Julie Halpern is holding a contest for an ARC of her newest novel, Don't Stop Now. Head on over to enter! All you have to do is comment, so there you have it. Go.
Other than that, I don't have much to say. Unless you want to hear me whine about how much I suck at writing contemporary, which I don't think you do. I seem to have confidence issues about writing it. I'm not entirely sure why.
I've been going in huge swings on this project. One minute I think I'm the most brilliant writer in the entire world. And the next I think I'm the worst ever born. No middle. One or the other. It's annoying.
Maybe it's because writing contemporary feels almost the exact opposite of writing fantasy. In fantasy, you spend a lot of time making "magic" feel real. In contemporary, you spend a lot of time making reality feel magical. I have no clue if I'm doing that!
*Sigh* Oh well, enough complaining for me.
I think you need some chocolate today ;)
ReplyDeleteI understand completely! It's also the hardest thing for me to write. Probably because I like to read fantasy over contemporary more. But just think, once it's done, you'll have learned so much! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling the contemporary-doubt is a common affliction for those of us who normally write fantasy or paranormal.
ReplyDeleteAt least it's common enough for me. I try to write it, but "unusual" things keep wanting to creep into the plot so I have to beat the ghoulies back with a stick. :-P
Have you tried writing it as fantasy, then scrubbing the fantastic parts out of it? I've considered doing that, but haven't tried it yet.
Sounds like fairly standard writer angst... I think we all have those days when we think we're brilliant one minute and talentless hacks the next. Just keep plugging away... :)
ReplyDeleteI have a theory that there are five stages to writer angst (like five stages of grief). I blogged about it a few days ago: http://modicumoftalent.wordpress.com/2010/11/09/five-stages-of-writer-angst/
I'm sure what you're writing is better than you think it is!
Amy
Yes, I agree with Amy, we all go through this process and emerge happily on the other side...
ReplyDeleteThat is the best description of fantasy vs reality I have ever heard. And since you came up with it, that confirms the fact that you are brilliant and talented. So stop questioning it, woman.
ReplyDelete"In contemporary, you spend a lot of time making reality feel magical."
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly. I've been struggling with the exact same thing in my current WIP. Right now the reality doesn't feel magical. It feels...boring. But we can do it!
Yeah, writing contemporary and writing fantasy are like two different professions. I can't write fantasy worth a holey sock :(
ReplyDeleteCongrats on trying with the contemp, and keep at it.
I feel the same way! I'm trying to write in a more serious vein...but I can't get it right. I feel like anytime I write anything that is "meaningful" it comes off cheesy. I know this is a book I eventually want to write--I'm just not sure I'm ready.
ReplyDeleteI keep dabbling in other plots, one humorous and one sci-fy... I haven't gotten too deep into any of them yet...still not sure want I want to tackle yet.
I feel you. I'm in the middle of my 2nd contemporary after having written several paranormal/fantasy stories. I don't know what it is about contemporary, but it terrifies me and makes me feel like a failure. Le sigh.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
YOU CAN DO IT, Natalie!!
ReplyDeleteTime for an emergency meeting of the Happy Writer's Society!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, Natalie. More importantly, you ARE doing it. A few months from now you'll look back and say "Hey, that was kinda fun."
Besides, whether you succeed or fail at writing contemporary, you've gotten to explore what brave, new things you can do with words and that is the biggest thing about writing a different genre.
Hope that helps. Thanks for the heads up about the contest.
Oh, and by the way, your bit about making reality feel magical just gave me a clue as to how to venture into a new genre myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I thought I was all about fantasy, but I'm working on a contemporary right now that feels more fantastical than my fantasy. What's up with that? Its cool for my contemporary, but my fantasy feels left out. It wants more dreamy description too. boo. Totally agree about never being in the middle. Right now I'm convinced that I'm a genius. I hope it lasts :)
ReplyDeleteWhen in doubt, throw in an alligator! And a car chase! And a giant green jewel hidden in a bunny statue!
ReplyDeleteOops. Just watched JEWEL OF THE NILE.
Keep at it! I feel like I suck at least 75% of the time. Especially during the rough draft stage.
I've been working on the same manuscript for seven months. When I get in the "I totally suck" mode I just stop writing for a while. DON'T DO THAT! Just power through! You might have to rewrite later, but at least you'll be continually moving toward your goal. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. We all have days where we lack confidence.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'd be able to write contemporary! I'm not sure I'd even want to! I'm sure it'll be wonderful and you'll put your own awesome spin on it.
ReplyDelete