Monday 21 November 2011

The moment of truth (again)

Tonight is my writing groups monthly meeting.  I have to admit, I'm a lot less nervous about this evening than I was on the previous one.  Obviously, I've submitted a new piece of work to be critiqued, but I don't feel the same anxiety about this piece of work.
I think that it's because I wasn't inspired by the task set:  It's lunch time, and you have no lunch.
It took me a couple of weeks to come up with a suitable story line, which is unusual for me, they are usually queuing up.
Having finally arrived at a story, I mostly concentrated on the weaker areas of my writing.  Namely, making the story active, the structure of the story, and the emotions of the characters. (Basically, everything except the plot.)  It'll be interesting to see how well I actually did in these areas.

This has got me thinking about my writing abilities in general.  I know I've mapped out the next book in the series I have planned, but I'm wondering now, once I've finished polishing the current MS, whether I shouldn't try entering a few competitions instead of launching into the new MS.  It would give me a chance to practice on the weaker areas in smaller doses, and then in the new year, start with the new MS.

2 comments:

  1. Iain, I can relate to where you are. I jumped right into book two and further outlines for my series, but I wish I hadn't. I've enjoyed writing something different as of late, and I feel it is good exercise for me. Given the option, I'd venture out if I were you. Book 2 will be waiting for you when you come back. : )

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  2. Thanks for the support Emily. I have a few things in the pipeline that I will be trying. :o)

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