February 25th, 2012

There exists a very special kind of frustration where you really, really want to do something and yet don't want to do it. Like, I really, really want to finish writing this book. And yet, when I at last carve out a few minutes of my week to work on it, I don't want to.

I know it's temporary. I also know it's normal. I've been through these ups and downs enough times now to get that. But that doesn't make it any less frustrating when it happens.

I made vast strides in January and the first part of February this year. Things were really looking up. I had better-developed characters, stronger backstory, powerful character motivation (where before I had next to none), everything really felt like it was at last falling together.

Then I tried to apply this to the outlines of Part I of the book: the first five chapters. It went well until I got to Chapter 3 and I found myself (once again) stuck. Stuck by the process of turning all of these new plans and ideas into a gripping story. I just can't seem to make that leap from a solid outline to a readable novel.

And that's when my motivation drops back to zero. I want to do this but then I get overwhelmed at the thought of the amount of work still ahead of me. And if that weren't enough to hold me down in the mud, that OTHER thought hits me. You know, the hard, cold fact that even if I do finish this, the odds of it ever reaching a single bookshelf are in the struck-by-lightning range.

So that's today's pep talk! Be sure to tune in again next week for another exciting installment in my highly-acclaimed motivational series: Why Do You Even Try?!



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2 Responses to “Motivational Irony”

  1. Julie says:

    Charlie, it's me Julie. I know it's been forever and a day but I get Biz updates each day in my mail box and today hear about your health. I am so sorry you are sick. I am so sorry that for the next little while you are going to really feel like crap but I also know that you will get better and back to writing and taking care of your family but for now, let them take care of you while you get better, stronger and able again. I am praying for you and your family.
    P.S. I also just read your Sarah's going to college post (yes I know I'm late) but in two short weeks (less then really) I am sending Mike off to college in Wyoming (it's 1200 miles away) and I am finding this harder then anything in my life. I loved your post, thank you so much for sharing.

  2. Michelle says:

    Like Julie - I just got caught up on your health by catching Biz's updates. What a whirlwind for you and your family!!! Take care and let your family spoil you rotten!!