I'm also embarking on a "fun" writing project - one that I turn to whenever I don't want any pressure whatsoever. When I sit down to work on this project, I am actually forcing myself not to feel any type of self-recrimination, i.e. This stinks! Who let you think you could write?. I'm also not allowing myself to edit, but just writing, writing, writing, even if it sounds bizarre and crazy. It doesn't matter. There are no rules in this particular story.
It got me to thinking how I need to use this type of mindset in all of my writing endeavors - at least for the first draft. For some reason, when I'm working on something that I know will go to an agent or editor at some point, I am not as loose with my writing. Therefore, that's why I decided to make this particular novel a fun project only. Will it ever be seen by the public? I don't know. At this point, it doesn't matter. It's just for fun.
In other writing news, my daughter has surpassed the 100,000 word mark on her novel. I am in awe.
If I haven't been by your blog lately, please accept my apologies. I will try to visit soon!
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I agree that the writing must be loose and free. The whole experience should be fun. I try to write my first drafts like that. It's when I start editing that I panic over every single word and it's all too easy to take away the freshness and spontaneity. Enjoy it - and wow, I'm in awe of your daughter too.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping I can use this same attitude when writing my "serious" manuscripts. This should be good practice. ;-)
DeleteI read an article with an author who allowed herself free writing time, where she just wrote what she wanted to. It brought the fun back into writing for her.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I want to do - rediscover the joy of writing!
DeleteIt must be amazing to have someone to interview for research. I hope that you get to do the story of his life.
ReplyDeleteYou must be very proud of your daughter - how old is she? My 13 year old has started writing recently and it is neat to share the same interests with her.
She's 11, soon to be 12. Sometimes she'll come to me and say, "Want to talk about our writing projects?" Coolest thing EVER.
DeleteI hope you are healing up well. I am so amazed that your daughter wrote that many words! I have only reached 80,000! Way to go!! You have really taught her something with your own perseverance.
ReplyDeleteLike you,the book I am writing now and then is light and the way I want to write it, forgetting to worry who might read it. Fun!
It's fun to just let go and write. I just need to do this on everything I write - at least for the first draft!
DeleteI love a project that just goes how it does! I have one or two of those...
ReplyDeleteFantastic news about your daughter!! Please give her my congrats, that is wonderful!
Good luck with your next novel in the series. Having done that, it's an interesting challenge, but rewarding when completed! Love and prayers to you for all to go well, and with no worries!!
The next novel plans to be really interesting, but we'll see...I'm having a hard time getting going on it right now.
DeleteI need to take this approach with blogging too. It's become a bit of a mill stone lately.
ReplyDeleteI actually came up with an idea for a story yesterday and I decided to do just what you are talking about-write with abandon and just see where it leads.
And your daughter is amazing Melissa! And so are you for that matter! I'm looking forward to reading your story about Ed Reep:)
Hugs:)
She is indeed amazing. :-)
DeleteIf blogging is becoming a millstone, I suggest taking a break. It should be fun instead of work!
You know, I just switched back to working on my "light hearted" novel - feeling kind of guilty -but it helped to read your post because I think we do need breaks from heavy subjects for a while.
ReplyDeleteI really hope you get to write that Vet's full story.
I almost feel guilty for working on it, too, like I "should" be working on my "proper" novel. Groan. Why do we torture ourselves so much?
DeleteWhen I worked as a reporter, some of my best articles were when I just let it flow - I really think it is the key to fruitful writing - am excited to see what you come up with:-)
ReplyDeleteI'm at the stage of ideas too, exciting isn't it? Great news about your daughter too!
ReplyDelete