Creative writing tip of the week – Getting Clarity

Uncertainty can stop us writing.

I’ve been working on my current novel way too long (working title: Year Thirty-three). It’s a story I began a little while before I met my husband, seven years ago, then I’m afraid all writing took a back seat while we dated, got married, and moved house! Subsequently I had the idea for Revenge of the Flying Carpet, and finished that, so going back to Year Thirty-Three has been a challenge – going back to a different era with different characters, instead of flying off on a magic carpet!

I was getting there, though, albeit slowly, until a few weeks ago when I realised the biggest problem I had wasn’t time (or lack thereof!). It was not knowing exactly where the plot was going. The excuse I gave myself was too many other things to do, but to be honest, it was because I had become overwhelmed with the intricacies of the plot.

board walkI had added a twist, a double agent, changed the goal slightly, added a flaw to the second character (which required a new sub-plot)  . . . and I ended up putting off writing if I was even a bit tired, because it required too much mental energy. It had become an elephant – too big for me to handle.

How did I get back on track? I started by writing a new synopsis. It took a lot of thought and a several writing hours, but it was worth every minute. Now there’s no confusion, no mist, no uncertainty. I know exactly where I’m going, and I’m back to enjoying writing again.

Clarity is key!

Janet Wilson
Janet Wilson

Have you had an experience like that? Or have you found this helpful? Do put a comment below or over on our facebook page – it’s always lovely to hear from you!

Janet

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Uncertainty v Clarity
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