Thursday, September 30, 2010

Second guessing and Once

So I've been rockin' along on WIP3. I like the characters, I feel like they're developing really well, the scenes feel strong. And then over the weekend, I started feeling... anxious.

I don't know if it's the Truth, or if it's a function of not going completely in the cave, blocking out the world, and writing straight through this time. But I'm getting a feeling of "maybe this isn't so good, and I'm really just wasting my time."

WIP3 is somewhat different from what I've previously written and from what I've been seeing around. And while I like it very much, I feel like what the heck do I know? And what if it just totally falls flat.

splat.

Has this ever happened to you guys? If so, what to do? Just push through, keep writing and see how it turns out? Try to rethink it?

Maybe I really do need to get buried and bang it out then go back and see what I did. Urkel.

In other news, I heard the song "Falling Slowly" a week or so ago, and I got to thinking about the movie Once. Remember that film? 2006?

That was the year No Country For Old Men, Atonement, Michael Clayton and There Will Be Blood dominated entertainment news.

Along came this quirky little independent musical set in Dublin about a heartbroken vacuum cleaner repair man and a Croatian single mom, and it captured everyone's attention. It even won an Oscar for best original song.

It didn't star any of the "beautiful people," but it was so genuine and had so much heart. I feel like there's a message there. Yes?

Til next time. Love~ <3

19 comments:

Matthew MacNish said...

Any story can be fixed and made into a compelling tale with enough work as long as you're dedicated to revise enough. Only you can decided whether or not the motivation is there.

Matthew MacNish said...

Then again I've been up all night here at work. Don't listen to anything I say today.

Holly Hill said...

As long as YOU still love the story and characters, it will NEVER be a waste of time.

Write what you love. :)

Unknown said...

I'm sure it's great. Granted I have doubt all the time but I know you are awesome. And so you must make awesome spill all over the page.

LTM said...

LOL @Matt--but actually I tend to agree w/you...

@Holly: I know that's right. I do. I just have these other projects I wonder if I should be focusing my energy on instead. I'm good at not finishing *reading* a book. Writing a book, not so much. :D

@Anne: Awww! now that's just too much. Thanks, :o) <3 (I'm just going to write through and see what happens I think.)

Hart Johnson said...

Leigh--write through it. I've had spots that seem hoky or not as good as can be, but if you just ACCEPT that it can be worked through in the rewrite and keep going, it CAN be worked through in the rewrite. It will probably be much better when you finish, let it sit and then read it a few weeks later. Hang in there!

I will have to look for Once. Sounds good!

PK HREZO said...

Loved Once!

And personally I think if you're feeling that way about your WIP you should take a break from it and come back later with renewed eyes. Maybe work on something out of your comfort zone for a little challenge, then come back to your WIP and see if it rubs you the same way.

DL Hammons said...

Its my belief that the feeling you had was transient. That it will pass and you'll be back into the story 100%. That's been my experience, anyway. :)

Ella said...

Yes, genuinue w/heart always gets noticed~ I say, take a break and then go back, it is worth the struggle, something great is going to come out of it! Hang in there, you like the characters, isn't that 1/2 the battle! Go Leigh, you can do it!!!

Melissa said...

writing what you love is always important, it will always be noticed and it will always be wanted and loved by others.


You can get through this.

LTM said...

@Hart: My girl. That's what I think. And yes--Once is v. good.

@PK: I hear ya, and actually... I'm sort of out of my comfort zone, which is what's got me worried. LOL! :D

@DL: Based on today, I think you might be right~

@Ellie: Man, I hope you're right. :o) <3

@Melissa: you + me = there. <3

Unknown said...

Falling slowly is one of my favorite songs, it whisks you off into another world, so elegant, soothing, sweet (can you tell I like?!)

The story thing happens to me a lot. When I feel stuck or think it sucks that tells me I didn't spend enough time marinating the story. I've found until I know most of the details and can devote time to the novel I end up with a sour taste in my mouth. Let the story rest, let it's wounds heal. Never get rid of it, trash it, just hold on to it, keep it in a safe place because eventually you'll want to come back to it!!!

Kittie Howard said...

Leigh, start tossing the stale cornbread *I duck*...somehow I totally missed your awards blog *is red in the face* but was linking to your blog to give you an award when I said OMG, you gave me an award...er, yes, I read your lovely comment on my post...duh, maybe a bit of cornbread would jiggle the brain!

A bit late *sighs* I thank you for your lovely award and am very happy to pass it on!

LTM said...

@Jen: Yes re: song; You're right on w/the story idea. But instead of putting it on hold, I'm doing the total immursion (em?) trick, and so far it seems to be helping. I might have to put on the blinders for a week or so and get it done. Too distracted lately.

@Kitty: LOL!!! the cornbread. sigh. And did you see we gave each other the same award. Freaky... ;p

RaShelle Workman said...

Hi Leigh - Remember why you write?! For you. See it through. Love it. Enjoy it. Yes, I've experienced THAT sensation before. The next big thing was written from the heart - from that person's soul. =D xoxo

LTM said...

I know you're right RaShelle--the coolest thing is knowing everyone goes through this. Thanks~ :o) <3

Anonymous said...

You just have to keep writing. Been there many times. Even if what you write makes no sense, just write and set it aside. You may need to plug this in down the road. It could be that saving grace you need at a future date.

Stephen Tremp

Morgan said...

I definitely have days (read: every day) where I feel like my writing isn't good or that I don't know anything. But, to echo what everyone else has said, you just have to write through it. Keep writing! Don't be afraid to let close friends read your work, too. My boyfriend the finance major may know nothing about literature, but it's great to have a supporter as I write. Also, I adore Once. I have "Leave" and "Lies" one my writing playlist. =]

Anonymous said...

You forgot Andrew Jackson’s Big Block of Cheese with nary a macaroni in sight.