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I don't want to get ahead of myself, or jinx anything, but I just have this feeling that I might start writing in the near future.
I woke up this morning (my day off work, luckily) with the sudden urge to read a few of the most recent chapters of Uneven Lines. I can't even remember the exact thought or moment that triggered it. Probably just some half asleep attempt at finding inspiration. In the past when I've had a similar urge, I usually procrastinate doing other things all day, then never get around to it and the urge passes. Or I may try reading but I dislike something about it and stop myself.
This time I decided to force it. Even though I could have gone back to sleep once my husband went to work, I got up and turned on my laptop. I read through Chapters 26 and 27, even though 27 is certainly the worst chapter and probably needs to be completely rewritten. It was exactly the sort of chapter that would normally have me cringing enough to stop reading. But I read every word of those two chapters.
Of course, there were lines that made me cringe. But there were other lines I absolutely loved. I almost wanted to print it out and highlight them. Tell myself no matter how much I need to rework these chapters, those lines are keepers.
I don't think actually writing will come easily or fast, at least not for UL. I have a lot to figure out. I'd like to do some more reading of what I have so far, as well as some brainstorming. I got a book that helps you figure out your story's theme, which I think will help me figure out what I'm trying to say with this book and also how to end it. I want to make a list of all the motifs and symbols I have throughout the book and analyze how and why I've used them, and how I can expand on them to really make an impact on the story.
I have a lot to figure out before I do any actual writing or rewriting, but I think it could be fun really diving deep into all of these details, because they are what I love most about this story. Those are the lines that make me smile or make my heart race. The ones that let me know I can't give up on this book even though it seems impossible.
This time, I think, I'm going to do all I can to keep this feeling alive.
I too am finding my way back into writing, and the best piece of advice I can give is not to overthink it. If you feel that tingle to write or re-read, do it, but don't let your mind take over and over-analyse the words you have. Just sit, write... you can fix any issues later. <3
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you are excited to revise your chapters. I love revising and am in the thick of revising my manuscript.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending you lots of good writing vibes. I know how hard it is to get back into the swing of it. I'm still struggling, but I am slowly priming the pump.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should print out those pages and highlight those lines. It's always nice to be able to look at something we love about our stories when we're maybe wading through the not-as-successful stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you. But, you know, I'm doing it quietly in the corner so as not to disrupt anything or scare away any feelings.
That's a good sign that maybe whatever has you in your writing slump or burnt out is healing and you're brain is getting ready to work again. The trick will be not to push too hard and send yourself back to square one.
ReplyDeleteOnce you know the theme and symbols, the path will become clearer.
ReplyDeleteWoot! This post makes me so happy. :D
ReplyDeleteOh, I love when we come across lines in our own work that makes us happy, that remind us how much we love writing. :)
ReplyDeleteYay - what a great feeling! I bet your subconscious is working hard as we speak!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great feeling! Good luck, you can do this!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Sarah! Don't give up. All the best as you forge forward!
ReplyDeleteThat's a positive step. Maybe allow yourself to jot down some notes - nothing organised, just the back of an envelope or something, so it doesn't even feel like writing.
ReplyDeleteYes. That's so exciting.
ReplyDeleteYay! Glad you found your motivation. Finding cringe-worthy stuff in your own writing is part of the process.
ReplyDeleteI hope your feeling is in full force and you’ve gotten a solid start into your writing! maybe your feeling will rub off on me! thanks for sharing it =D
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