more on middles
First, a HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in Larissa’s auction, whether by donating, bidding, buying and / or helping to spread the word. It was a huge success and we couldn’t have done it without the online community’s support. Larissa’s safely at her moms, dealing with insurance issues and trying to get settled. I think we’ll see her back online before too long.
Second, thoughts and prayers to everyone in Rita’s path, especially Alison and Sharon.
And last but not least, it’s really nice to know you’re all suffering right along with me on that middle-ish section of your books - I wouldn’t be happy if I was the only one struggling around here, and I mean that in the nicest way possible.:smile:
Of course, Sasha’s advice is quite logical: The secret is to nail your ass to the chair and just f*$#@ing do it. Several of you echo the sentiment. I’m currently thinking of investing in super glue.
And I’ve been thinking about what PBW said, about making sure that section’s got plenty of action and no standing around talking for three chapters.
When she said that, I thought, uh oh…and then I gingerly peeked back at both the story I’m revising and the story I’m stuck at on p. 229. And I’m happy to report that, in BOL, so far, no one is standing around talking from p. 200 - 229. In fact, h/h are fighting, revealing scecrets and then they think they’re headed to bed, finally. Which, of course, they’re not because I’d planned a nice explosion in the hotel. HA! See, I’m totally blowing things up - PBW would be proud. So yes, I see plenty of action in the next 70 pages. Not that that’s making the writing go any faster, but being on the right track of not putting anyone to sleep makes me happy.
As for TOD…*clears throat* well, there’s definitely some talking going on in those middle-ish hundred pages. Perhaps a little too much telling and not enough showing, but I can fix it pretty easily. The good stuff is there - and really, I guess this is what revising is all about.
In case you missed it, she shared a link to this article, which was great. It talks about themes, and how the middle’s the time to revist your story’s theme. And I am all about theme.
Anyway, I caught the tail end of a press conference with the General who’s in charge of the hurricane clean-up in NO. I guess the reporter asked him a question he’d already answered, or refused to answer, because he just stared the guy down and said, you’re stuck on stupid.
I’m in love with that line. I’ve been repeating it to myself ever since, when I get bogged down on something in my story or when those negative thoughts creep in. I tell myself, you’re stuck on stupid. It is surprisingly effective and it makes me laugh all at the same time. However, I think it would be totally more effective if the General were actually here telling me that. Perhaps he could come for a visit once the clean-up is done.
On a final note, if you’re still having trouble with your middle section, perhaps I could offer you a brief respite, care of ThrowPaper.com.
Steph T.
September 23rd, 2005 at 11:30 am
Love the quote. I’ll share mine which I just discovered while listening to the RWA National CD’s.
“Life is hard. Don’t be stupid, too.” Jayne Anne Krentz.
September 23rd, 2005 at 11:32 am
Glad you are working through your “middles” with the help of the General!! Love that saying!!
Of course, I am wondering if Jake is feeling a bit one-upped as it took a higher rank (from a different service no less!) to get your butt in gear and make you laugh! 
Love the paper toss…boy, that could get addicting!
Christyne
September 24th, 2005 at 11:48 am
I’m sure Jake understands Stpeh’s need for a bit of variety in her men. hheehehehe
The middle is tough…just keep at it!
September 24th, 2005 at 2:02 pm
September 24th, 2005 at 7:24 pm
Good luck with the middle! I hear you. I’m caught in the thick of mine and it’s tempting to blow some people up. Of course, that’s not exactly realistic, given that it’s 12th century Ireland. Oops.
September 24th, 2005 at 11:18 pm
Will you hate me if I tell you I don’t have middle problems? This might be due to my story navigation by theme method. I notice theme is mentioned as a common fix for middle woes. Although I’m not sure my method would work for everybody. Some writers would probably rather walk on hot coals barefoot than have to figure out a story’s theme from the beginning. You just have to figure out what works for you and keep at it! And when all else fails, nail your f$&*!@# ass to the chair.
September 25th, 2005 at 12:36 am
Middle? What middle? Can’t I just write the beginning and the end and leave the rest to the reader’s imagination?
And I have to say Thanks ALOT Steph!:mad: for the throwing game. Sheesh… like I don’t have ENOUGH distractions. LOL!
Hey, I’m blogging now. Well, sorta. I have one whole entry!
September 25th, 2005 at 11:34 am
Emma - I love that quote - it’s going up on my wall now.
*waves to Christyne* Maybe Jake won’t notice the quote…and yes, the paper toss thing is killing me.
LOL Sasha - I don’t think he’ll understand all that well…
Hey PJ - he’ll maintain comppsure, and find other ways to drive me crazy:frazzled:
Michelle - you could start a new trend - the explosive historical.
Charlene - no haters allowed :) I want to know the secrets - and yes, that totally ties in to what PBW and the article she pointed me to was saying. And I am big on themes - that’s always the most important parts of the idea that I have before starting to write anything. So thinking about the book’s middle in terms of theme is going to help me a ton.
*waves to Marjorie* I know - wouldn’t that be wonderful - I’d be so prolific! And yes, you’re welcome with the paper game because I must share the procrastination. And yay on the new blog - welcome to the dark side…
September 25th, 2005 at 5:31 pm
Hey girl,
Love the quote!!! I must remember that…
And a BIG thanks to you for all the work you did on the auction. You guys are amazing. I hope you and everyone involved know what a big difference you’ve made in our lives. Not just a big difference, but a life-changing one. Without your help, I don’t know where we’d be.
Big hugs!
September 25th, 2005 at 6:30 pm
{{{LARISSA}}}
Yay! She’s bloghoppinng!!!Welcome back, sweetie!! We love you - and we’re thrilled we could help you.