It's ironic that I just finished writing a book about a girl who commits suicide. I should be editing and fixing those little things in that book that need fixing before I set it on the back burner for a few weeks to simmer, but I just can't deal with it right now. I need a break from that depressing topic. The story itself isn't that depressing but it can be heavy and does deal with suicide and with what those left behind go through. Tough stuff.
So I'm going back to another story that has been simmering for the last year. I have great ideas for it and am excited to start with it again, taking it in a whole new direction.
The lesson here is this. Don't feel guilty if you need a break from your manuscript. Sometimes a break is exactly what needs to happen to make it better. Start a new book, get your ideas out there. Go with your gut feeling and things will always turn out fine. Take care of yourselves and stay healthy.
12 comments:
Good plan on your part. And sage advice for us.
And as Harry Chapin noted, "All my life's a circle." Moving away from some things gives you opportunity to come back again.
Blessings and Bear hugs.
Good luck on your new ms. Sometimes setting something aside makes room for life to teach us how to make it even better.
I hope you're doing better.
I agree! Sometimes stepping away from my current project for a little bit does wonders for it (and me) later on.
All the best with your new story!! Take care
x
I actually started a new manuscript after writing the first draft of another one, because I was afraid that I would forget my idea for the new story if I waited too long. I think it helped me to work on the other story, because it made me even more motivated to finish both drafts.
I've never understood why the conventional "writing wisdom" seems to assume that writers are somehow different from other human beings. Breaks are good! Breaks are healthy! More often than not, leaving something alone for a while results in some sudden inspiration that just couldn't get through when we were trying so hard....Good for you! And sending you good thoughts and hugs in a difficult time.
Melissa
This is good advice and probably what I need to do right now.
Very good advice. :D I've done that before. Got frustrated with the current MS and went to work on something else. It does help. :D
Hello. My computers been broken for a week, I think you had a vexing dilemma before, hope all is well by you.
When I have a problem like manuscript trouble, I like to step away for a brief time. Often a fresh set of eyes can temper the problem and help you overcome whatever difficulty that exists.
Best wishes to you.
Good advice. I actually took a break from the first book I started and ended up writing book number 2 long before book number one. I went back to manuscript number one & I found that I have a fresh perspective and I am suddenly more willing to make changes to my first that I was so reluctant to make before.
Thank you for the sound advice.
Melissa
You're the second person I've come across recently reading Incarceron. I might have to check it out. Is it YA?
Not always my preferred area, but I'm open to suggestions.
Chris
Hey Chris, yep. It's YA and I really liked it. Going to look for the sequel too.
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