And the Flood Gates Have Opened
I know. I know. I haven’t written in a few days, but it’s not because I haven’t been busy. I have been. I have a ton of stuff on my plate right now, and I’m trying to get it all done. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Today, after weeks of arguing with my short story’s main character about the story was headed in, the flood gates opened, and I was hit with a diluge of ideas. They hit me one after another, and I couldn’t type fast enough. It felt like the words were pouring from my fingers like a rushing waterfall. What a great feeling it was. I felt productive and alive.
I think part of the reason I’ve felt blocked and was having such a hard time with the plot was because I wasn’t allowing myself to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in the world that I was creating in the story.
Part of me was afraid to open up because this story is the total opposite of Second Chances. Where SC was filled with hope and love, this story is darker, grittier and filled with images that are a bit disturbing, at times.
Now that I’ve allowed the ideas to pour forth, I feel calmer and like I can truly bring this story to life. I knew the potential was there before, but I also knew I needed some kind of breakthrough in order for the story to reach its full potential.
I think, knock on wood, that I’ll have the first draft done by my birthday on July 2nd. After that, I’ll tackle another short story that’s sitting on my desk, begging me to finish it.
But for now, my sole focus is on my current short story. I want to hold that story in my hands and feel the weight of it. I want to see the end result. Am I scared by how it may turn out. Absolutely, but I’m also filled with anticipation because this story is unlike any other that I’ve written. So here’s to progress. Hopefully tomorrow is as productive as today was.
Edward G. Talbot says:
It’s amazing how stories take off. I have a very methodical, rational method of writing. I’d be the last person to say “I have to write”, the last person to talk about some creative flurry taking hold of me. I’ve never really had anything resembling writer’s block. I have one WIP that is stuck, but it’s not because I’m blocked, it’s because the story is flawed and I’m trying to make it work anyway because I want to get some things across (hint: bad idea).
In short, I am the opposite of many/most writers, yet even for me, I’m constantly having lines and concepts appear that I hadn’t even thought of seconds before they got out onto the page. It is simply part of writing fiction and it’s great. Usually it seems like most things in life, you have to let go of outcomes, before all the options start to present themselves.
Congrats on a productive day.
Nikki says:
It is great. Sometimes I place too many restrictions on myself, which really inhibits me. I know part of my problem is I’m afraid of what people will think of me if I truly let go. Will they think I need serious mental help?
But today I took the time to think about my fears, and I realized that it doesn’t matter what people think. I mean, it matters to me what everyone at TCA thinks, along with my friends and family, but if someone who doesn’t like me says they think I’ve got a few screws loose, does it really matter? No! Those that know me respect me for who I am, and that’s what counts. So from now on, it’s about staying true to me and writing what I want.
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Patrick says:
Write what you want, what you need to write. Any other way is going to lead to the terrible word we dare not utter in polite, writterly company. GO!
Nikki says:
I can think of several words we should utter in polite, writerly company. LOL!
Jenny Beans says:
I love that you are stepping outside your comfort zone, it makes me very proud of you. It’s not always easy to do that, but sometimes we have to listen when the characters speaking to us draw us into their world. They sometimes know what’s best for them, even if we disagree. You are awesome! <3
David Sobkowiak
Twitter: dsobkowiak
says:
Isn’t it a great feeling? I love that sensation. It’s like everything else stops and the novel becomes reality for just a little bit of time. Stepping outside your known comfort zone is a hard thing to do when it comes to something as personal as writing. Especially when you set those works free in to the world in the end. It’s a glimpse of a part of you that maybe you didn’t even know you had in you. I hope I can get a chance to read this some time when it’s complete. It sounds like it would be a great read!
Nikki says:
It can be really hard to listen, but I’m glad I am, even if I do end up with nightmares. It needs to be told.
Mary says:
Good for you for stepping outside your comfort zone! It’s such a great way to explore your creativity and it seems as though it is opening up new ways for you to express another side of your writing.
Keeping to a routine is good – but often looking at things sideways, backwards or upside down can really allow you to channel that inner voice.
Keep at it! Woo!
vange says:
I want to be that waterfall.
Nikki says:
David, it is a great feeling. You describe it perfectly. It is like time stops. I can’t wait until everyone can read it.
Nikki says:
Thanks, Mary. I’m definitely going to keep at it. I don’t like the nightmares and creepy feelings this story gives me.
Nikki says:
It is a beautiful waterfall. I wish I had pictures of the ones around here. We have some pretty ones.
vange says:
If you like waterfalls, look up Dunn’s River Falls; it is one of the most unusual in the world and very very cool.
Anne says:
I am glad it is moving ahead. There is nothing more frustrating than being being stuck.
Ang D. says:
I know how it feels to change tacks, tone-wise, on a new project … and how great it is to finally feel that rush of creativity! Good luck to you in meeting your deadline!
Nikki says:
I will have to check it out. I think waterfalls are breathtaking and relaxing. I wish I could live near one, so I could listen to it all night.
vange says:
The Dunn’s River falls are really unique. The water is carbonated and it’s these smooth rocks that ascend gradually…hard to explain.