What am I doing today? I am trying to generate a subplot for my current MG novel. I have reams of notes, a 30,000-word draft, and no clue how to put it all together!
It’s been a couple weeks now—or has it been a month? Whenever I am stuck like this, doubt starts building in my mind like storm clouds. I despair of ever finding a solution, which then leads to questioning why I am doing all this in the first place . . .
Luckily, I have been down this road before and I know that eventually I will find the solution. Meanwhile, to counteract my funk I shake up my routine by riding my mountain bike, driving to the ocean, playing with my wife and son, reading (stories and books about craft), listening to Tom Petty, or sailing (if it’s not 40 degrees outside, as it is today). These activities don’t always work, but, hey, it gives me a break, “recharges” my psyche, and allows me to return to my writing shack refreshed and ready to try again.
As a visual representation of my quandary, I have attached a picture from a sailing trip in the Canadian Gulf Islands. I was heading for Montague Harbor, trying to outrun a thunderstorm, and losing the race. By the time I turned into Trincomali Channel, two miles from my destination, I was smack dab in the middle of the storm. Lightning flashed, thunder boomed, and there was nowhere to hide. I had no choice but to grit my teeth and ride it out. Kind of like being stuck on my story.
The good news? Like riding out that storm, when the answers for my story finally come (as I know they will), I can drop anchor, breathe a sigh of relief, and begin plotting the next leg of my journey.
It’s been a couple weeks now—or has it been a month? Whenever I am stuck like this, doubt starts building in my mind like storm clouds. I despair of ever finding a solution, which then leads to questioning why I am doing all this in the first place . . .
Luckily, I have been down this road before and I know that eventually I will find the solution. Meanwhile, to counteract my funk I shake up my routine by riding my mountain bike, driving to the ocean, playing with my wife and son, reading (stories and books about craft), listening to Tom Petty, or sailing (if it’s not 40 degrees outside, as it is today). These activities don’t always work, but, hey, it gives me a break, “recharges” my psyche, and allows me to return to my writing shack refreshed and ready to try again.
As a visual representation of my quandary, I have attached a picture from a sailing trip in the Canadian Gulf Islands. I was heading for Montague Harbor, trying to outrun a thunderstorm, and losing the race. By the time I turned into Trincomali Channel, two miles from my destination, I was smack dab in the middle of the storm. Lightning flashed, thunder boomed, and there was nowhere to hide. I had no choice but to grit my teeth and ride it out. Kind of like being stuck on my story.
The good news? Like riding out that storm, when the answers for my story finally come (as I know they will), I can drop anchor, breathe a sigh of relief, and begin plotting the next leg of my journey.
6 comments:
I love the language in this. And I know you will find your way in the story:)
Sounds downright heroic. I can hear the music swelling to the climax, see you firmly rooted on your vessel while chaos is unleashed, and then finally, the resolution and peaceful sunset. The credits roll and a large "Mark Roughsedge" flashes on the screen. After your description and wonderful visual, there is no doubt you will drop anchor and solve your story.
Wow, beautiful story and imagery, Mark and Christy!
Your description of riding out that storm is indeed the feeling of riding out the creative course-- it can be tumultuous. Keep riding those waves Mark- something will click, you have everything you need.
Mark, spectacular picture and description of that storm. Sounds like a story waiting to be written. Good luck on finding your way with your novel. I'm confident you'll work your way through the storm.
The tension in the storm is the creative space. I write this to you and realize I'm writing it to myself also.
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