If you haven’t got an idea, start a story anyway. You can always throw it away, and maybe by the time you get to the fourth page you will have an idea, and you’ll only have to throw away the first three pages. - William Campbell Gault
I start new writing projects with the ease of a toothless man eating a candied apple.
For the past 2 weeks, I’ve been avoiding starting a new story because this time, thanks to The Jens, I can’t quit working on it once I start writing. No matter how lousy it is, no matter how ridiculous the plot, how shallow the characters, or how cheesy the dialogue, I have to finish it. And when I get stuck or frustrated or unsure about myself and/or the story, and start coming up with fresh, new, exciting story ideas to work on instead, I have to back-burner that upstart bastard, no matter how cool I think it is.
Typically, the “fresh, new, exciting story idea” is just a way of distracting me from having to figure out what happens next when I get stuck. It’s really just a form of procrastination, manifested insecurity, I know. Aside from being unsure about which story to work on, whether or not I’ll chose the “right” one, my mind keeps coming back to one of the most unformed ideas I’ve ever had, which just makes my job harder.
It’s not even an idea really, but more like a vague notion of something you think you remember dreaming. But that’s the one that keeps demanding my attention. Either I go with it, or just keep waiting for something better to come to mind. Who knows when that could be?
Considering I’ve already put this off 2 weeks, I’d rather not wait another 2 weeks (or longer) for inspiration to hit, so I’ll just start. Today. I’ve had so much anxiety about taking this on, about committing to it (which seems silly and idiotic) but I think I’ve reached my anxiety threshold. If my choices are between having anxiety about not writing, or having anxiety while writing, I might as well get a book out of it.
You can track my progress on The Shitty First Draft Meter in the sidebar. It’ll be there until this project ends.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve read two writers books in my life…
one, Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird. I highly recommend this book. It teaches you about thought pattern and how to control it.
two, Stephen King, On Writing. Not a King fan really. But this book… about how to write… well done.
Some people have a natural ability to twist and turn and write phrases… some have some ability…. others have no discipline at all.
What I find sad for you… is that you really do have talent Chris. You can turn phrases naturally. However you lack, sweetly, the discipline to commit. Which isn’t doing any of us any good that enjoy reading your writing… wink.
Its a learned behavior.
Allow yourself to research and learn. Allow yourself to open those channels at will. You are too talented to let the discipline get in your way.
Sharing yourself with the world is a gift. I’d like to see you really do well with your gift.
I’ve read and loved both Bird by Bird and On Writing. I’d add Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, making it a writer’s holy trinity. My discipline and commitment problem goes well beyond my writing. It also shows up in my eating habits and weight. I’ll be working on that again soon enough as well. And it’ll all be right here. Thanks for the loving smackdown, Audra.
This is a twofor. Because you’ve finally written a blog entry, I can link to you in my entries. Plus you’re writing your book. Win, win.
That’s wonderful! I’m sure you’ll do great and stick with it.
We all have these discipline issues. Be it with writing, moving our bodies, maintaining friendships, paying bills on time, eating fruit, anything and everything we want…well it just depends on how much we want it, I suppose.
You have, as always, got my support. I’m proud of your attempt…and totally get the fear and anxiety that comes before the leap. I get it.
but the leap, when it finally comes…feels soooooo good!
Giddyup!
You can do it! Just picture Rob Schneider’s character in Waterboy.
I’ll buy your books. I’ll promote and recommend your books. Is there a waitlist (ala Amazon pre-order)? If I pay a deposit, would you feel more inclined to finish in a reasonable time? IOW would you just write something already?? We’re all waiting to shower you with money and compliments, dammit!
OMG! Blog posts! Story writing! A meter! I am so happy to see this! I can’t wait to read whatever you write! Now, I have to get back to my screenplay. Which, btw, is OMG fun! Crazy scary & fun.
what a perfect result to my google search on “writers throw out drafts.” google are you listening? the post is exactly what i was looking for, and then some!