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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Insecure writer blog hop...things I tell myself for productivity.

Insecure Writer's Blog Hop




The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!



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I'm new to this blog hop and crazy busy at this time but this is such an important topic I couldn't resist joining. We're all insecure at some point from newbies to bestselling authors. One issue that's been nagging me the last few weeks is the need to increase my productivity. I write every day so the problem isn't finding the time or discipline to write but getting more done in the time I'm at my computer. 


It took some time to figure out why I wasn't finishing my WIP faster. For one, I'm a new author and still trying to formulate my work process which is no doubt second nature to a seasoned author. So...I started a list in progress of what to do and not to do when I'm writing my WIP. The tips below may or may not be helpful to you as we all write differently. Hopefully, you'll find some of them useful. 


Happy writing!
(remember this is a work in progress...as everything in life is!)


* Turn off the internal editor and just get the rough draft done.


* Stop trying to make the scenes "perfect" and just write. 


* Every once in a while remember this... "You are way too hard on yourself! Have faith in your writing and quit being so damn critical!" 


* On that note...give yourself permission to do one thing at a time. You don't have to multi-task every minute of the day. 


* Don't worry too much about foreshadowing. It will click into place when you read through the rough draft. This goes for creating twists/surprises they will materialize as you go through the rough draft.


* Know your outline (if you outline!). Realize you will alter the outline at some point and it's okay to do it!


* Interview the characters if they feel distant.


* Go somewhere quiet, close your eyes and let the scenes play through your mind like a movie. (this helps me with my characters emotions and dialogue)




If you have tips please write them in your comment. I like hearing how others work!



11 comments:

  1. Hi there! Popping by from the IWSG blog hop. Good post. Another thing I've been doing recently is actually acting out the scene. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but when I get out of my chair and act out the scene, sometimes I find out new things about the character, and it also helps with writing non-verbal actions.

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    1. Lol! I bet he does think you're crazy but that's a good tip. Actually moving through the scene you probably think of more unique ways to describe the action. That's another great tip! Thanks.

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  2. Great tips! I write middle grade and often ask my own kids how they would describe things or react in certain situations. It's a good way to keep my thumb on the pulse of this tricky age group!

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  3. Great tips! Good luck to you on your WIP! Just stopping by from the IWSG.
    -MJ

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  4. Hi. Visiting from IWSG, and these are great tips. Good luck.

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  5. Here are my tips.
    1/ Finish the book.
    2. Read the dialogue aloud. Everyone will think you're crazy, especially if you change your voice with the characters.
    3. Don't get bogged down on those first few pages. They are subject to change as the story evolves.

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    1. Yes the reading dialogue out loud is a good one! Thanks for commenting. I appreciate the input.

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  6. I found you via Rosalie Skinner's Tweet. I agree with you Jenna, just get the story written because you can't edit a blank page. But new writers should remember this draft is not up to publishable standard. The real work of writing the story has just begun.

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  7. Exactly Wendy! That's why we have to stop pushing for the perfect sentence or perfect word. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  8. Great tips! Especially like the interviewing characters when you're unsure of who they are at the time. So glad it's not just me who constantly agonizes over every little thing in the WIP :)

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  9. Hi Jenna, I'm a new follower via the IWSG. Your advice is right on the money. I believe and work by each and every word of what you've written. I think writing is something that must happen organically and putting too much pressure on yourself will only hinder the creative process. Great words, Jenna!!

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