So, some of you may have noticed (actually, i hope no one has noticed) that on this blog I have made several "ballpark" estimations of when I would be finishing PAMR, my work in progress. Some of you may have watched those estimated completion dates creep by, like the thief in the night. Fact of the matter is, this novel is taking a bit longer than I expected.
Here are three reasons why.
Don't be alarmed! Those are not invaders from another planet! Those are kids. My kids. And in case you didn't know, kids kinda take a lot of time. There's this whole feeding thing, and bathing, and cleaning up after them, and, you know, talking to them and stuff. Yeah, it takes a bit of my time. Just a bit.
MOVING! If I were to write a memoir about this year in my life, that would be the name of it. From Fall of '08 to Fall of '09, I will have moved roughly five times. I'm moving again this Saturday. YAY!!!! I wish you could all see my huge grin right now! *Squinty smile*
I've said it before, but I'll say it again, my Inner Editor is a harsh task master. ESPECIALLY for this book. I mean, just look at her! Here's an example: February 12, 2009 (entry date in my writer's notebook,) I was going along swimmingly in my writing. In fact, I had nearly reached the big climax in the story. Well, then Inner Editor decides that there are TWO HUGE plot arcs that need to be fixed. And fixed before we go a step further in the story. *sigh* It's meant a lot of work, and a lot of time. Don't get me wrong, the story, and the climax for that matter, will be so much stronger. But still. Time. So there you go. Make of it what you will. If you speedy writers, who write a book in a month/two weeks wonder what in the heck is taking me so long, now you know.
12 comments:
Lol, all worthy reasons! That inner editor...only barely worthy. I shall wait patiently to see the rest of Jetta's story:)
Ren, Ren, Ren.....this actually is a VERY stressful time to be writing a book! I think you have multiple of the "life-altering" stress factors going on right now. Moving, children, inlaws, etc. But...NBD Ren...NBD. Great works take time :)
Luv the pic of the chillrens! And I ps, I think your "inner editor" is growing too strong. Its kinda like how Mom taught us to control our nightmeres....you just stop and change your thoughts. Now, as I'm writing this, I have suddenly become pretty sure that it doesn't really relate....but, as I used to say in the RL days...Oh the hell well! And now to conclude my rambling nonsense....I think you need to "oh the hell well" to how long it takes you - and just write when you can and be Mistress Molly the Moving Mom, when you need to :)
Kay - now I really am gonna stop. "Underwood Out!" :)
Sorry - this is a useless post. Please ignore :)
All worthy reasons. Inner editors can be a PIA (is it ok to write that?) when they stop you from moving forward completely but they are very helpful when it comes to stopping you from creating big problems for yourself later on. You're story is stronger now right?
And as for moving? 5 times in a year would leave me bald from stress. I did it twice in three months last year and … well I'm still recovering. But Colorado sounds nice. I have a great blogging buddy Aerin who lives outside Denver.
So give yourself a break. It takes as long as it takes. Quality is what counts right?
Have a good move and I hope it all works out for you.
And LOL at Becca's post. Sisters are the best!
Quick! Change my You're to Your in the comment above before the editor-in-chief gets here!
hilarious! Your kids are adorable! and I have that inner editor thing going on too!
But that moving thing - wow!
Hey, I don't judge at all. I myself am taking a bit of a hiatus from writing, so you take all the time you need. Can't rush art, baby.
Were those sharpies or crayolas coloring those two beautiful faces? LOL! I sympathize with you more than ever! My brain is about to explode with inspiration. It always comes fastest when there's no possibility of actually getting it down on paper.
Oh, well. Manuscripts will wait. Kids and family grow up really fast, and honestly, I'd rather never become a published author than miss a precious moment with my family. Dang priorities!! Nathan Bransford just wrote a great post on this.
Yup, some of the same reasons I'm slow, too. Very slow.
Your kids are cute! Definitely worth being slow for. :)
You are moving again??? No wonder!! You have lots of reasons to take your time!
Thanks everyone. :) You guys are great!
Sorry I couldn't comment sooner. I've been moving and getting settled and getting internet. (Two whole days without internet! Can you imagine?!)
your kids are so cute! Good luck with your move! And as always, you're a genius!
Your kids are adorable. And I just love all these old pics of yourself, it's funny how much you've changed over the years.
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