Another month has passed and it's time for a new IWSG post. Once again so much has happened that it's all a blur, most of it personal stuff, not much writing related at all.I have been very productive personally but not professionally so the theme for this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group is CONCERNED.
I really like my new MacBook Pro but I am still getting used to different software in addition to the OS. I have contacted Scrivener about moving the software from my PC to the Mac and will do that this week. For now I'm trying to use Evernote more and individual text files less. We'll see how that works out.
My concern is getting back in touch with my characters and hoping they will still talk to me. Sigh...they may like their long vacation! Have you ever been away from your writing for a long period and been concerned about getting back into the swing of things?
I find my characters are always right there under the surface waiting for me, but then again, I do have some rather persistent characters...I'm sure it will all come back to you once you get back into it, even if it's difficult at first. Just keep at it until it feels right!
ReplyDeleteSarah Foster
August IWSG Co-host
Thank you, Sarah. I'm busily working on building my Scrivener project and detailing the new characters. Things are starting to flow!
Delete(I have a Mac too, going on year 3 and still trying to get used to it...so good luck to you!)
ReplyDeleteOn the writing end, yes, I have been away from my characters for a long period of time. I wrote two books (first and a sequel) back to back and exhausted myself. I went back almost a year later after working on other stories and began editing, falling in love with them again and enjoying their company. I found myself reading and rereading scenes with them.
Recently, a potential publisher asked me to cut book two into a 2nd and 3rd book and having to get back into their minds and write another 60K words is what I am finding to be hard. I write in spurts, thinking of what else I can put them through that will work and stay true to their characters.
Taking a break is a good thing. I think it relaxes your mind and makes you see holes/edits/issues within your story you would not have seen otherwise!
Thank you, Heather. Some great information shared and I appreciate it. I have a lot of new characters in this book so right now I'm working on fleshing those out. When I finally start writing I have to keep reminding myself to introduce the older ones from the previous books - I sometimes struggle with the "must stand alone" of series writing.
DeleteI worry the same thing. Then I reread my first book or what tidbits I've written in the second book, and they pull me back in, talking to me, grumbling at me, and all around keeping me away.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck getting back into the swing of things. I'm sure you'll do great once you get rolling.
Loni
Thanks Loni, working on the characters and general outline is helping. I'm already feeling the story grow!
DeleteI find it takes me a bit of time to get into it as well, but the upside is they're fresh again in my eyes again, as I have no idea what they've been up to since I've been away!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, I like that!! ;)
DeleteGosh, I love Evernote. I still find Scrivener a bit daunting.
ReplyDeleteI do get concerned when I've stepped away from a writing project for a long period of time. Somehow, though, when I return it often feels as if the space was needed so ideas could ripen.
Best wishes getting back into your project! :D
Thanks Tui, I'm putting more effort into building a good Scrivener project and LOVE that I found a way to copy characters and notes, etc. from one project to another.
DeleteGetting used to the new Evernote, still not positive if I like it. It was much simpler when I used it years ago. LOL!