Congratulations to all of you who ran and finished the NaNoWriMo race.
This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but well, shit happens as does the holidays.
However, I so admire all of those who not only attempted, but finished over 50,000 words in just 30 days.
Wow! Way to go everyone!
Some think it’s an amazing exercise in productivity. Others like LAURA MILLER over at Salon.com thinks it’s a waste of time and energy. She contends that the writer will be disappointed in the quality of what is produced.
Not just one to get started, but question after question throughout a story is what keeps the reader turning the pages.
Everyone knows the standards, – What if? – Who, what and when?
But what about…
If you applied those questions over and over in each scene?
Will he succeed? Who pulled the lever? Who ran by? When will she recognize her true love? What is he doing? Who does that belong to? Where did it come from? How did she find that?
See where I’m heading.
Now, you head over and read the Jane Friedmans post and let me know did this help?
Tell me in the comments and join me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
Don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.
Thanksgiving is here and we are right on top of Christmas.
So what will you write now?
Where will you get your next big idea?
After you finish one project do you jump right into the next? Or do you get idea fatigue?
Whether it’s a home improvement, decorating, a big party, or a writing project, afterward I fight the dreaded fatigue fugue.
That’s what I call it. You know the feeling that you’ve given all you can give? When my brain is totally tapped out. I call that, fatigue fugue.
I convince myself that there couldn’t be another idea left in my tired old brain. But then when I least expect it a seed starts germinating.
Sometimes it starts with a word, a prompt, a comment by the grandkids (yes, kids do say the darnedest things), a news story, or a view.
Thinking-thinking-thinking
If you’re struggling with idea fatigue or stumbling into a fatigue fugue, start looking around, listening or free writing.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so head over to Pinterest. There is no end of ideas waiting there. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram can stir up emotions. People have lots of opinions that might start a conversation and lead to a great story.
Still need a jump-start? Clear back while I grab the cables.
The only thing new about an idea is the way you write it!
Even if it’s been done to death, no one writes it like you will.
So tell me, where did you get your latest idea? Are you searching for another?
The comments section is open and please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
Don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.
Jean's Writing 