When You're Process Isn't Working...
Sometimes you have to get rid of what isn't working to make room for what will.
It’s hard to share this. But I figure if I’m going through it, there must be others going through it too! So here goes…
I had to kill my baby. Oh, wait…before anyone calls the cops, not a real baby. The manuscript kind…It’s what you have to do when you realize the manuscript you’ve been working on for six months isn’t working.
But why?
I know how to write. I’ve written eight novels, two Webtoon comic series, three graphic novels, and tons of TV scripts…what’s changed?
Let the Dissection Begin…
I used to work on three novels (or scripts) at a time. I’d break up my day, giving each a block, usually waiting on the comic scripts until the evening when my brain is fried and goes in some seriously bizarre directions.
That all changed when I ended up on deadlines with a middle grade trilogy. I put things off to focus solely on the Kelcie Murphy series. I poured heart and soul and every ounce of my will and brain power into those three novels. The results paid off. The series is doing great.
Readers are happy, but I found myself having trouble getting back in the old groove.
So is it the groove that has to change or is it that I need to defog my brain of politics and the state of the world, and simply focus?
What is it I do control?
The instinct to constantly checked the state of the world, especially post the recent election in the United States is overwhelming at times. The need to know if something is going to change in your life, your kids lives…
Mine are in college and receive scholarships and grants, some from the federal government. So I see today that they’re holding all federal grants…sigh…but then oh, it says in another article that it doesn’t include college students…
…and on and on…like a game of volleyball, the emotional volleying between grief and relief is a serious time suckage…and you know what?
THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO TO CHANGE ANY OF IT. I wish my calls to my congress folks helped. I wish I could change so many things about what’s happening, but I can’t.
The Control Factor
So as of today, I’m focussing on only what I can control. My work.
Writing and producing.
I have at least five half finished books and comics, and three projects I’m producing right now, all of which I love so much.
Stick to a Schedule
For me, this has always been really important. I’m going to strive to go back to the way I used to work because it was very productive. Let me preface this by adding that both my kids are in college now so my schedule is more of my own.
Early Rise: Project 1: I’m an early riser and love writing with a fresh brain. So my first three hours are on my middle grade project that I owe my publisher. This I work on in Scrivener.
Exercise Break: I used to run for an hour to let story flow randomly, and to clear my head to move to what’s next. Then I hurt my back. Now I go to Orange Theory. It is a luxury, and not a cheap one, but I go five days a week and it has really helped my overall well-being. It takes about two hours out of my day (with drive time,) but I’m here to tell you that it’s worth it. If you’re on the sidelines about working out, and worried about starting, it’s a great workout for beginners or those seriously in shape. (No, this is not a paid promotion.
Afternoon: Project 2: This is going to be my script time and a change of software to Final Draft. That change is important, at least for me. I feel like I’m in a different place, not just because of the change of story, but the whole screen feels different.
Early Evening: Family Time. No explanation needed there.
Night: Project 3: Around nine, I’m ready do dive into something, but going back to the above usually results in me rewriting all the work I did that day. So it’s on to something new instead. A comic. Whacky and wonderful, and free-flowing, until I fall asleep around midnight.
When I worked full time and had kids in elementary, middle, and high school, the afternoon part wasn’t possible. I’d wake at five AM and write before work, then stay up until three AM on a second project. It was HARD.
You have to do what works best for you. Find the journey that makes you feel good as well as being productive!