When writing anything other than a
blog post or a short picture book text, as the saying goes— it’s a marathon,
not a sprint.
Beginnings are easier for me,
because they come in as a sort of voice with sentences formed that have wind beneath
their wings. Watching a helicopter lift off would be a good analogy to the
experience.
Endings have their own energy.
Everything that came before is adding up, and the reflection of the opening
hovers over-- projecting the outline of the runway to landing.
It’s the long middle that looms
over like a gray cloud every time. The feeling that I have no idea where to go
and my mind feels empty. How will I get through today's section? I have nothing.
A few years ago, when I knew I’d
be writing middle grade novels not as a one-off fluke (my first) but every year after that, I devised a technique that works for me during those
seemingly endless middle of the story writing sessions.
I end each writing session with an
evocative sentence. One that charms me. One that hopefully intrigues a reader.
One that does the job the very next morning when I sit down feeling I have
nothing to say.
The same words writers conjure to
draw the reader in serve to pull this writer into the next chapter, and off we
go.
I resolved never to end a day’s
session in a static place, and this helped me get to the finish line one
section at a time.
If your artwork seems to move in
starts and stops, perhaps try this way. It takes self-discipline to halt the
vehicle just as it moves into a higher gear. But then, it takes self-discipline
to write a long story, paint an oil painting, or compose a symphony.
It’s all good. Happy navigating
the middles to you.
7 comments:
You found a way to keep going through the messy middle! I find I need a rough roadmap. I have tried writing without one but I get lost in the forest.
I have such respect for those of you who write novels and other longer pieces. I only ever have just a little bit to say, so I naturally stick with the short pieces.
The middle is definitely the hardest part for me, and I tend to get stuck there and rewrite it the most. I like your idea of ending at a place that is interesting to you. After all, if you're not engaged, the reader probably won't be.
It is wonderful to find what works for you during the creative process. As a fiber artist, when I feel stuck or am waiting for the right materials, sometimes what helps is to shift to another project temporarily, so I don’t get stuck in the doldrums.
That's a good idea. Hemingway used to do something similar so he wouldn't be stuck the next day.
Very nice reminder, also in musical practice! We seek security and stasis like madmen, but it's the death of the curiosity and openness that creates the real beauty.
Hi, Mirka: Now that I'm off Twitter, I haven't seen your posts. But, yes, middles! I'm painting more than writing these days, but I got into the habit of stopping for the day at a point where the next day's beginning was obvious. And I'd often write a couple of rough sentences which would be waiting for me the next morning as a launching pad. Hope you're immersing yourself in all things creative and ignoring the chaos these days:)
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