tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post2797189830043019666..comments2023-10-31T10:59:03.023-04:00Comments on INKSPOT Crime Fiction Blog | A Place for Mystery, Mayhem, Writing and Life: Ready...Set...Write!Linda O. Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512430135042480450noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-21197697635055560802013-03-08T05:39:44.585-05:002013-03-08T05:39:44.585-05:00Thanks, Jennifer, for the useful comments. I'd...Thanks, Jennifer, for the useful comments. I'd always heard how people can't not write too, and thought it was weird until it happened to me twice that I thought, phew, I'm finished with a manuscript, great, I deserve a rest, and almost immediately (within the next 48 hours) I realized how the sequel should start and, well, just started. Born to write!D.R. Ransdellhttp://www.dr-ransdell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-88156912812433464042013-03-06T15:13:17.721-05:002013-03-06T15:13:17.721-05:00Thanks for your thoughts. All of us who write at o...Thanks for your thoughts. All of us who write at one time or another have experience the "blank page syndrome." I generally overcome this by writing multiple projects at once. So if something just isn't working, I go to one of the other projects I'm working on. This may sound difficult - but it works for me.Jim Barretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03192753770669090115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-48457352690979793362013-03-06T14:23:59.335-05:002013-03-06T14:23:59.335-05:00Thanks for sharing -- and congratulations on the l...Thanks for sharing -- and congratulations on the latest book! I haven't stared at a blank page for more than a few seconds since I was a kid and my dad said, "If a man was holding a gun to your head and telling you you'd better write, you'd sure as h*ll find something to write about!" The only problem with his advice is that now, instead of staring at a blank page for hours, I spent the same amount of time writing stuff that I ultimately have to throw out because it's so bad. :) <br />JasonHunthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04111649472335165483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-66069754936508545282013-03-05T23:23:36.751-05:002013-03-05T23:23:36.751-05:00Even on a good day, starting a new book is hard an...Even on a good day, starting a new book is hard and scary. Add pressure from work (the bill paying thingy), family and myself and it seems an impossible task. But it is also exciting and challenging. I'm a glutton for punishment, I have a tendency to work two or more projects at a time. I'm starting two new projects at this time as well as editing a couple other projects. <br />Well, it that time, back to writing.<br />KatKat Hinksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06381877732736883715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-37610815055455475872013-03-05T23:14:57.428-05:002013-03-05T23:14:57.428-05:00Congrats on your new series. Starting anything can...Congrats on your new series. Starting anything can be scary, especially if it is something a little different. My issue is finishing. I blame it on the fact that I am a Sagittarius as opposed to the fact that I can be a procrastinator.Holli Castillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15976235735822063166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-58217458464283288352013-03-05T22:29:36.508-05:002013-03-05T22:29:36.508-05:00I am writing my first novel and I'm excited, b...I am writing my first novel and I'm excited, but I realize that not everyday is a writing day. It seems to me that once you make it, it doesn't get any easier either. I hope that I can make it, but I need to finish that book first!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01227097299948680236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-41683705211824366972013-03-05T21:11:09.142-05:002013-03-05T21:11:09.142-05:00You mustn't think about living up to anyone...You mustn't think about living up to anyone's expectations. Listen as the Muse sings, no matter what she has in mind, and write the book YOU would like to read.<br /><br />Shalannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05503978745207805622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-13219122654768993252013-03-05T20:11:56.406-05:002013-03-05T20:11:56.406-05:00Glad to know I'm not alone in my neuroses. Tha...Glad to know I'm not alone in my neuroses. Thanks to everyone who commented and Sunny for spreading the word on the post. :) xoxoJennifer Harlowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02009596779867407758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-10373342675827621262013-03-05T19:09:44.233-05:002013-03-05T19:09:44.233-05:00I have found that, as much as I enjoy receiving go...I have found that, as much as I enjoy receiving good reviews, they make it even more difficult to start the next book. It's frightening (and paralyzing) to have to live up to expectations.Ilene Schneiderhttp://rabbiauthor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-31222606655503688142013-03-05T18:53:29.231-05:002013-03-05T18:53:29.231-05:00Jennifer congrats on your new release. I'm gla...Jennifer congrats on your new release. I'm glad Sunny Frazier sent us to your post. It's amazing how a blank screen can be as menacing as a blank piece of paper, but you endure onto the first word. You're talented and of course a storyteller. augie Augiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17848187134055619150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-89705782038031400102013-03-05T18:22:32.775-05:002013-03-05T18:22:32.775-05:00I have to agree with Marja. No problem in starting...I have to agree with Marja. No problem in starting a book. It's at the end when you're doing the rewrites. Or even after that when you're re-reading and thinking am I really going to send this thing out and let somebody else read it? Or when you're waiting to hear from that other reader.jrlindermuthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09204855909246670628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-56910283480040471662013-03-05T18:04:20.593-05:002013-03-05T18:04:20.593-05:00You said it all. Writing is not unlike any other ...You said it all. Writing is not unlike any other career. You remain filledwith self-doubt no matter how long you've been at it and what you've accomplished. I'm no longer in academe and yet I still have dreams about failing to show up for my class the entire semester, not knowing where it meets and being surprised when I find out I must give an exam to them today. It keeps us humble and hard at work, I guess.Lesley Diehlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10552765934908042306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-36662233714877044592013-03-05T17:58:31.048-05:002013-03-05T17:58:31.048-05:00Ah, the pressure to begin a new book. I find it an...Ah, the pressure to begin a new book. I find it an exciting venture but a little scary when you sit down to write word one. However, if you've done your outline and some of your research, you should be feeling a little thrilled to actually begin writing. Once you get that first word/sentence/paragraph, then I'll bet it all start flowing and the tension will ease and you'll have fun writing it.Stephen L. Braytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14575880529198211433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-17064254573602786712013-03-05T17:54:01.356-05:002013-03-05T17:54:01.356-05:00Thanks for this most interesting post! Though I a...Thanks for this most interesting post! Though I am sure all professional writers here can relate, at least to some degree, with the mental turmoil described, each of us will have our own unique version of the writing experience. Like Velda Brotherton, I look forward to starting a book, and am a firm believer in writing advice I received even before I began my first book,(the non-fiction DEAR EARTH: a Love Letter from Spring Hollow, published 1995 and still in print). The advice? WRITE EVERY DAY. Keep up the momentum. Though our teacher meant write something on our book or another work in progress toward publication, I suppose, in 2013, writing blogs and similar output can be thought of s part of our write every day work. Still, working on my next novel is certainly my favorite type of writing. How about others?<br /><br /> Radine from the PosseRadine Trees Nehringhttp://www.radinesbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-62148244996643586372013-03-05T17:24:59.290-05:002013-03-05T17:24:59.290-05:00Congratulations on your wonderful success. Thanks ...Congratulations on your wonderful success. Thanks for the blog. It cleared up many issues I have about myself. I read the comments of the many successful writers who have responded. I offer my sincere congratulations to them also. I no longer feel that I am aimlessly floating around in the ocean by myself. My biggest fear was that I had written two books which only myself would ever read, and that is the reason I have been dragging on book three. Now I know my feelings are natural. Thanks, also, to the members of the Posse who have kindly offered advice and encouragement. Rick Johnsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-42593776372547223042013-03-05T17:00:28.093-05:002013-03-05T17:00:28.093-05:00I really wish I could say I can't relate to yo...I really wish I could say I can't relate to your "can't pick up the pen" problem. Some days my fingers hover over the keyboard and I run to solitaire on my desktop for escape. For me, my non-fiction book is a challenge but when I share my fears with other writer friends and they give me wonderful words of encouragement, they remind me of why I write --one of the most important constants in my life. May your Midnight Magic series enjoy continual success!<br />~Carole, The PosseCarole Avilahttp://www.caroleavila.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-10704481978248555312013-03-05T14:38:09.480-05:002013-03-05T14:38:09.480-05:00This is such a wonderful description of starting a...This is such a wonderful description of starting a new project! Congratulations on your latest release.Rebecca Wolf-Nailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00135288182352043220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-69879917427335184312013-03-05T14:36:50.980-05:002013-03-05T14:36:50.980-05:00Congratulations on the new book!
I don't have...Congratulations on the new book!<br /><br />I don't have trouble starting a book, it's everything that comes AFTER the beginning. And self doubts? I've got loads of those. Terrific post, and thank you for sharing.<br />Marja McGrawMarjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09528164359512905392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-63012703422484924992013-03-05T14:13:32.687-05:002013-03-05T14:13:32.687-05:00I sympathize, I really do, but as I wrote somewher...I sympathize, I really do, but as I wrote somewhere else, I reward myself when I finish a book with starting another. I look forward to that blank page and putting down those first words that begin a new adventure and interacting with new characters.<br />Congrats on your latest book. Sounds like a winner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-43837369474588791332013-03-05T14:12:09.030-05:002013-03-05T14:12:09.030-05:00I loved your reference to Newton and can totally i...I loved your reference to Newton and can totally identify. I tell people I am an "inertia writer": once I start it's easy to keep going; when I'm stopped, though, it's hard to overcome that blank page. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing--it's always nice to hear from a veteran writer and especially so about problems that seem to hit writers no matter how many credits you have to your resume. <br /><br />Good luck on the new novel!Patrick Linderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15809259272862241971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-18353153287832235702013-03-05T13:29:26.019-05:002013-03-05T13:29:26.019-05:00OMG, Jennifer-- the tyranny of the blank page. Wh...OMG, Jennifer-- the tyranny of the blank page. Who doesn't get the willies on Day One?<br /><br />The thing that has helped me most is, for years, the discipline of doing 10 minute prompts with my writer friends. Now when I set a timer, I start writing- it's automatic. My then-beau called it "bookending"-- setting a certain amount of time aside and doing only what can be done in that time period.<br /><br />I learned to never go beyond the DING! of the timer, but to give myself a reward-- a non-food reward if I was having a good day. A stretch, an amble through some fun online pages, a timed break to watch a taped, half-hour (22 minutes, actually) forensics lab mystery... stuff like that.<br /><br />You've started young and you are true to your vision. I envy you.<br /><br />Marta Chauséemarta chauséehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03220377163454979720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-76948271332620187062013-03-05T12:59:44.290-05:002013-03-05T12:59:44.290-05:00Who among us hasn't had a crisis of confidence...Who among us hasn't had a crisis of confidence from time to time. A reviewer who says "I just don't like your protagonist." The signing at a book store where nobody comes in. A long walk helps to put things into perspective for me. <br /><br />Staring at that blank screen - just start hiting the keys.Dachttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004321696572753739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-83960412630334608862013-03-05T12:52:32.659-05:002013-03-05T12:52:32.659-05:00I think all of us writers can relate to this one. ...I think all of us writers can relate to this one. Starting can be so so hard, but the knowledge of how much fun it's going to be once it gets going, that's what keeps us going. You are my hero today! Keep writing.John Brantinghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09355349090930672315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-54277630634556645562013-03-05T12:49:59.998-05:002013-03-05T12:49:59.998-05:00Well, Sunny got it right - again. This is a great...Well, Sunny got it right - again. This is a great post - particularly to writers. And we all have that fear. What if I spend 6, 9 months working on this and it turns out to be -- I'll be kind to myself -- not all that great? But in the end, that fear should just make us work harder to produce a book that we can say - Yeah. This is good.James Callanhttp://www.jamesrcallan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-88219213545845336812013-03-05T12:46:42.986-05:002013-03-05T12:46:42.986-05:00I can totally relate to your experience of startin...I can totally relate to your experience of starting a new book. By far, the most difficult part of writing one, for me, is starting it - even when I know how I want it to begin. Once I overcome my page one jitters, I get on a roll and the momentum builds.Patricia Gligor's Writers Forumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16801554698484928100noreply@blogger.com