Oh, I do love typing that last line of a story. I don't do anything special like write "The End" or celebrate with a piece of chocolate or maybe something from Taco Bell (well, this I do sometimes). Most of the time I smile, close my laptop, and start dreaming up a new story.
Except for this time.
Yes, I was excited about finishing my last story. I was excited to enter a few contests and revise and edit. But friends, I've written my share of stories. And I've paid attention. I've learned and tried to grow and use advice I've been given. I know I have so much more to learn, but I also know that it's my honest goal with every new book I write to make it better than the last.
Now that's intimidating. It's exciting and fun, sure. But it also makes me pause. I want to do better each time I write a new story and that's a tall order.
So when I finished my last story, I got all smiley and dreamed up what I wanted to write next.
And then I stopped. And worked on editing the story I had just finished. Then decided to edit some more. And now...oh boy. I'm kind of working up to plotting my new story because I want to apply everything I've learned from this last one. I want to apply all the advice that's been given to me over the years. I want to utilize what I've learned from reading countless novels. And not only do I want this story to be good...I want it to be better.
I love that this is something we writers like to do. I love that there's always something to work toward, but wow...sometimes writing can be hard.
Does this ever happen to you? For those of you who have written more than one story, have you felt intimidated by starting a new one?
Oh, and just a quick note! I want to say Happy Birthday to my precious daughter (well, one of them anyway). She turns five today!
Yes, yes, yes! I am very intimidated, thinking that I don't have what it takes to come up with good story. Something I have found it that the more I know the rules, the more paralyzed I am with fear. It's a troublesome thing.
ReplyDeleteYep, I go through the same thing. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your daughter!!
I love the moment when my story is still perfect because it's still in my head. As soon as I start trying to get it on paper, I figure out everything that is wrong with it. Lol!
ReplyDeleteI'm always intimidated by writing, whether it's a new story or a current one. I just keep at it regardless.
ReplyDelete"Courage is not the absence of fear, but acting despite it."
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ReplyDeleteYep, starting a new story is scary. What if I can't write it? What if it isn't any good? What if...
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note, Best Birthday Wishes to your daughter. She chose a great day. She shares her birthday with my son (16) and John Hancock (275).
Oh yes, I'm usually very intimidated, but I love the challenge. I love that writing is a craft that can always be improved upon and learned--this gives me hope!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the post, Cindy, and Happy Birthday to your daughter!
Sometimes it's scary to start a new story. Once you get past the first chapter, it's your new love.
ReplyDeleteSherrinda, glad I'm not alone! You're so right about what you said. The more you know the rules, the more you have to think about, and then it's even harder. Ah!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jessica! Thanks for stopping by. Well, I'm not glad you go through the same thing, but there is comfort knowing other writers are in the same boat :)
Lol, Julie. So true! Isn't fun to see it play out in our heads? Thinking that if we picked up a book with this exact same story line, it would be soooo good. But when WE try to write it...how come it never comes out the same? :)
Love that quote, Martin, and you're right!
Erica, hi! Yeah, there are always all those "what if?" questions. Guess it is a great birthday day. Happy Birthday to your son :)
Hi, Heidi :) You make a good point. Writing wouldn't be quite as much fun without the challenge. Have a great week!
Loree, that's true. It usually doesn't take long to start falling in love with the story enough to get past that intimidation.
A new story is always intimidating to me. And Happy Birthday to your daughter!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I definitely know how you feel! Especially since I've been editing my current wip for so long. There's a huge fear of, "Can I duplicate this level of work in less time?"
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your daughter! :)
Happy Birthday to your daughter!! 5 is a great age!
ReplyDeleteAnd YES, I always get intimidated starting a new story. In fact, I even get all worked up that I forget what to do sometimes!!
I can relate to this post. I've only finished one story, and I wonder if I can do it again. But yes, I have the same drive to become better. Practice. practice. practice. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your daughter!
It looks like most of us can relate to this. What a relief I'm not alone! :) Thanks to you all for stopping by and wishing my daughter a Happy Birthday :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your daughter!
ReplyDeleteI'm usually enthusiastic in the early days of writing a new book. The ideas flow, the excitement builds...until I hit the dreaded middle. Then I have to plow through until those final scenes propel me to the end.
Starting a new book is very intimidating. I take a long, long time to write the first three chapters. It's hard!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your little girl!