Are you ever so close to something that you can see it, and feel it, and almost taste it and yet . . . you can't seem to get there?
I have 306 completed pages of my WIP and 589 pages of cuts for the same book. I've been working on this thing for almost a year and started it 4 seperate times. I had set a goal to be done by July 31st and I didn't make it. But I'm SO close. At most I have 10 pages left to write, then I need to do a final edit/timeline (I've already revised what I have a bazillion times).
In Music & Lyrics Hugh Grant's character accuses Drew Barrymore's character of 'holding the last verse hostage'. It's not that she CAN'T write it, it's that she WON'T. I wonder if that's what I'm doing. I don't know why I'd do it, since it makes no sense, but I'm finding so many other things to do--like blog about not being able to finish it rather than writing the actual thing.
Tomorrow we leave on a week long family vacation. I really really really really wanted to be done with the first draft. So why can't I finish?
Cause I'm a neurotic freak, that's why! It doesn't help that I've spent so much freaking time on this thing that I think it's about as exciting as a phone book.
13 comments:
I feel your pain; I'm in a similar situation. You can do it!
I LOVE that movie.
Maybe a week long vacation from it is what you need at this point?
Sounds so frustrating!
When I'm in that situation I always clean something (the bathrooms, the fridge, let's face it, they all need it) After a little bit of scrubbing I suddenly think--I'd rather be writing--and I get back to the computer.
Love your label, "Josi's a moron." Made me laugh.
Your post made me feel much better. Thanks!
You're way too hard on yourself. I'm feeling the same way, only I'm not 10 pages from the finish line (more like 70,000 words . . .).
You CAN do this!
Here's a carrot--well, more like a Yorkshire pud, actually. When you've finished the last word, go look at my blog for today so you can see what your YP should look like after it's baked
No peeking, now. Close down your emails and FINISH THAT CHAPTER :-)
I am sure it is much better than a phone book!
I agree with Kim, maybe a vacation is just what you need. Good luck!
Listen, everyone, I KNOW it's much better than a phone book! And, yes, Josi, we all know your muse will kick in with the answer just as soon as the time and effort are right.
ah enjoy the break. get a massage or soak in a tub with awesome peaceful music playing soothingly. safe travels, kathleen :)
you are not a moron! I am with Janete. Go clean something. And then go finish your book. When you're done . . . finish mine too :)
"holding the last verse hostage'" is exactly what's been going on in my life too. Two books being held hostage. After I finished a hard rewrite of them both (I'd written them in the last year) only 4 chapters survive in one book and 6 in another. I despair of ever being done.
But, as Janette and Julie said, cleaning works for me too. Maybe you could finish my books too -- oh, and give me all the credit of course!
I hope you got it after all! I just read "Star struck". As usual, I couldn't lay it down. So good.
I also just finished the last Harry Potter book. I couldn't lay it down either.
I thought it was brilliant. How do people do it? How do they be brilliant in their writing?
Do you make it up as you go or do you have a story mapped out in your mind before hand?
I have 2 books I am writing and feel stuck in both. I feel like I need to go back and start them over. I hate the re-writing! I want to be brilliant the first time around! Dang!
You guys are awesome. I've been on vacation for five days, I've edited the entire thing, done my timeline, and verifies my Spanish. I still need those ten pages, but they are percolating--either that or I have a developing ulcer. Hmmm.
Thanks for the encouragement.
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