Some people a really good book is a roller coaster. Personally, I hate roller coasters. I prefer log rides: big buildup, exciting drop, a lot of really cool things to look at... The really good ones give you pyrotechnics toward the end that you have to "escape" by the long drop into the cool water at the end. I feel that way when I'm really into writing a book, too.
Now imagine how it feels when the ride stops in the middle, and the attendant makes you get out to ride the merry-go round and the tilt-a-whirl awhile before bringing you back to the ride, right where you left off, to finish your ride.
That's kind of how I'm feeling about Neeta Lyffe. I had to stop cold a couple of weeks ago in order to get ready for Rob's promotion, Amber's quinceanera, and of course the Catholic Writers Conference Online. All fantastic events that frankly, mean more to me than the book, but now they're done and it's time to get back on the log ride and the momentum is lost.
So how do I gain it back?
Reread. Going back will let me re-experience some of the excitement and remind myself where we were going.
Rewrite. Lots of authors do this--go back over the past couple of scenes of chapters and make tweaks or redo a scene. Not only does this get you back into the story, but (especially when you've been away awhile), you have a fresh perspective.
Re-imagine. I've gotten out of Neeta's Lyffe for a couple of weeks. I need to spend some time walking in her shoes, or rubber waders as the case may be, and swinging her chain saw.
Talk about it. Just sharing this with you is making me excited to write again. Time to get back into the log!
Pyrotechnics? Bring it on!
1 comment:
I go back over previous chapters, doing a little editing, to get myself on a roll again.
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