Likely apparent by my lack of presence here or on twitter (where I often chirp about writing accomplishments, curiosities etc. There has not been any lately - hence the absence): it's been a slow moving summer with regards to progress of any kind with my writing. Surprisingly, not because of the weather. To be honest, even that would serve as a decent reason, considering Vancouver has just experienced one of the best summers in a long, long time; definitely one of the driest. The beautiful, warm sunny days haven't been to blame for my word drought, though the major brick wall I arrived at during my editing proved to be nearly unsurpassable. I couldn't wander around it, I couldn't dig my way under it, nor could I scale it and jump over it. I was officially stuck.

     With the hopes of becoming unstuck, this past weekend I spent an afternoon surrounded by the talented writer's of RWA-GVC (Romance Writer's of America Greater Vancouver Chapter) who shared their experiences and advice regarding these setbacks. The meeting included many useful and informative workshops, for me the most useful (given my current state of limbo) was that given by Kate Austin on the 'ABCs of Revisions'. I found comfort in knowing that I haven't completely embarked on an impossible journey. Just because my feet seem to be stuck in concrete at the moment, doesn't mean I am forever stopped in my tracks along this road to publication.

     During Kate's workshop, I breathed a sigh of relief. Many writer's, even published ones, reach moments during editing that cause persuasive doubt.

     I reached a moment like this, with editing Tumble Into Me. While working in the much needed transitions between my scenes, I have woven in way more words than are ever needed into this or any other contemporary romance. Knowing this caused further dread with regards to editing because it was suddenly appearing endless. I could no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel. Soon I felt like I was doing this for nothing; that no matter how much time I put toward editing, I would never reach the finish line, and that thought is what stopped my progress for taking even one more step towards it.

     Now I am starting to envision that path again. It is much longer and windier than I have previously thought BUT now I think I know what I have to do to move forward. I need to start back at the beginning. Scene by scene, chapter by chapter, I need to remove most of what I have added during this editing pass. The story never needed more scenes, nor did it require more characters; it needs complete transitions in order for Tumble Into Me to flow properly for future readers. I'd do well to remember this!

     I also have to remind myself to take time during editing to keep my muse inspired by continuing to write creatively and read for pleasure: both to keep the inspiration and motivation alive. So while I am about to retrace my steps, I am eager to restart from the beginning with these and the ABCs of revisions at hand. Wish me luck! :)

    

          For as long as I can remember, I have had this ridiculous problem with finishing a writing project. I get about 96% of the way, I know exactly how it ends, even have the ending composed, but for reasons unbeknownst to me, I don't finish it. The unrelenting interest at which I write the story, staying up around the clock writing from scene to shiny scene, all comes to a silencing halt. My excitement goes elsewhere, usually in the likes of yet another project. It's probably one of the more frustrating things I deal with. 
          Last October I attended the Surrey International Writer's Conference - SIWC, with the hopes I would find some answers to why this might be a consistent roadblock for me and what I can do to overcome this. I don't feel this is a case of writer's block, per say - though who am I to say it isn't. While, I didn't find clear, concise answers or resolutions, I did confirm that I really do want to be a published author one day. To do that though, I still need to conquer this beast. Determined, I decidedly reduced my socializing, reduced my tv watching, and kept moving forward a page and a chapter at a time. Insisting that THIS time, it will be different. This time, because I want this more than ever before, I can get to the end of Gold and get one step closer to making this dream of mind come true. 
         I currently have at least seven works in progress, four including my current Going for Gold that are quite literally inches from the finish line, three more that are halfway through, awaiting their turns, and also have ideas for another four or five that keep distracting from the sidelines. I want more than anything to see all of these through to the end. 
          I've been steadily moving toward the ending of Gold for a while, editing in transitions and character traits / habits and the likes. I really thought I had the reigns and that everything was under control. Then, my interest waivered. I didn't want to look at my MS/WIP and suddenly found interest in almost anything else: removing cat hair from my area rugs? Sure! Suddenly, I had jumped miles ahead of myself and began envisioning future problems: worrying about not being able to finish the second and third books in the series in a timely manner that would meet requirements. Really? How about worrying about finishing this damn book already! The cart before the horse predicament - I had it polished! I was talking myself out of this before it got started. 
          The thing is, I hadn't even recognized the signs that my same ol' long time problem was rearing its ugly head once again. It wasn't until lunch at Greater Vancouver Chapter meeting of the Romance Writer's of America (RWAGVC), when someone asked me "Are you afraid of failure?" to which I had answered honestly: No. I feel confident that my stories will be well received. I'm confident in my writing and in my characters. She then asked me, quite pointedly, "Then, why are you afraid to succeed?" 
          Nothing has given me more to mull over than that short question. IS this my problem? If so, how do I far that head on? How do I climb over it so I can accomplish all that I hope to? Something tells me she was quite on point, though I am not sure why. And if I'm honest, I think this bleeds into other areas of my life. I think it's time to do some soul searching. If anyone has also dealt with these times of blocks and has suggestions of how to overcome them, I would very much love to hear them.