My most stressful writing achievement is my current work in progress. Well, I hope it will be an achievement—we’ll see!
Like anyone has who’s written for a while, I’ve had stressful writing projects before. When I was starting out, my first novel was stressful because I had no clue what I was doing and suffered a steep learning curve. With later books, deadlines were hard to meet or the project was difficult. My current novel is a YA cozy mystery set in Anchorage, Alaska in 1941. It’s been fun, but also stressful for many reasons.
First, it’s a new genre for me. I’ve written several young adult historicals, but this is my first mystery. I’ve read cozy mysteries most of my life, and I’m addicted to PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery. However, it’s been tricky to figure out how to write the plot and have the right suspects, clues, etc. (Thank goodness for writing experts and critique partners!)
Second, I kept thinking I was done when I wasn’t. I have set this novel down for short periods of time, received feedback, and followed up with many rounds of revision and critiques—in short, all the things that help writers see how to make drafts better. Still, even with all that, I have thought “I’m almost done” several times before I realized, “No, I still need to do….” What was supposed to take about a year has now gone on for eighteen months.
Lastly, I’m trying to finish it at a time when it’s hard to focus on writing. I know many creative people are having a hard time right now. With the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m not the only one struggling to cope with the tragedies and find ways to help where we can at the same time we want to create new work. I tell myself that teens may need a fun cozy mystery soon, just like many people read romances to get them through tough times. So I’ve tried to find time to write every day, and I have written for a few hours here and there in the last couple weeks. But I don’t force it when I just can’t bring myself to do it. We have to be kind to ourselves, as much as we need to be kind to others.
Hopefully, this novel will be an achievement one day soon (knock on wood) and I’ll get it published. Until then, I have faith that I’ll get through this. And if you’re in the same boat, remember we’ll all in this together. You are not alone. Take care of yourself.
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| photo by Bellreese Photography |
Lynn Lovegreen has lived in Alaska for over fifty years. After twenty years in the classroom, she retired to make more time for writing. She enjoys her friends and family, reading, and volunteering at her local library. Her young adult historical fiction is set in Alaska, a great place for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram.
6 comments:
Lynn, your post is just what I needed to read today. I've a project (turning a workshop into a non-fiction book) that I've been working on for years. I finished the "final" draft in December 2018 and then got some feedback from a Beta reader that I took to heart which meant (means) a massive rewrite. However, last year was lost to a series of health issues so here I am in the midst of COVID-19 with the manuscript sitting on top of my work table waiting. I am almost ready to begin the work...but I'm not pushing it. Pushing my writing whether fiction or non-fiction has never worked for me because the anticipation and joy I feel when writing isn't there.
I hear you, Judith. Hope your muse kicks in soon!
A YA cozy mystery set in Alaska in 1941!!! You caught my attention!!! What a wonderful idea for a setting. Can't wait to see this in print!
Thanks, Sarah. I hope to get it in print, when I finally finish it. ;-)
Love your idea fo the YA Cozy mystery! It definitely sounds like something a number of young teens would pick up. I hear you on the difficulty of keeping energy up top move forward in the middle of COVID-19. It is something I hear from every person I speak with. Hang in there. Find your own pace and keep at it.
Can't wait to read your cozy mystery in 1941 Alaska -- as you know, that time period is my favorite!
Finding a way to be creative and productive in these times is hard for many of us. I think you're threading the needle just right -- write when you can but cut yourself a break when you just don't feel it.
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