tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post877241280886581824..comments2024-03-28T12:01:31.049-04:00Comments on Writers Who Kill: Jim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15090252530437277145noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-79080183249967042362013-09-03T13:34:50.792-04:002013-09-03T13:34:50.792-04:00I had to laugh when you talked about how sulky Cal...I had to laugh when you talked about how sulky Caleb got when you spent too much time away from him - I've had characters give me the cold shoulder, too!<br />The writing goes so much more easily without interruptions - but big uninterrupted stretches of writing time are hard to come by. They must be guarded jealously!<br />I LOVE my Evil Editor - I think I am more Evil Editor than writer. The Evil Editor must be kept at bay with a circle of salt and a firm promise that she will be able to get her hands on the manuscript - just not right now....Shari Randallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16425493627354028820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-14650270967518585532013-09-03T10:09:53.046-04:002013-09-03T10:09:53.046-04:00I work on one story then switch to another project...I work on one story then switch to another project if I get stuck or dissatisfied with what I’m writing. Like Warren, I look at an old story with new eyes after taking a break. The downside--I feel removed from my characters and it takes time to become reacquainted. <br /><br />Enjoy your beautiful new office, Carla.<br />Kara Cerisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16484336785514235707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-75101619742170121062013-09-03T09:57:15.346-04:002013-09-03T09:57:15.346-04:00I've gone through breaks and then had the evil...I've gone through breaks and then had the evil editor come out, exactly like you, Carla! My most recent MS just sort of fell out of me faster than anything else I've ever written. I don't usually write like that, but I felt like this book needed to come out like that. But I do usually appreciate stepping away from it after it's done and then looking at it with fresh eyes. If I can, I let it "marinate" for a good week or two before revision. I think it does help to get away from it, even after spending every day with it for 10 weeks.Sarah Henninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06822639126179367121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-77131369786180738742013-09-03T09:44:33.287-04:002013-09-03T09:44:33.287-04:00When I am editing one book, I find it nigh on impo...When I am editing one book, I find it nigh on impossible to write another. Therefore I end up with breaks all the time. <br /><br />I’ve found that one way to help me get back to writing is to make sure to stop at a non-stopping point. What that means is that I will stop smack dab in the middle of a scene—one in which I know how the scene will end. That allows me to reread that scene and jump right in.<br /><br />If the delay has been too long, I usually have to go back several chapters to catch up on everyone’s story line. I will only change typos, no other edits allowed.<br /><br /><b>Firm rule:</b> repeat after me. Fix typos, no other edits allowed.<br /><br />I know the first drafts will have problems and when the editor in me appears, as surely he will, I kick him aside by reminding him he’ll get his shot, but only in scenes that actually make the cut. That usually shunts his energy back into writing the first draft.<br /><br />~ JimJim Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15090252530437277145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-86868015084530826152013-09-03T09:36:59.057-04:002013-09-03T09:36:59.057-04:00It's fascinating how we have different approac...It's fascinating how we have different approaches, especially related to taking breaks. What matters is that we get back to it!carlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15985823239660829148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-62007767595343740112013-09-03T09:34:44.494-04:002013-09-03T09:34:44.494-04:00I had taken a break from writing and was finding i...I had taken a break from writing and was finding it hard to return. Then, I attended a book festival and listened to authors describing their characters with such joy. I wondered how to return to that feeling. I made a vow to start writing each day, even if I felt dissatisfied in the results. Sure enough, keeping at it brought back the joy. Listen to Caleb!Paula Gail Bensonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08843350597811462936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-22627077211188782772013-09-03T09:27:30.250-04:002013-09-03T09:27:30.250-04:00Like Gloria, I do not work straight through a nove...Like Gloria, I do not work straight through a novel. Sometimes when the writing seems stale I will leave it to simmer in it's own juices while I work on different material. After a few weeks or a month I return more energized. Warren Bullhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07789270258599769915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-36151694252111701342013-09-03T06:23:26.917-04:002013-09-03T06:23:26.917-04:00Carla, how nice to have a new and I assume, neat a...Carla, how nice to have a new and I assume, neat and organized office to work in. I hope Caleb cooperates and you get book #4 finished and out there soon because I can't wait to read his next adventure.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I have too many breaks in my writing. Right now I'm doing the final edit on my 3rd book after being away from it for months, and I'm actually finding it exciting. I'm rereading chapters I'd forgotten I'd written. Of course, I'm making some changes and edits I'd missed before but I'm also finding things I like a lot. But I'm not a writer, who works straight through without editing along the way. After I send my chapters to my critique partners as I finish them and get their input, I go back and do revisions then. I think no matter how many times I'd go back I could find new things to change. Sometimes it's best to just say it's okay and let it go. At least that's how it is with me.Gloria Aldenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581719606924364447noreply@blogger.com