Monday, 16 November 2009
When to Quit?
So we’re half way through NaNoWriMo and I hope you’re all doing well.
I am not.
I want to quit.
But do I want to quit because;
a) I’m distracted by two new shiny ideas AND a possible solution to a plot problem in last years NaNo (Get back in your box!)
or
b) because I’m right in the middle of the story and the middle is always hard. Beginnings are so much nicer.
or
c) I recognize that this story is going nowhere. My first two novels grew around an idea but this one has grown round a character. Now we’ve met the character and seen him in action for a bit and I’m not quite sure what the point is. But maybe if I keep writing a point will become clear.
So fellow NaNoer’s and Non NaNoers tell me this, how do you decide if quitting is the right thing to do?
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Wow, that's not an easy question. Middles are definitely the hardest to write. If it's just middle-doldrums, throw something fun and totally unexpected at your mc and see how he handles it.
I debated long and hard over my topic for NaNo. I had 3 shiny, new ideas. It's hard not to be distracted. Can you maybe just write out a few plot points for each – kind of satisfy the urge to play with them, then back to NaNo??
Having said that, however, NaNo is just for fun! If you really want to dump the story, dump it!!
Wow, I was no help at all! Sorry 🙂
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Jemi – LOL! Thanks for trying you said everything I've been thinking 🙂
I haven't done the plot points though so maybe I should!
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Ooo, I agree–middles are tough. Whenever I'm in a funk, I like to do something new, even if it doesn't contribute directly to my story. For example, a writing prompt involving your character can be fun (Gail Carson Levine's "Writing Magic" is full of great ideas). You might even learn something about your character that will prompt you to get through your middle doldrums. Good luck, and let us know what you do!
P.S. You're still terrific even if you decide to abandon this story.
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Thanks for the book idea Kim and the P.S 🙂 I'll keep you posted
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