Tuesday, September 21, 2010

I can make you famous

As usual it's that time of the month where I have to turn in an assignment to the writing course I've been taking for the last 18 months. I took a 6 month leave of absence last winter and now I need to finish this. I only have two more assignments to do. So why do I put it off? I procrastinate until they email me saying they haven't received my latest assignment. Arggg

So, the other day I forced myself to sit down and write out a short story to send. That's what I have to do. Write short stories. It's so totally not what I want to do. I think in terms of novels, so writing something that can be no longer than 3000 words is torture.

I sat at the computer and let the words flow. I'm always amazed at how easy it is once I get started, and how fun it is. In fact, I loved the story so much that I'm now turning it into a novel. I've got 17 pages so far and that's just two days worth of writing.

The thing that gets me is that I almost let this opportunity pass. I almost didn't have this story. I almost missed out on a potential money maker! =)

The point here is this... Don't waste those chances to write something new. If you get a great idea. Write it out. Write the first paragraph. Write that first chapter. Even if you put it on the back burner until you can get to it, which may be years down the road, do it. Who knows? It might just make you famous!

13 comments:

Summer Ross said...

This is great advice, the point is to write...

Avenues of Awareness said...

Ah, this is such a good suggestion. I need to take this to heart, and not just when it comes to writing.

N. R. Williams said...

I'm with you, writing short stories is torture. But the discipline is good.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Scott said...

I am inspired by your point. I have the most difficult time starting something I don't think will ever come to fruition. That nagging voice in my head tells me why bother when it's not going to go anywhere. That's a terrible sentiment for a writer. I'm in a recovery mode. My passion for writing was snuffed out for a while but reading this blog and others has put some life back into that passion. I started a little note pad dedicated to story ideas. I've got about four so far. Thanks for the encouragement!

Natascha said...

I'm like you, I think in terms of novels, not short stories. Usually the words take me away and I have to cut a lot when I'm submitting to contents, but like you said, it's a good opportunity and you never know what might come of it!

Anonymous said...

Your enthusiasm is contagious! =] I love when I fall in love with a story.

Joanna St. James said...

Good Advice, I always carry a pocket book around for when ideas strike, or i get a new insight into a character. I have been known to write in the grocery store

Old Kitty said...

Good for you!! :-) I wish you all the very best with this new novel - it's great how inpsired you are!

Take care
x

Lori Calabrese said...

Congrats on the new novel. New projects are always so fresh and exciting aren't they?

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and following. I look forward to reading your blog as well!

All the best,
Lori

Unknown said...

For a contest a year ago, I forced myself to write a short story. I'm like you, though, I didn't like to write that short of a story but I did. And it won! Then I wrote another for another contest and it won too. Moral of the story. Sometimes when you step out of the comfort zone, you can write really good stuff.

CD

Misha Gerrick said...

Even when I was in school, I my favourite short stories were the ones I could convert to navels. I just love the fact that I can get to know my characters.

I do, however, write down every good idea I get. Unfortunately my muse likes getting snarled up in those ideas and it takes some convincing to get to my WiP...

DL Curran said...

I just tried that for a blogfest and now I have my idea for my nano novel. Great advice!

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