Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Write Idea


I’m not often at a loss for ideas. Usually I’m so full of ideas my hands aren’t fast enough to get them all down.

But my current WIP had me stumped. I knew how it started and I knew how it ended. I had a lot of the inbetween stuff, too. But making the leap from one part to another was driving me crazy. My brain couldn’t process anything other than two melodramatic scenarios that didn’t work. They didn’t fit the tone of the book and they didn’t feel right for the characters. But I couldn’t get past it! Grr!!

Last night in writing class, my wonderful writing friends got me over the hump. Because they’re familiar with the characters, they had definite opinions about who would do what and why. They offered suggestions and unlocked several key points for me. I came home and started typing outlines, crafting scenes and fell in love with my story all over again. Yay!

I’m SO thankful to have found this group of people. Writing may be a solitary profession, but it sure helps to have friends!

15 comments:

PJ Hoover said...

Having friends is priceless! Especially ones who help you get ideas!
Congrats on your WIP!

Jessica Burkhart said...

I'm so glad your friends got you over the hump. That's great! :)

Patty Palmer said...

Regarding the friends, couldn't agree more. Hey, I heard you were in SLO on Saturday. Maggie and I left after lunch but she said she saw you. Bummed I missed the opportunity to meet you! Oh well, next time.

Sherrie Petersen said...

PJ -- I love my friends!
Jessica -- Thanks!
Patty -- So close -- we've got to meet some day!

Suzanne Casamento said...

Thank good for writng groups! Glad to hear you unlocked the block.

Kelly Polark said...

How wonderful to have such a helpful and supportive writing group! Hope the writing keeps flowing now!

Corey Schwartz said...

Nothing better than good writing friends! Congrats on getting over the hump.

C.R. Evers said...

Wow! sounds like you've got a great group of writting buddies! I'm in a critique group, but I'm afraid we're not that 'bonded" You're really lucky to have such a great group!

Thnxs for stopping by my blog and commenting! Hope to see you around blogland!

Christy

Carrie Harris said...

Aren't writing groups fab? Because otherwise we'd have to sit around in our basements obsessing over our plots until they finally cooperate.

Or maybe that's just me.

Anonymous said...

I am dying to join a group like yours. Fabulous to have such input. Thank you for visiting and your encouraging comments.

Kelly H-Y said...

What a wonderful feeling to come home from the class filled with great ideas!!! Very cool!

Maggie said...

Discussing your manuscript was the best part of the night. It's exciting when we build off each other's ideas--I think everyone walks away with a different perspective on their own work. Hope you had a great soundtrack for your ride home!

Sherrie Petersen said...

Suzanne -- Thanks
Kelly -- It IS flowing
Corey -- Thank you
Christy -- I do feel so lucky
Carrie -- I obsess, too -- it's not just you, although zombies don't usually enter into my obsessions :^)
Meredith -- The group is great
Kelly -- It felt great
Maggie -- I'm glad you enjoyed it too -- U2 was my soundtrack home :^)

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad they could help! The right group invested in your characters is always wonderful.

Happy writing!

Vivian Mahoney said...

Yay! for great writing groups. Good luck with your WIP.

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