Monday, June 24, 2013

Hitting a wall



I'm in the process of editing my latest book, and I've hit a mental wall. I'm having trouble even opening the document and looking at it.

What do you do when you run into a mental wall? Climb over it? Knock it down? Bang your head against it for awhile? 

Do you have any tips for getting me to the other side? 

Congrats, Jessica! My four-year-old drew your name in the key fob giveaway. :)

23 comments:

  1. Well, usually when I hit a wall it's because something is weak in a conflict or motivation. In my Write Man book there was a weak external conflict and my hero's internal was kind of iffy too. I couldn't figure it out and had to set it aside. I know I'll get back to it eventually.

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    1. That's what I'm worried about. If it's a story structure problem, I need to figure out how to fix it, but I'm so "in it" right now I can't see the forest for the trees. I have another book idea. I may start plotting it just to get a little break from this one.

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  2. I wish I did! I usually run into the wall with my rough drafts, not with editing. *hugs*
    Maybe print it out, since you're editing? That might make it less "yours" and more just another manuscript.

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    1. This is more like a rewrite than line edits, but maybe I need to print it out and read it so that I can see what the problem is. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  3. OOH, I just sent book two to my editor today after months of wall-hitting. Bubble baths seem to be my biggest inspiration. Haha! And honestly, lately working out on the elliptical while listening to music pumps me up.

    When it came to the actual revisions, what I really struggled with was figuring out the "muddle of my middle." So I went scene by scene backwards through my book to make sure the structure was solid (it wasn't) and figured out what I needed to change.

    Best wishes on your editing!!

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    1. A bubble bath sounds pretty stinkin' good right now. :) I am in the "muddle" right now. That's probably my problem!

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    2. Hmmm, backwards through the book Melissa? Sounds interesting.

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  4. You've got this, Julie!! I find that little rewards along the way help to motivate me!

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    1. Thanks, Lindsay. Time to go buy some chocolate ;)

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  5. I take a walk in an inspiring place or atmosphere. Watching an awesome sunset can do wonders. Spend a day away from the computer/phone - no FB, blogging, twitter, or anything else...these things can be time suckers and mind cluttering when there is a job to do.

    Take a moment to remember the writing that brought you joy.

    Don't worry, it will come flowing back...it always does. You're a great writer, Julie.

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    1. Thanks, Loree. I definitely have some time suckers and mind clutter working against me. Great suggestions!

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  6. This is a post I tweeted recently. It is not my own blog. It is just someone that I respect. It is about freelance writing, but it has some great suggestions for when you are stuck. http://productivewriters.com/2013/05/29/freelance-writing-ideas/

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  7. I usually have more than one WIP going at a time in various stages. Whenever I hit a wall on one, I jump to the other and it never fails the one I've been having a problem with keeps popping in my head. If that doesn't work, I turn on a movie and relax. Usually somewhere around mid-point of the movie, the solution hits! Good luck.

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    1. This is a great idea. I'm actually plotting another book right now. I may spend more time on that one until I can figure it out. Thanks!

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  8. Sometimes I find if I write a brief description of what's bugging me right before I turn off the lights at night and close my eyes - I wake up with a solution or a direction. Kinda like letting your mind wander, but with a purpose in mind. If all else fails, wine, wine and a little more wine!

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    1. Sounds good to me, Debora! Sleep and wine - the best suggestion yet. :)

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  9. Sorry I don't have any great suggestions to get over the wall. But I am here to help if you want to throw ideas around.

    I don't take bubble baths but I usually get good ideas in the shower!

    I'm not sure if I've hit a wall with my wip (just sent you more chapters), but after reading all the contest results I'm having a hard time re-doing the first chapter. So I'm working on a new wip! Much more fun!

    Good luck and let me know if can help.

    Sue

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    1. Thanks, Susan. I'm brainstorming a new idea right now. I may send it your way soon!

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  10. I listen to a good sermon or a motivational speaker whenever I feel like I hit a wall in my writing. Sometimes I declutter a section of my house. (Getting rid of physical clutter helps me get rid of the mental clutter.)

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    1. I hadn't thought about decluttering. That's a great idea!

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  11. Great discussion. I need to get over the wall too.
    Usually I take a walk and start talking the plot and motivations out loud.

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