I have a question. I’ve started a new story. I haven’t completely abandoned the other one but it felt like I was forcing the writing. This new story came out of nowhere last year and until now, I haven’t worked it much. But the last couple weeks I’ve been making some time. This story is coming along effortlessly. Character names and personalities have just emerged without challenge. I sit down with it each day and it’s like what have you got in store for me today. And they start talking. They’ve been surprising me with little twists that have caused me to step back and make corrections on previous chapters so the line carries through. The endings of chapters come naturally.
I have never had fiction writing go this simply. I’m about 80 pages in. Is this a honeymoon stage that I will go back eventually and toss or could this be the real stuff? Have you had this happen for you? It is such an odd moment for me as a writer.
Autumn, thanks for sharing this. I love it when the writing goes this effortlessly. It doesn't happen to me very often but when it does--wow. You feel like you're sailing, right? I figure that all the slog and hard work we put in allows these miracles. When it happens to me, it's actually the result of the time put in, not just the sign of a honeymoon phase. I'd suggest keeping the uplift and fun in it as long as you can. I also find, with my own work, that some amazing material can come out of this kind of experience. Revision is still ahead, but it's very cool to tap into this smooth ride. Enjoy.
Thank you for sharing your lesson. I almost feel like trying a novel! I spend most of my time writing personal essays and social critique. See my Substack, Somewhen.
I have a question. I’ve started a new story. I haven’t completely abandoned the other one but it felt like I was forcing the writing. This new story came out of nowhere last year and until now, I haven’t worked it much. But the last couple weeks I’ve been making some time. This story is coming along effortlessly. Character names and personalities have just emerged without challenge. I sit down with it each day and it’s like what have you got in store for me today. And they start talking. They’ve been surprising me with little twists that have caused me to step back and make corrections on previous chapters so the line carries through. The endings of chapters come naturally.
I have never had fiction writing go this simply. I’m about 80 pages in. Is this a honeymoon stage that I will go back eventually and toss or could this be the real stuff? Have you had this happen for you? It is such an odd moment for me as a writer.
Autumn, thanks for sharing this. I love it when the writing goes this effortlessly. It doesn't happen to me very often but when it does--wow. You feel like you're sailing, right? I figure that all the slog and hard work we put in allows these miracles. When it happens to me, it's actually the result of the time put in, not just the sign of a honeymoon phase. I'd suggest keeping the uplift and fun in it as long as you can. I also find, with my own work, that some amazing material can come out of this kind of experience. Revision is still ahead, but it's very cool to tap into this smooth ride. Enjoy.
Thank you for sharing your lesson. I almost feel like trying a novel! I spend most of my time writing personal essays and social critique. See my Substack, Somewhen.
Thank you, Karen. Look forward to hearing if you try fiction :) . . . and thanks for the mention of your Substack, which I'll check out!
This was very enlightening. I love the feedback he gave you. Thanks for sharing.
I did too, Bee. Thanks for commenting!
You’re welcome! Glad to do it!
I love this! Just exactly what I needed. Thank you for so openly sharing your own lessons with us.
Autumn, thank you for commenting!!