Sunday, March 1, 2015

Distractions, Excuses and Writer's Block....

So, when I first starting writing the Natalie Miller series...(I'm only two books deep!) I found writing the first book to be challenging. What I thought would be simple and easy, ended up taking nearly a year and half to complete. The second book Killing the Fitness Queen was pounded out in just a little over three months! I'm not really sure what was holding me back during Killing America's Sweetheart, but if I had to guess it'd probably be self doubt and lack of confidence. Basically me just being scared shit-less of failure.

And you know what? I succeeded. Not in monetary value (I still have a day job), but in a life goal. Even since I was a young girl I dreamed of being a writer. I use to hide in my closet where I created my own worlds. Places free of whatever chaos was currently consuming my life at the time. Anyhow, A lot of people say that they want to write a book, but never get around to doing it....well I did!

What I created with the Natalie Miller books was not Shakespeare (not by any means!), but rather a fun, entertaining world where you'd be able to lose yourself in for a few hours. That's pretty much my only goal and if I've made you smile and happy for a bit, then I've done my job:)

Right now I'm working on a new book. Something different. It's not part of the NMM, it's a one off book. Based off a story I started a few years ago. I actually tried to shop it around as a screenplay, but SURPRISE SURPRISE no one wanted it. So, I said fuck it, I'll make it into a book. And, that's just what I'm doing. It's bit darker and hits close to home on a few levels. I'm not sure when I will complete it, but I hope before summer.

Which brings me to my next point....distractions, excuses and the dreaded writer's block.

Lately I have been so lazy when it comes to writing. I can't believe how little I've done. I haven't really written much of anything since I published Killing the Fitness Queen and that was back in Sept. 2014! Mainly I've been doing school work, working, and being a parent and wife. It's hard. No one tells you this stuff. Starting last month I made it a priority to carve out some writing time, at least a couple hours a day, three/four days a week. I find that I'm really most productive when I am home alone, with no distractions. Meaning; no child, husband, dogs, phone, TV and social media. Seriously, it's amazing what I can get done. However, it's not an easy feat. I have to methodically plan the night before and make sure the coffee is on tap too! And without fail something always goes wrong...life sucks sometimes!

So, this is where I'm at currently. Working on a new non NMM project, while tossing around some ideas for a new NM book. I have a few ideas as to where I'd like to take Natalie, but the problem is narrowing down the options and selecting one. I hope that I can start working on a new installment soon. Typically, I love to have two books out a year, but that might be overkill!

Ella

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