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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

#IWSG: Improved Attitude



It's the first Wednesday and time for the Insecure Writers Support Group, whose mission is 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! IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. And thanks to this month's awesome hosts:  Lauren Hennessy, Lisa Buie-Collard, Lidy, Christine Rains, and Mary Aalgaard!

Improved Attitude

Last month, I talked about being in the doldrums . . . not moving anywhere with my story. Stuck.

I’m happy to report that your comments were the wind that pushed me forward. You all commiserated, related similar situations, told me to hang in there, gave me encouragement. You suggested writing a sentence then a paragraph. Maybe 300 words. Free writing. Anything to get back in the groove. My long-time bud Nancy Gideon gave me a kick in the pants.

Here are other suggestions you so generously handed out:

  • Set a timer for 5 minutes. Write stream of consciousness.
  • Pick up an object and describe it for a blind person.
  • Write in a character’s voice.
  • Rest.
  • Instead of writing on the computer, try pen and paper.
  • And the ever popular: BICHOK (butt in chair, hands on keyboard)

The simplest idea that really worked came from Lynda R. Young. (Thanks, Lynda!). Open the file. I realized I’d been delaying opening the file for the WIP. Once I did, I started reading what I’d written, adding a word here or there, tweaking. Pretty soon, I got caught up in the story and added a few descriptions. Holy cow! I was on a roll. I got to the end of what I’d written and started writing.

Thanks so much for all your concern, suggestions, understanding. And the kick. The story is progressing. Slowly. Life keeps intruding, but I’m not letting it get me down.

You guys are the best.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.


29 comments:

  1. I'm glad you found your motivation Diane. What great advice from Lynda. It can be hard getting started after a break or lack of motivation, but the important thing is that you're back into it!

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    1. Thanks, Denise. Sometimes it's just the littlest thing that can make a difference.

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  2. Just opening the file can do so much to get us to work. Re-reading and tweaking is the best thing to do to get us back into the groove of writing. I'm thrilled you got on a writing roll. Yay! :D

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    1. Thanks, Chrys. I can't believe that's all it took to get back to the routine.

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  3. Yay! It just takes a single break through and all resistance melts away. I'm so glad you found your personal ice pick and ripped through the wall.

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  4. How wonderful you got over your block! Yay for all the input and especially Lynda - she rocks! Although people say to write the first draft without revising, I always revise past chapters when I start for the day. Like you said, once you've tweaked a few things and get interested in the story, going on to the next part gets much easier!

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    1. i find it too hard to write a 1st draft without revising. Too much OCD in me. Thanks, Lexa.

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  5. That's fantastic! I'm so glad you've managed to get back into the swing of it :)! Best of luck!

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  6. Yeah, does the happy dance for ya! Whoop, Whoop!!
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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  7. Yeah, does the happy dance for ya! Whoop, Whoop!!
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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  8. That always works for me - going back a few pages and reading what I've already written. Good to hear you are on a roll again.

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    1. Thanks, Diane. I think I was afraid to open that file--fear that nothing would come.

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  9. That's awesome! Going over what I wrote usually helps too. Keep on rolling! :)

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  10. Always happy to lend a foot! Great to see you back on a roll!

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    1. Despite the pain in my you-know-where, I appreciate the incentive. LOL Thanks, Nancy.

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  11. Open the file. So simple, and yet, so hard. Good for you! I need to do these things, too.
    Thanks for visiting my blog. Mary at Play off the Page

    IWSG co-host

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    1. Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. Thanks for co-hosting, Mary.

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  12. That's awesome you are rocking and rolling again with your manuscript!

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  13. I'm so glad the group's suggestions helped and you're feeling better about the writing again.

    That's what it's all about, isn't it?

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  14. awesome news, so glad it worked out!! :-)

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  15. How great to read that you got your mojo back!! And even better that this wonderful group provided so many tips. Yay! I hope you are still moving along and enjoying the writing again. Have a great weekend!

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  16. Write in a character's voice (off page) has helped me so much! I should always do this when I'm stuck but I tend to do it only when I' really really stuck :)

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