ISWG: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year to Write!

It's sparkly! It's shiny! It's a new manuscript!

 

I’m back!
 
I’m so glad I took a little break for November to catch my breath. I’ve caught up on my reading over Thanksgiving break. More book features are in the works!

In addition, I started a brand new chapter of a shiny new manuscript!

Wow, I can’t actually believe that I started something new. This idea started percolating over the summer, and I’ve been working in the evenings with Save the Cat to come up with a beat sheet and write note cards for key scenes.

The problem was the beginning. I had written a beginning over the summer, but after working on a beat sheet (an outline from Save the Cat), I realized I started too late in the story. That scene needed more set up.

But where to start exactly? I’m a little weird about first chapters. Most of the time, they just come to me. I get an idea or an image, and the scene forms in my mind. I edit my first chapters heavily, but it’s very rare that I change the first scene significantly. So I kept waiting, because I knew I couldn’t write that first chapter without that “this is it” moment.

Over the Thanksgiving break I finally had enough time to let my mind wander a bit. And not think about lesson planning! I had my image. And I wrote that first, beautiful chapter.

I’m sure it will morph and change, but I know where my story starts, and I’m so excited about starting something new. I think—though who’s counting—that it’s been five years since I started a novel length project. I’ve been dibbling and dabbling and rewriting old manuscripts.

Maybe that’s because I’ve been a bit stuck. I’m so thankful for critique partners, who have helped me get back in my writing groove. One dear writing friend, who happily lives close to me, was truly sent by God to encourage me just when I was about to give up.

The question this month is: what time of year do you write best?

Of course summer and all the lovely holiday breaks are prime writing time for me. But I’m also finding that a little bit each day, often handwritten, either brainstorming or drafting, sows the seeds to make those big leaps once I have more time.

What about you? When do you write best?

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!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

December 2 question - Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?

The awesome co-hosts for the December 2 posting of the IWSG are Pat Garcia, Sylvia Ney, Liesbet @ Roaming About Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre!