The Hardest Part - Writers Forum

ActivateMyAccount · 04-14-2007, 05:09 PM

I've got a plot.

I've got a ten-page outline.

I've got characters.

Good characters.

I've done research.

I know what I need.

I've read books.

I've read articles.

I haven't written.

I've completed roughly 4,500 words of a 98,000 word manuscript, and I've slowed to a grinding halt. I know what direction to go in, and I have the skills and time necessary to get there, but I just can't get myself to write. This isn't writer's block. It's an extreme lack of motivation.

Suggestions? Experiences?

Thanks,

Peter

Cran · 04-14-2007, 05:23 PM

Hello ActivateMyAccount ...

it sounds to me like your framework is too rigid ...
eg, you expect a 98,000 word MS ...
and you may even have begun at the wrong place in your set plot ...
(been there, done that ...)
you've turned your story into a thesis assignment ...

If the story doesn't motivate you to write it,
then perhaps it is the wrong story?

ActivateMyAccount · 04-14-2007, 05:33 PM

Don't get me wrong, I love the story. I love the plot. The excitement I feel every time I add a new twist to it. For some reason, I don't feel the same joy when actually writing it.

I don't think it's because "the magic is lost" while outlining it, it's something else.

I just can't figure out what.

And the 98,000 word goal is simply an estimation from predicted scene lengths.

killned3 · 04-14-2007, 05:41 PM

If you don't write, you'll get nowhere. If you write, you'll get somewhere. The joy of having a finished manuscript in your hands. Possibly the joy of reaching your favorite scenes and writing them. Look to the future for motivation and, until then, just write. That's all you or anyone else should need.

Rob · 04-14-2007, 05:44 PM

Take up a different hobby, see if it suits you better.

Cheers,
Rob

ActivateMyAccount · 04-14-2007, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

Take up a different hobby, see if it suits you better.

Cheers,
Rob

Maybe you're right. I just don't understand how I can love the creation so much and be so turned off by the execution.

Cran · 04-14-2007, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ActivateMyAccount

Don't get me wrong, I love the story. I love the plot. The excitement I feel every time I add a new twist to it. For some reason, I don't feel the same joy when actually writing it.
I don't think it's because "the magic is lost" while outlining it, it's something else.
I just can't figure out what.
And the 98,000 word goal is simply an estimation from predicted scene lengths.

Have you considered writing screenplay treatments rather than novels?

ActivateMyAccount · 04-14-2007, 06:53 PM

Cran, I've thought about that, but don't know much about the process.

You think that would better suit me?

mammamaia · 04-14-2007, 07:08 PM

gotta agree with cran's first post!...

however, i beg to differ on his latest... no one makes money writing screenplay 'treatments' unless they're hired to do so by a studio/producer... treatments aren't sold... only completed, polished, professional quality screenplays are...

and screenwriting is the most specialized of all the writing arts/crafts... it takes years to learn and get good enough at it that you'd have even the ghost of a chance to sell one...

if you are having trouble getting going on that novel, maybe you're just not ready to tackle the writer's 'everest' yet... why not hone your skills on short stories, first?... maybe write one with a bit from your novel plot... that may inspire you to keep going and expand it to the full book...

if you still can't get started on the actual writing, then you may be one of the millions who are in love with the idea of being a writer, but lack the commitment and passion it takes to really be one...

i mentor both aspiring screenwriters and novelists, so if you want help with either, feel free to drop me a line any time...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

Cran · 04-14-2007, 07:18 PM

ActivateMyAccount, it couldn't hurt at this stage to at least have a sniff around the idea ...
I'm sure there is a scripts/screenplays forum here ...
have a look and see what you think ...
The only scriptwriter I know here is Kimba;
I'm sure there are others, but I haven't delved into their realm yet ...

but, just going by what you say your interests are ,
yes, I think you may well find it more suited to you ...

as with any form of writing, scripting is not easy ...
and you have to learn the basics ...
the formatting standards ...
scene setting ...
compress detailed narrative into brief clear direction ...
adjust dialogue so that audio and visual references do not become redundant ...
(remember that at all times added audio and visual dimensions will accompany your written dialogue) ...

scriptwriting is not a copout, or a fallback for wannabe novelists ...
it is a very demanding part of the writers' world ...

but it just might be what you are looking for ...

Cran · 04-14-2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammamaia

gotta agree with cran's first post!...

however, i beg to differ on his latest... no one makes money writing screenplay 'treatments' unless they're hired to do so by a studio/producer... treatments aren't sold... only completed, polished, professional quality screenplays are...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

But mamma, the kid's gotta learn to walk without falling over before taking to the stage!

making money is not the point, yet ...

right now, ActivateMyAccount has to know if scripting is his thing ...
if he can translate his plots and outlines into treatments ...
and then sit down and write the script or screenplay ...

oh ... some studios do buy treatments ... just not for very much ...
but a good treatment can lead to developing the script with backing ...
and a deadline ...

ActivateMyAccount · 04-14-2007, 07:42 PM

I think I'm just gonna fight through this. I know that doesn't sound logical, but I'm too in love with the plot to just let this go. It became an obsession to get to this stage, and I have no idea what prompted it.

I do know that I'd rather fight through this and finish it than just let it die here.

Cran · 04-14-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

mammamaia: why not hone your skills on short stories, first?... maybe write one with a bit from your novel plot... that may inspire you to keep going and expand it to the full book...

mammamaia makes a good point; if you think in terms of scenes, then why not focus on the scene or scenes that you can put down ... treat each as a short story or an episode ... and organise the chronology as they develop?

bob rulz · 04-14-2007, 10:04 PM

It could be that you need something fresh. A fresh story, a fresh idea. Put the story aside for a while, focus on something else, pick it up again later, and see if you get some more motivation to write it. You may still be excited by the plot, and you may still be excited by how it may turn out. But you may have been planning it out and focusing on it so long that you just need a fresh perspective. Putting it aside for a while will help. I had the same problem you do; I was very excited by my plot, but I spent so long planning it out and focused so much of my time on just that story, that eventually I just decided to put it aside for a while (but not forget about it completely; don't forget about it so much that you completely lose your interest by the time you pick it up again). About a week ago, I picked up my story again (I was probably about as far through it as you are; I don't really worry about word counts, so I'm not sure), and just not having the story be the focus of my life for a few weeks helped me gain a fresh perspective on it, and now I'm more motivated to write.

Perhaps this isn't your problem, I'm just throwing out an idea. But it sounds like this could be at least part of your problem. Hopefully this helped some.

gettingitwrite · 04-14-2007, 10:23 PM

Well, maybe this won't be helpful at all, but do you journal at all? Sometimes that's all it takes to flame the fire. Journal about something completely off topic, or about your story--either one may be helpful to you.

And perhaps you journal already, but this is just a thought. Good luck to you! I'm sure you will find your inspiration!