I think shelving projects is only bad if it's become such a habit that you've never finished any projects. Then you might have a different problem on your hand, like getting distracted by shiny new idea syndrome, or else you might need to discover a better way of drafting for you. Maybe you're actually a plotter, or really an pantser, etc.
@trinaq
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the advice, Shaelin. It's really useful, especially if you simply don't enjoy the process anymore.
@u_t_d_s_h-1_a
2 жыл бұрын
I'd say ---once writing is done, otherwise, was one really serious in the first place? Setting out with a good plot helps a writer continue till a project is completed ---a good plot.
@writingwofl5836
2 жыл бұрын
Ideas and themes are more important, I prefere a bad story that learns you something over a good story that learns you nothing
@jayashreechakravarthy4949
10 ай бұрын
I’m tired of this game. I said I never wanted this job. Do what you will.
@shawnmullerauthor
Жыл бұрын
It's all your fault! I'm canning my 3rd book after 4 years! All because all of the points you spoke about was exactly what I was feeling about it! Thanks very much for helping me actually gain the courage to do so.
@kristopher1799
2 жыл бұрын
I've been working on a historical fiction novel for a number of years, more off than on, and I've been to that point of shelving. As soon as I am absolutely ready to shelve permanently, something related to the novel has always appeared, even if that something is minorly related. It could be a television episode or a magazine article, etc. Needless to say, I'm hesitant to shelve after all; the energy is renewed. What I have worked on is reread and I work on it a bit further, but nowhere near the finish line. Writing IS hard work, something that's not anticipated when the project first comes to life, when that initial thought appears.
@silentlatif
2 жыл бұрын
Your description and treatment of each and every topic was spot on. One request: go slow, for the benefit of we non native English speakers. But thank you and thanks to your team for putting such quality content on the internet.
@WaelAli-sd8sw
2 жыл бұрын
I have a manuscript what I am working on but I am in uni also, the changes I want to make both structural and execution so I don’t have the time. But still, I think I’ll get there.
@jackhaggerty1066
2 жыл бұрын
Wise counsel. The loss of all joy in writing a novel must feel like bereavement or a dying relationship. David Storey's posthumous memoir *A Stinging Delight* (Faber softback 2022) is about endurance against all odds. Storey (1933-2017) had a debilitating mental illness all his life yet wrote award-winning novels; his plays were staged in London & Broadway New York. Fighting unipolar depression he was tempted to believe his work was worthless. His daughter Helen Storey (KZitem) is the British fashion designer. *A Stinging Delight* is a must read for every creative person though its truths shook my foundations in just about everything except love and hope.
@jackhaggerty1066
2 жыл бұрын
David Storey obituary : The Guardian online. 27 March 2017. *A Chekhov of the North.* James Campbell profiles David Storey. The Guardian online 31 January 2004.
@rachelthompson9324
2 жыл бұрын
In journalism how much you enjoy working on a project doesn't matter. It's good training for novelists. It's all about getting the work done. Plow through it, finish it. If a fictional premise is solid it is workable. The big thing is to know in advance is if your idea can be developed into a story concept which leads to the premise (Character's problem) and theme. Nothing fixes a weak concept. If there is no there there, either put the there into it or run the other way. One's emotional responses to the work won't tell one what is wrong, why it's not working. Craft standards and the elements of fiction will tell one what the problems are and if the work is salvageable, and how to fix it.
@Bigdogiswolfing
2 жыл бұрын
What do we mean by shelve our book? Sounds painful
@rachelthompson9324
2 жыл бұрын
I haven't shelved any books because I plot and know before I start if it will hold up. Short stories are another matter. I've set many aside and went back, in some cases years later, and revived them. My next anthology will be full of stories brought back to life. Some of which endured extensive rethinking. Shelving to let it rest is a good strategy. Time can provide fresh eyes. I knew I had something workable but didn't know at the time how to work it. I do now.
@rachelthompson9324
2 жыл бұрын
I did set aside one book 40 years ago because I knew I didn't have the skills to pull it off. I published it in June, it's called Book of Answers. I wrote all the other books, short stories and nonfiction to learn how to write that one.
@lakeshagadson357
2 жыл бұрын
I know if I want to start to write ✍ my book 📖 I would use a rough draft to start it
@writethepath8354
2 жыл бұрын
I've only seen the title and my plans just went on their head...
@billyalarie929
2 жыл бұрын
I’m not sure how “not enjoying it” isn’t the only factor, but I’m intrigued to find out what else there may be to consider. Edit: okay #2 applies to me hahaha
@billyalarie929
2 жыл бұрын
#6 makes sense too. Edit: great caveat, too, about the possibility of coming back to it years later.
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