The blog chain has finally worked its way over to me again. Eric had this question for us:
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of being a writer? What is your greatest reward from writing?
First, here's Ringo Starr to sing the theme song for this post:
Like many of the other people, lack of time for writing is a big challenge for me at this point in my life. When I was single, I could spend all evening in front of the computer. Granted, I was chatting and goofing off in addition to writing, but I was still able to devote significant time to it. Now it's not just the reduced writing time that I have to deal with, but the lack of "pre-planning" I can do before I sit down and write. There are so many other things competing for my attention that I don't think enough about my current projects. I've been compensating for this by trying to outline the sequel to Across Two Universes and create "character bibles" for Paul and his friends.
Although I've sold a story, it was far more thrilling to learn about the sale and see my name on the back of the anthology cover than to get my royalty statement. (Not that I minded that.) But for me, the biggest reward is the feeling of satisfaction I get when I finish a story. Even if it's just a rough draft that will require extensive rewriting, I know I've accomplished something.
This is the last post for this chain. Please go back to Eric's post and read through them in order, or work your way backward from Amanda's post. Another chain will be starting soon!
I agree the satisfaction of finishing a story is the best adrenaline. I can't even imagine what it feels like to actually see something you have written in print. So Congratulations to you for that achievement.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I love getaway write-ins. When there's nothing to do but write in a room full of writers, I get a lot done.
ReplyDeleteoh so true...nothing quite like that feeling of writing "The End." It's an incredible feeling of accomplishment :) Makes me excited to work on my book some more just so I can experience it again LOL
ReplyDeleteGood luck facing your challenges! I'd be interested to know if your planning for your sequel causes any revisions in ACROSS TWO UNIVERSES.
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, before I had kids, I had a lot more freedom to write when I wanted, whatever the hour, etc. I can say honestly that I was once drafting characters for a project and realized they were all named for my daughter's schoolmates. My mind was clearly elsewhere...
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the wonderful feeling of writing "The End." Definitely makes me want to dive in to working on something else.
Yes, it is soooo difficult to fit in writing when you have a husband and children. And a job! It's a wonder anyone gets any writing done. Great post!
ReplyDeleteFinishing feels better than starting sometimes. It's like that whole time you've been writing, you've been holding your breath. And when you type that last word and know that the draft is done, you can finally breathe again. Such a great feeling.
ReplyDeleteYou always know how to finish up a chain just perfect, Sandra. A Beatles song in the background? That's awesome. I am envious of what you're going through right now though, the seeing of your name on a cover, the act of working on a sequel. That is so cool - and so inspirational.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! More and more finding the time to write is a challenge. But finishing that story and seeing the words: The End is such a rush! :)
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you. Seeing my name under a Publisher's Marketplace deals listing was way more thrilling than the advance check!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, lack of time is huge. Even when I set time aside for writing, it always seem to get sucked away by something (or someone) else.
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