a story idea. I like to keep it in my head for a while before I put it on the page. 

I think no matter the outcome of the contest, I'd like to continue with this story, whether that means writing short sequels or maybe even a novel (because I have chronic novelitis!). Even if the stories are just for me, it would still be a good way to keep the creativity going. I've come to realize that the less I write, the less I want to write. It's hard to pull yourself out of a rut. But since I've actually been writing lately, I feel more motivated to keep doing it. 

But that newness of a story is one of my favorite things. When it's all you can think about and you just want to keep writing and get those ideas down. That kind of excitement is a hard thing to ignore. 

15 comments:

  1. Running with a new idea feels like racing in the wind. All the words are fresh. I like your ending comment: That kind of excitement is a hard thing to ignore. So true.

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  2. That's great you wrote and subbed a story for the IWSG anthology! Fingers crossed for you!

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  3. Congrats on submitting the story. I tried to write one this year, but I started way too late and couldn't finish it on time. Maybe next year.

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  4. "Chronic Novelitis"! I LOVE this!! A very apt diagnosis for me as well. Congratulations on finishing the story for the Anthology and best of luck to you! I so enjoyed writing my submission and, like you, I've toyed with the idea of stretching it into something longer, something deeper. Good luck with your idea if you do set out to create a novel out of it!

    Cheers!
    Jen

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  5. Congrats on the story you submitted. New story or shiny new idea as I like to say are so much fun, but they can be distracting from the current story and derail it getting finished.

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  6. Glad that one flowed so well and you entered it. That you have a back up plan in case you don't win is even better.

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  7. I love the feeling too. I always seem to get it for a new story when I'm not quite done with the one before. So glad you put a short story in the contest.

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  8. That part is my fav, too. It's so exciting. Congrats on writing that short story. Yay, you!

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  9. I LOVE coming up with new story ideas, and that rush you get! The only issue is, sometimes it comes while I'm halfway through writing something else and then I lose enthusiasm for the first idea and write the second! Congrats on the short story! I also find that the more I write, the more enthusiastic I am and the more the ideas flow - best of luck in the competition!

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  10. I think sometimes all we have to do is feed the beast. I'm so glad you are on a roll!

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  11. I think I have chronic novelitis, too! I love coming up with new ideas, and I could definitely think of a few more adventures for my characters from my IWSG story to go on.
    Best wishes with all of your writing!

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  12. I had to laugh at "chronic novelitis." Seems like every idea I have blooms into something huge and multi-book in scope. When I come with a short story idea, I only whisper to it, hoping to keep the flame small enough to burn out in the space of less than 10,000 words.

    @mirymom1 from
    Balancing Act

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  13. I too like that feeling when you've had a new idea and the story just flows so easily. Congratulations on submitting a story for the anthology. Sounds like you had a lot of fun with it. Sending positive thoughts your way for publication. Glad I found you through the IWSG. www.dianeweidenbenner.com

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  14. I tend to make a story out of just about everything I see, read about, or hear. It would be great if I started actually writing more of those stories when I think about them. The newness of a story is exciting, but when the story sticks with me for a long time that's especially good.

    Arlee Bird
    Wrote By Rote

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