Why does the EUREKA moment feel like such a labor intensive journey? Mr. Right and I were driving around town on his day off. He decided to ask me about my writing progress. I was reluctant to discuss it with him since I've been stuck for a few months now. I'm in what authors call the 'ick' zone--y'know, when everything reads like crap. I couldn't seem to get into the storyline hardcore like I used to because there was too much churning in my head. In fact, I was having sleepless nights from not being able to shut down my brain before bedtime. I told him about my world building and at a stop light he turned his head, pushed his sunglasses down his nose, and peered at me.
Mr. Right: You know what you need to do?
Me: What?!
Mr. Right: Keep it simple.
I pouted.
That was the end of the conversation.
Not the one in my head, mind you, but at least it dawned on me that he was right. If anyone knows me, I'm the most stubborn soul and I can argue for days on any topic...but in this case I knew it was a losing fight.
When I think up a storyline I tend to build my universe like I would in a high concept movie. My ideas take on a life of its own and when it does, I want to put everything I see in my mind's eye into the manuscript. I want to fill in enough details to help the reader understand what I'm seeing...but as readers, no one wants to have to learn about the world--they want to live it.
A part of maturing as a writer is understanding and accepting defeat. I realize that to be a successful writer I need to think like a reader again. I need to make the world I build more intimate and believable. Mostly, I need to keep it simple. I'm one who totally hates re-writes but I know when I do start over I'm going to do it right the second time around. Now that I've caught up on all my graphics work, I must do the thing that I've been pushing aside. I'm going to finish my proposal so I can finally send it out. I'm hoping that this eye opening words of wisdom from Mr. Right will help me get a contract by the end of the year! That's my goal and I'm sticking to it.
Now go write....
I'd just like to get out of the Ick Zone.
You know when I hit my Eureka moments? Usually out on a trailrun with El Wombat the Woofer. That's half the reason I exercise with him. And he's much less obnoxious when he's been run around a bit.
That sounds like a real a-ha moment. Excited to see where you go with it. :)
I'm pulling for you because I know as soon as you get that awesome proposal out there, a big fat contract is going to be coming your way!
You're so dedicated, you'll get the proposal finished! I have faith :)