I’d written just under 40,000 words of my latest middle-grade novel when it hit me: it’s not working. As in, not working as written. The story’s premise is solid (I believe), but the way I was telling the story was not working.
Yesterday I went all the way back to chapter two and tried again. The good news is that approach feels stronger. More sustainable. The bad news? Adopting that approach will mean scrapping a whole lot of those 40k words. Yikes. How could I get it so wrong?
Welp, as author Thomas Mann noted: A writer is somebody for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.
I’m feeling a bit discouraged. But like this House Finch outside my window today, I need to accept that I bobbled the initial landing.
And just keep on writing so that
I regain my footing in the story. It’s all I can do.
Tracy Abell 
Hang in there. : ) I admire anyone who has the discipline and endurance to write a book.
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Thanks for the support! I’m still at it. 🙂
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I’m glad it feels better this time around, Tracy!
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Thank you, Becky. One step forward, two steps back. 🙂
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Keep going, Tracey! Often I wonder who the writing is for and if it’s worth it as I stare at another blank screen or page. But it is! And it’s ultimately for us:)
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You’re absolutely right. Ultimately, if I didn’t care I wouldn’t put myself through this. Sending good writing vibes to you….
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how does zoom for writers work, do you need to record your words in advance,etc
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Zoom is a video call that allows you to see people while talking to them. No, you don’t record words in advance.
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thanks
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