by Mindy Obenhaus
When
writing a book or tackling any big project, there’s always that initial excitement.
We’re champing at the bit, eager to get started. The gate opens and we’re gone.
We plow through chapters one, two and three before heading into the turning points
of chapters five and six. Then, we find ourselves a little winded. We lose
focus and wonder which direction we were heading. What’s going to happen next? What
am I doing?
Doubt
soon sets in. It just isn’t working. This was a horrible idea. I can’t do it. Before
we know it, the whole process feels more like a chore and we're ready to give up.
We’ve
all been there. We whine, we cry, we want to start over with another story. Because
let’s face it, there’s no better feeling than new-story love. It’s bright and
shiny, perfect in every way. Until you get to that sagging middle.
So today I thought I'd share some tips to help you stay on track with your story.
Plan
ahead – Both
long-term and short-term. Long-term involves plotting (the pansters just
cringed) or at least having a list of things that you want/need to happen during
the course of the story. A roadmap that will keep you heading in the right
direction.
Short-term
are those breaks between writing sessions. Ponder the next scene. Setting,
dialog, conflict. I get some of my best ideas when I’m doing mundane things
like loading the dishwasher, doing laundry or getting ready for bed. Make notes
on your phone or a notepad that will rekindle that same enthusiasm the next
time you sit down to write.
Optimum
performance times – When
are you most productive in your writing? After breakfast or after lunch? Late
at night after everyone else has gone to bed? Or early in the morning when you’re
the only one awake? Do you write well when there’s a lot of activity going on
around you? Or do you prefer quiet?
It
took me a while to realize that I always write better after lunch than I do in
the morning. As a full-time author, though, that doesn’t mean I get to take
mornings off. Instead, I use mornings for all of those other things the writer’s
life entails. Email, social media, blogging, post office runs… By getting all
of those other things off of my plate, I’m free to write all afternoon without
anything hanging over my head. If I try to write, knowing there’s a list of
things I still need to tackle, guess where my mind is? It’s on that list, not
my characters.
Figure
out your optimum performance time and you’ll be more productive.
Brainstorm – Talking through your story with
someone else can reignite that flame of excitement, make you eager to get back
to work and head right on into that final stretch.
Reward
yourself – Is there something
you really want to do, but you know you have to get a scene written? Use that
as your motivation. Maybe you’re reading a book you can’t wait to get back to.
Same thing. Push through that scene or word count, then treat yourself to a
reward. Go wander through your favorite store or dive back into that book you’ve
been reading with no guilt hanging over your head.
Step
away – There are times
when the words simply get stuck. Or we can’t wrap our brain around a particular scene.
Give yourself permission to walk away. Step outside for some fresh air, read or do some research for
your story. Sometimes just taking that little break and redirecting your mind
will cause the floodgates to open. And before you know it, you’re off and
running again.
Writing for publication, particularly if you're on deadline, takes determination and sticktoitiveness. But if you can keep the momentum going, you'll soon find yourself racing across the finish line.
What motivates you to push through a difficult project? Leave
a comment to be entered to win an advanced copy of my July release, A Father’s Promise. (US mailing addresses only, please)
Is
he ready for fatherhood?
He doesn’t think he deserves a family… But now he has a daughter.
Stunned to discover he has a child, Wes Bishop isn’t sure he’s father material. But his adorable daughter needs him, and he can’t help feeling drawn to her mother, Laurel Donovan—a woman he’s finally getting to know. But can this sudden dad overcome a past tragedy that has him convinced he’s not meant to be a husband or a father…and make a promise of forever?
He doesn’t think he deserves a family… But now he has a daughter.
Stunned to discover he has a child, Wes Bishop isn’t sure he’s father material. But his adorable daughter needs him, and he can’t help feeling drawn to her mother, Laurel Donovan—a woman he’s finally getting to know. But can this sudden dad overcome a past tragedy that has him convinced he’s not meant to be a husband or a father…and make a promise of forever?
Three-time Carol Award
finalist, Mindy Obenhaus, is passionate about touching
readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous,
manner. She’s a multi-published author of contemporary Christian romance,
and lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two
sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or
snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren,
cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
Good morning, Mindy! This is such sound advice, on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteI always plan ahead... not my books, but my schedule. The world would probably not see me as organized, per se, because around the house I have several half-done projects but that's because I can be patient with those. I can't keep editors waiting. So I make sure my writing time is useful in some way and I do mini-rewards, too! That keeps me focused. And...
Is this because I'm a New Yorker???? Kind of bossy?
When something gets tough either in the writing world or just the world at large (like now) I do physical things. Right now I'm laying a formed concrete sidewalk at the back door, and hauling 45 pound bags of gravel gets rid of a lot of built-up tension. :)
And placing the concrete pieces which my son salvaged from a local country club when they took them out is another form of very good exercise. :) I find that using the physical outlet helps me to stay focused on my writing time. And it's less controversial than kicking someone.
That is so totally frowned upon!!!!!!
I think releasing angst and worry through physical work is the best tension reliever ever, and it gives us time for quiet prayer because I promise you, no one is standing in line to take the chore from you. :)
Thanks for this bunch of good reminders.
Ruthy, I agree with you about the half-done projects. Since COVID 19 hit I Have Not.. cleaned a closet, knitted a scarf or anything else, organized family photos, baked bread, taken up any kind of new hobby, taken up a musical instrument, or done any more yard work or gardening than I usually do this time of year. What I have done is write. Lots of it. Because I know this much time to write will never come my way again.
DeleteRuthy, hauling 45 lb bags of gravel won't only help get rid of built-up tension, it'll build muscle, so go you! Gravel and concrete. My muscles would be screaming. And half-done house projects are usually the name of the game. We get used to looking at them until we overlook them.
DeleteKathy, I love that you've been able to look at this challenging time as a gift. Great perspective.
DeleteRuthy, this reminds me of something a coworker told me years ago, when I had first started teaching. She worked part time at a Goodwill as a stocker, in addition to her job in education. At first, I thought, ewwww, manual labor, why would you do that?? Then she explained that it wasn't just the extra money; it was the release that the physical exertion provided for her. It's actually how she was able to handle the stress of her job at school (and she had a very stressful job working with students with behavior issues). It really changed my perspective and taught me about my own body and health, as well. I became jealous of her as the year wore on, because she was the most calm and productive of anyone I worked with, despite the nature of her position. Since then, I've tried to get plenty of movement in, especially if my pen runs dry, as they say. But now that you've reminded me of this, I think I don't do enough heavy lifting. Maybe it's time to hit the weights? But our yard could use a concrete sidewalk, so why not? :-) Thanks for this reminder!
DeleteRachel, your friend and I would get along fine. I worked in behavioral ed for 9 years and my night job was waitressing.... and honestly the part-time waitressing was the paid stress reliever from dealing with the day job... and not the kids. They were mostly manageable, but there are a lot of folks in positions of power (small power, but flexed with mighty muscle, if you get my drift) who really had no experience with kids or who were so liberal that I knew I had to just hush up... and do my best. My joy was eventually opening my own daycare and being able to work with parents and kids first-hand, not with someone else's idea of rules for the five minutes a week they were around.
DeleteI think I'm bossy. :)
SHOCKED FACE!!!!
That busy-ness helps me and it gets stuff done.
And I haven't punched anybody yet, so there's that. (laughing... but it's pretty much true.)
Mindy, your posts always hit me right where I'm at--in a good way! I'm not always good at sticking to a project, so I've made the decision with this WIP that I'm going to see it through. I've brainstormed with some people and that worked great. I gave myself most of May off, so I'm kind of excited to get back into it and this post came at a perfect time. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAnd the designers have really knocked it out of the park with your covers lately. This one is so sweet!
Glynis, you haven't seen me sitting on your shoulder, have you? ;) I hope you're excitement carries through to the completion of your project. If it lags, then brainstorm some more.
DeleteYes, I love this cover. Adorable baby, cute guy, gorgeous setting... No wonder it's my favorite ever.
I find these wise words can apply to whatever we have to tackle. What motivates me is to think of what I can do that I enjoy after finishing that difficult project. Blessings
ReplyDeleteLucy, isn't this a great post? A metaphor for life.
DeleteLucy, you are so right. The satisfaction of completion and being on the other side always feels wonderful and should definitely be celebrated.
DeleteThese are good ideas, Mindy, and appropriate for anyone at any stage of the writing life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about plotting and working through story issues while you're doing mundane things. I plot while I'm driving, which is not always a good thing.
Writing is a discipline. I had to learn it through journalism. You don't wait to be inspired when you're writing up a selectman's meeting. You just don't. But "our" kind of writing is another matter and it does go down a lot easier if we're enthusiastic about it.
If you know your characters up front, really know them, they will take over at some point, and then you just have to keep up with THEM. But it's still work.
Please enter me in the drawing. Starved for books. Curbside service and online ordering isn't the same as browsing. I did order Teri Blackstock's "Restoration Series" and it came in the mail yesterday. Appropriate for this time.
A short one today, my husband is on vacation and we need to find places that are open in spite of COVID. A daunting task.
Your Kaybee
Kathy, writing is, indeed, a discipline. That's why the world is filled with unfinished manuscripts. I love it when my characters take over. But not so much when they're tight-lipped. And then there's the challenge of them throwing you a curveball.
DeleteI hope you and your hubby are able to find some fun/interesting places today. Enjoy your day together.
Mindy, your tips are very helpful. I've always thought of myself as the queen of half-finished projects. Been working on that and am please with my process if I can toot my own horn:)
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading "A Father's Promise" last night. It was such a good read! Thank you for your work. Oh, and it may or may not be responsible for an unfinished project or two. Blame has to go somewhere right? HAHA
Pat, so long as you enjoyed the story, I will be happy to shoulder the responsibility for your unfinished projects. And yes, you are always allowed to toot your own horn here at Seekerville. Congratulations on your progress!
DeleteHi Mindy:
ReplyDeleteI'd like to suggest what James Patterson does and that is make each scene its own chapter with a hook into it and a cliff-hanger out of it, while at the same time, having each chapter change the trajectory of the story. This in turn makes each new chapter like the start of a new book. (This may restore some of the original excitement of starting a new book.)
Doing all the above should keep the story fresh and exciting. Patterson also endeavors to create or answer several questions that the reader just has to have answered before they can put the book down. This makes for a fast read even for a 450 page book.
Of course, all this is not easy to do. Patterson says he does six to seven edits of his books to keep improving the read and these are additional edits done after the book was already 'good enough' to be published.
If you can do this you may also sell more fiction than anyone else…just like Patterson does.
Good luck.
You make some good points, Vince, however, not everyone can write like James Patterson. And those short chapters he does won't work for every genre. Nor would they be allowed by many editors. So, we each have to learn what works for us and what will keep us motivated to press on to completion.
DeleteVince, I've learned that I can't write the way you describe James Patterson's method. I think I would go crazy editing my book six or seven times! Instead, I edit as I go, and go back at the 25% mark, the 50% mark, and the 75% mark to revise again and polish. I'm sure my method would drive James Patterson crazy!
DeleteI haven't read any of his books, though. I'll have to try one before I say I wouldn't try his method. ;-)
Vince, I'm so glad you love Patterson. I loved when he did cameos on Castle.... that was such a good show before they messed it all up...
DeleteBut having said that, the one thing I love about writing is that King has his own way, Patterson has his, Roberts has hers, Liz Curtis Higgs has hers, and I think we all puzzle along until we find our own curve... and you know me, I've got my work in front of me every morning, but for my family who aren't morning people, their brain isn't functioning at that level for hours. Once we find our own rhythms, we find a niche.... and that' helps productivity.
But that's probably different from writer to writer, don't you think? What works for you?
Hi Mindy:
DeleteI was just showing one way to write a novel that would help avoid sagging middles and keep a writer fresh and enthusiastic about writing the book. Patterson is not the only one to write this way. Mary Higgins Clark and Lee Child also write along these same lines.
What is so interesting to me is that Patterson calls this 'method' his brand. It works for him in all genres and age groups. As far as I know he writes in all genres and he does not use pen names because his book covers clearly look like the genre of book they are.
I am still trying to learn Patterson's system. Knowing how to do those six or seven edits is the key. I'll have to say more about this later.
I agree that all writers should write in the way that works best for them. This is why I feel it is so helpful to read about the many different ways writers write as any one or combination of those methods may be the best for a given writer.
Hi Jan:
DeleteI was at first puzzled by Patterson saying he did six to seven edits to make the story better. I am sure he was not talking about the normal editing process. Patterson was in advertising for many years before he wrote novels. In advertising copywriting edits are very different. I know because I was in advertising for about as many years myself.
For example: in direct response advertising the goal is to increase the sales an ad produces. In direct response the produced sales are measured to the last unit. It has been proved, over and over again, that an ad with simple changes in the headline can increase its sales by up to 20 times! This was with just a change in the headline alone.
Changes in the body copy can also greatly increase sales. The Direct Marketing Association had a checklist, I would use myself, of over 500 ways to improve the sales potential of a given direct mail piece. Everything is tested. This has been going on for over 100 years! A whole lot is known about how to do this.
I believe Patterson is 'editing' to increase the entertainment value of his stories. That is, make them up to 20 times more compelling and satisfying to read and enjoy. These edits are not about becoming good enough to be published. They are about creating stories that sell more books than anyone else.
Think of it this way: a writer writes a comedy that gets 2 1/2 stars for being funny. A better writer edits the copy and it now earns 5 stars for being funny. These were very different edits than the kind writers are used to. BTW: the better comedy writer did not change the story!
Patterson knows how to do this better than anyone else. I see what he is doing and I well understand the adverting principles involved. I am now outlining a book on how fiction writers can learn how to edit in this way. However, it takes a lot of edits to do this well. A great edit in the middle of the book may require small edits in the start of the book and in the final chapters. This is hard to do and the author really has to know just what is in his book. But then Patterson starts a book with an 60 to 80 page outline. He knows where things are.
Hi Ruth:
DeleteI keep changing my methods of writing a book. It's kind of like trying new diets to see if one really works and if it works can I stay on it?
Right now I like to start writing with a great final chapter. I want a final chapter with a cascade of HEAs one after the other. Each comes as a surprise to the reader who thinks the book has ended only to be given another HEA. Hallmark romance movies do this often very well. It seems so impossible that they were able to do this and me not seeing it coming that I believe only a team of great writers could ever manage this.
Once that great chapter is written it serves as a 'shiny city on a hill' -- a kind of beacon of light in the darkness to show me the way to the promised land when I am the sinking into a sagging middle or lost in a sea of despair. If I can just get to that ending, I know I'll have a great book. Writing then becomes a journey to find my way home! And with that beacon I will be able to see the light.
I now believe that Patterson type multi-edits will make this approach much more likely. Can't wait to find out. :)
Mindy, this is some great advice! I really need to figure out my best work time. Believe it or not, I still don't know that. Maybe because my daily life is so variable with caregiving and having adult kids at home off and on. I'm still having to snatch bits of time to write. But when I do have a full day, I need to know the best schedule to stick to.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea of trying your method of getting the distracting items done before lunch!
Missy, you sound like someone who knows exactly what I'm talking about when I refer to those things hanging over our heads. They will torment us to no end, won't they?
DeleteYes, they do, Mindy. I have been thinking that writing first thing in the morning was the best method for everyone. So I've been doing my devotional and then trying to jump in on my story. But then I suddenly remember I need to go post on the Seeker FB page. And then I see my email box while I'm online. And then all my plans get shot to pieces. haha
DeleteMindy, Thank you so much for these helpful tips. I would add that sometimes it works to not just step away from our current project, but also to work on another one. Maybe one that doesn't have a deadline, but is purely self-indulgent. You just pull those puppet strings and plop the characters exactly where you want and make them do and say exactly what you want—it doesn't even have to make sense. I've got one going now, and who knows if it will ever reach completion or be readable, but it sure is fun to work on and a nice break when I've hit a wall on the story that absolutely must be wrapped up and tied with a bow, without question.
ReplyDeleteAlso, OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE TIMES! That is huge, and one of the reasons I chose to quit my day job to focus on writing. People sometimes don't understand that we can't always perform on command or when it's convenient. We have to listen to ourselves and pay attention to when our best writing takes place. Thanks again for this great post, and one more thing—I'm reading Reunited in the Rockies now and loving it!
Rachel
Rachel, you are so right about working on another project. Even if it's simply brainstorming something else, it's another way to get those creative juices flowing again. You never know what will spark an idea.
DeleteSigh. If only we could perform on command. I've never been good at that. I hope you enjoy the story, though. ;)
Great tips. I’m a planner and I like the discipline of daily habits. In my writing desk is a drawer full of good chocolate and when I make my goal I get to open it. 😊
ReplyDeleteDalyn, sound like you've got handle on just what motivates you. ;)
DeleteThese are great tips! Im wrapping up my plotting/planning of a new story. Last night, I was ready to throw in the towel but am back at it today :) I'm sure I'll be coming back to this post over the next few months.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Tonya. Sometimes we need a little separation before things gel the way we want them to.
DeleteThank you for this post, these are really good points. Right now I am doing a 100 day 100 word challenge and I have to stick to one project so this is really helpful.
ReplyDeleteThat's excellent, Angeline. Bite-size pieces that show us we really can accomplish what we set out to do.
DeleteMindy, Thank you for this great post. And a huge thank you for talking about your best writing time as after lunch. In the past few months, my best writing time is in the early afternoon although I hope it will return to mid-morning in the fall. I think, for me, there are different kinds of motivations: motivations to write every day, motivations to finish the book. I love your previous comment about bite-size pieces, and I do write with a 25 minute timer so I can concentrate fully for those 25 minutes and I try to schedule my writing so I have at least 5 or 6 of them a day. Thanks for the blog.
ReplyDeleteTanya, things are always different in the summer or whenever the kids are home from school. Schedules change for all of us, so we have to learn to adjust those prime times. And those bite-size pieces will get the job done. The key is to stay motivated.
DeleteMindy, this post is spot on.
ReplyDeleteFirst, my year so far has been starting one project after another. Not having a contract means that I needed to work up some proposals to send out...synopsis, first three chapters...all the easy work before the nitty-gritty kicks in. Now I'm working on a mystery, and I need to finish the story before I write the proposal, so now I'm in for the long-term for the first time in months. It's hard. :-)
Second, finding that prime writing time in the day is so important. I believe that part of it is working with your personality (i.e. needing to have an empty plate before writing, or writing before anyone else is awake, etc.) and part of it is habit. Once you've settled in for an after lunch writing session every day for a couple months, that becomes the sweet spot.
And now it's after lunch and I need to dive into my WIP.
Contract or not, you've had a busy year, Jan. I admire you for keeping up that work ethic and creating momentum. It would be easy to just sit back and wait, but you're still working your dream job and I have no doubt that will pay of big time.
DeleteMindy, such a great post! I can relate to everything you said. Love the mention of new-story love. So true. That story looks so easy to write at the onset. Then reality hits. As you noted, that pesky middle of the book is often a huge hurdle to get over. Once I'm into the climax, my excitement returns and the book writes itself straight to the ending.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I find the afternoon is a good time to write. My mornings are usually filled with household activities, with church and prayer, with chores. After the lunch dishes are done, I'm ready to spend time at my computer as I tackle my story!
Love your cover! A guy with a little one in his arms always tugs at my heartstrings! Your book sounds fantastic!
Debby, I'm the same way. As I near the end I have to force myself to break away to eat/sleep. If only the entire book would write that way.
DeleteGreat post, Mindy. I should be writing now, but I had a dentist appointment this morning. When my day gets messed up I find it hard to get back on track. That is something I need to work on. I am also back to work part time at the book store. Right now I am not ready to work with customers, so my boss is giving me mornings to work on inventory. Usually the summer is slow and I don't get many hours, but since we have reopened limited hours, she is actually giving me hours nearly every day! I will take it when I can get it, especially as I was off for two months, but I need to make good use of the rest of my day. I am actually finally trying to move forward on my WIP. I have struggled with how to begin revisions. But I went through some of the articles on that topic in the Seekerville archives as well as finding some online. I printed them off and now taking notes and even though everyone has a slightly different process, they all are similar enough for me to get the idea of how to begin. Full speed ahead as soon as I finish my note taking!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of the book. Please put me in the drawing.
Sandy, these last couple of months have messed with everyone's groove, so don't feel bad. You just need to acclimate and then find a way to work around your new schedule until you find your "new" optimum performance time. It may take a while, some trial and error, but you'll find it. Hang in there.
DeleteSandy, I'm glad you're getting extra hours! And also glad you're finding some helpful posts on editing/revising. Hope it goes well!
DeleteMindy, sad to say there is usually only one thing that motivates me to push through - DEADLINE! I am woefully inadequate at self-motivation.
ReplyDeleteAs a confirmed mister (which I prefer to pantzer), I would love to see a post on HOW people plot ahead. Like the nuts and bolts of what you do when you sit down to plot. My brain really doesn't work that way, but supposedly you can learn anything with practice, and it would be much more efficient.
Mary Cate, deadlines are always great motivators. As far as plotting ahead, here's a simple tip. Continually ask yourself, "What happens next?" You may not use everything you think of, but you have a rough progression of story.
DeleteMindy, that works for me when I'm actually writing it, but not when I'm thinking ahead.
DeleteI feel like that about every book at some point. I look at it and think, I don't have enough story to go 80,000 words.
ReplyDeleteOr
This is a really good novella packed into a novel.
And yet you always make it work, Mary. I'm glad to know that we're in good company.
DeleteMy best writing time is late at night.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that's right or reasonable or good.
But it seems to be true.
I can't seem to change.
Shame on me!!!
Mary, if it works, why change it?
DeleteMy time is before noon if I want to be at my best. Rewards...a checkmark in the bucket list (hahah) but rather the satisfaction if I carried through on the Covid Premise. What if...I was able to finish my novel and send it to a LI line? What if I finished an entire Bible study? What if... I need to keep moving?
ReplyDeleteIt would be moving past those past self discussions and arguments. On a less and more realistic note (haha) some real chocolate, a cup of tea and time with a far away good friend. Please enter my name in the drawing. I am starved for new literal paperback as I revive the art of sitting on the back porch before it gets too hot.
Olivia, I would happily join you for that chocolate and tea. :) Sounds as though you've found your optimum performance time. And, oh, the what-ifs? Some are good, some can drive us crazy. Enjoy that porch time.
DeleteThis was so good! I have "what am I doing" thoughts all the time!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Jenny, I think we all do.
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