I did just finish a revision (thanks to Diana and Tina) of my zombie short story for the anthology, so I haven't "just" been hanging out on Twitter and accomplishing nothing.
Some.
A bit.
Unfortunately, my brain started protested the lack of writing and the stories are already starting to creep in. I've long ago accepted that Writer's Block for me will consistent of setting up an actual blockade to stop the ideas rather than the opposite. They sneak in by way of the smallest "what if" that starts niggling it's way into a "hmm maybe" and then it won't leave me alone until I get it down.
I've been writing since October 2008 now... and I don't think I've taken more than a few days off at a time. I keep hoping that when I finish a manuscript... I'll get a few days break where I can focus on my own issues and the characters and their lives will drop out of my head. So far, it hasn't happened. I still have my mind obsessing over Secrets of Skin and Stone and then a short story idea started making noise this morning.
I'm also trying to decide what to do about Secrets of Skin and Stone after this revision. The agent I've been emailing back and forth with, requested a look, and I'd considered entering it into ABNA, but I think I'm letting ABNA slide through again this year. I could query on Secrets of Skin and Stone, but I just don't know... maybe I'll be able to make that decision after I hear from betas.
For those that don't remember, Secrets of Skin and Stone isn't just the gargoyle one, but the main character has OCD and is a cutter. The cutting scenes I ran by betas several times to make sure they weren't too much, but I'm still worried that it might bother some people. Plus, as you might imagine, the portrayal of OCD in a teenage girl is really personal. I'm just not sure how the whole thing will be received.
Anyway, this post is somewhat scattered, but I didn't want to fall out of the habit of blogging just because....
BTW, thanks to the five people that are helping me beta Secrets of Skin and Stone. I really appreciate all the beta volunteers who help me. Writing anything often involves a village for me and I appreciate my online village.
I'm in the same spot you are. I have Black as Ice, White as Bone out to beta readers and I can't start revising The Venus Mirror yet because the voices are so different.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking short stories might be the way to go. I've got a couple just for fun projects I keep on reserve for times like these.
Also, speaking as someone who's read a ton of YA in the last three years, I think you should keep whatever is necessary to the story in the story, even if it's disturbing. There are YA books out there about cutters, meth addicts, hoarders, bi-polar disorders, rape, violence... but I haven't read a lot of books about OCD.
If Secrets of Skin and Stone feels too personal to query, I understand. But I believe to the core of my soul that every writer has a story in them that no one else does. And the world needs that story. Someone has to speak for the kids who can't speak for themselves.
For me, it's marginalized duel-culture kids. For you maybe it's teenagers with OCD.
Whatever happens, I'm rooting for you.
PS. If you're still worried about how personal or intense your book is, you should read Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves. Seriously.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Bleeding-Violet-Dia-Reeves/dp/1416986189
Don't feel bad about falling off the blogging horse. It's comfy down here in the mud. You can even make squelching sounds if you wiggle just right.
ReplyDeleteBut do bring some vodka when you arrive. I'm getting low.
Also, your books really do sound awesome, darlin'. Keep writing. You'll get there.
Miriam, thanks... I think you're right about everything... including short stories. I hate to rush beta readers, but my brain doesn't want to let go. Wow on Bleeding Violet. That's got a bit of everything in it. Just... wow.
ReplyDeleteSimon, *squelch* *squelch* That is somewhat fun, isn't it? Now, I'll just need a three hour shower and a gallon of bleach. Dude, I wouldn't even know what kind of vodka to buy. I've never even bought cooking wine. LOL. You'd end up with paint thinner to drink. That'd knock the lush right out of you. ; ) Thanks. Mwah! Mwah!
Yay for online writing villages :-) They make me happy.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to work on something in the meantime, you could search for random internet prompts? Or do writing exercises. I like the book 'The 3 AM Epiphany" It has lots of very short fiction prompts/exercises :)