What is the worst part of writing for me? The answer may surprise you.
It’s not story structure or idea generation. It’s not learning your characters. It’s not revision. It’s not even grammar.
It’s choices.
I heard a phrase ‘Your story, your way’. Which is so true and reveals that awful truth.
Once the words are on the page they will be judged by many things. Genre conventions. Rules of grammar. The practices popular now: Show don’t tell. Active setting. Showing conflict.
Amidst all those rules, a crazy space exists where there are no rules. Nothing tells me how those words get on the page. How they make it from my head to the paper.
Should I be a plotter or pantser? Should I start from the middle, beginning, or end of the story? Should I use the C plot or three act structure or Save the Cat or some other beat sheets?
The answer is: It depends (classic consultant answer).
Every writer is different. It depends the type of writer. It depends on where you are in the journey. It depends on the story in question. And it depends on the process that works.
With the last being the most important.
Crystal clear right? No one can tell you this IT. THIS will work for you. (They may be trying to sell you something if they do.). All they can tell you is what worked for them. Or worked for others.
For me what is working right now is:
I must have butt in seat time.
I must write.
I must set up deadlines with my writing peeps.
I must try. Try different techniques. Try outlining. Try plotting (my pantser heart shuddered to a stop). Try the different structures.
See what works and adjust as needed.
And never give up. (And finish something)
So the worst part is also the best part in that weird way life works.
What is your worst or most dreaded part of your hobby? How do you make it work?