love this energy! i did the same earlier this year and I'm glad I did it. Give yourself enough time to let whatever's within you emerge. Enjoy the random rabbit holes and wrong turns and all the necessary missteps you need to take on the journey. I'm sure the final artifact will be well worth it!
Ahh, yeah, your comment comes at a great time. Today I woke up, had a great writing session, then realized how many things could go wrong if I kept the story on the path I started on this morning. Spent the whole day worrying I might have killed the story before it really got started 😂 writing something long-form is a completely different beast compared to essays/flash fiction. I have to get used to all that entails, all the detail I wouldn’t normally have space for in my pieces, the consistency, the logic of it all. I’ll get the hang of it eventually, I hope. Thanks for the thoughts, Tobi.
oooh I totally hear you. I wanted to push myself to write at least one fiction piece for buttahbasted. I love the creative freedom and the range of possibility in fiction, but ironically, that's what makes it more difficult to finish and to keep consistent. I felt torn to go in these weird little nooks and crannies for example, I wanted to play with the idea of a camera "moving" in time and space, and exploring the same idea at planet scale and in the soil.
I wonder if any writers release story trimmings or "all the fun paths I considered but didn't pursue"??
Would be cool to see that, but I don’t know of any. But yes, choice paralysis in fiction is something I’ve experienced as well. That’s why I find essays much easier to write.
Welcome to the reality of being a writer. Even with an outline & worldbuilding & research I inevitably get to the point you mentioned: And now what? Where do I go from here?
Fortunately, I did find some tricks that work for me:
- I always have the end of the story
- When I’m lost or my character is lost , I just make something up 😉
Has been fun for me too, if plenty confusing. At least I can say, hand on heart, that I have been evolving along with it. As human being and artist both.
I'm sure you are going to be lucky with your new project. The feel of starting a new project is always thrilling, you're young and full of energy for doing everything you want to! I wish you all the best in this new stage of your life. Take your time and enjoy! Read you soon! 😃
That's great, Andrei. Sounds like an exploration of uncharted territory. Some of the most beautiful part of being a writer.
And... "attempts" to tell the truth is something I can relate to - indeed it is a challenge when you try to truly tell (the closest approximation possible of) the truth.
The idea of trying to get at the truth through literature is something I’ve heard many times in different places, but it struck me most when David Sedaris, one of my favourite authors, said it. And I realized this only recently, looking back at all the work I’ve done over the past two years: that what I’ve been trying to do with every single piece I wrote was uncover a little piece of truth/the truth.
So, without me realizing it, this idea has become my philosophy. The new name of this newsletter reflects that. It’s the first stop in my trip toward discovering my voice as a writer, the first concrete destination. It felt like a good idea to celebrate that.
You've got this, Andrei💜Trying a new thing is tough, even when it feels easy. Take your time, remember to breathe, and take breaks when you need to. We'll be here, ready to read, and also we've got your back, dear friend, so allow yourself to fall into this new thing and see where it takes you💞
Sweet! I’ll be sure to pop in as often as I can. This newsletter needs to grow, after all:) Can’t abandon it. But it’s also time to try something I’ve never done before. In any case, whatever comes of it, it’ll be a formative experience. Cheers, Kimber.
Oh, I thought this was going to be about warping the space-time continuum! Happy to get your update - I agree with Claudia, I also get to this point in every project (even the short ones quite often). My tactic is just to keep going with whatever nonsense spills out and clean it up later. Also, some dot points help point the vector in the right general direction. The end becomes easier.
I do know where I want it to end, at least where the MC’s emotional arc is concerned. The main issue now is figuring out how to get there in a way that makes sense, that is believable. And that’s not something I’ve ever done before. But there’s a first time for everything. Thanks for the thoughts, Shoni!
Yes, Andrei, it’s important to follow the path your creative instinct is leading you. We will always be here, whenever you are ready to return. Wishing you all the best ❤️
I am also working on a thing (I like the intrigue of keeping it vague…) and was a former pantser who has found a form of plotting that works really well. I like to keep a notebook and pen with me at all times to jot down any notes, scenes, dialogue, research points, etc. related to the project. And I have grown fond of listing out scenes I need to write in an excel sheet because (a) those can be moved around and rearranged easily when things inevitably change, and (b) I can highlight the row a fun color when I’ve finished that scene and it’s very satisfying!
I hope you find your rhythm and are able to ride that wave all the way to shore (or wherever it wants to throw you off). Have fun!!!
That seems great! I recently (I might even say serendipitously) discovered an app called Defer, which lets you jot down whatever’s on your mind and store it for later. It’s very freeing. And I’ve got about 20 of these random thoughts in the app already, all about my project. Btw, I’m also at the “list of scenes” stage. Looking forward to seeing where this thing wants to go. Good luck with your project as well, Paige!
Andrei, put your head down and go with it. 'Notes' is a great thing, but it can steal time too. Best of wishes on your project. Let it flow, make it happen. - Jim
love this energy! i did the same earlier this year and I'm glad I did it. Give yourself enough time to let whatever's within you emerge. Enjoy the random rabbit holes and wrong turns and all the necessary missteps you need to take on the journey. I'm sure the final artifact will be well worth it!
Ahh, yeah, your comment comes at a great time. Today I woke up, had a great writing session, then realized how many things could go wrong if I kept the story on the path I started on this morning. Spent the whole day worrying I might have killed the story before it really got started 😂 writing something long-form is a completely different beast compared to essays/flash fiction. I have to get used to all that entails, all the detail I wouldn’t normally have space for in my pieces, the consistency, the logic of it all. I’ll get the hang of it eventually, I hope. Thanks for the thoughts, Tobi.
oooh I totally hear you. I wanted to push myself to write at least one fiction piece for buttahbasted. I love the creative freedom and the range of possibility in fiction, but ironically, that's what makes it more difficult to finish and to keep consistent. I felt torn to go in these weird little nooks and crannies for example, I wanted to play with the idea of a camera "moving" in time and space, and exploring the same idea at planet scale and in the soil.
I wonder if any writers release story trimmings or "all the fun paths I considered but didn't pursue"??
Would be cool to see that, but I don’t know of any. But yes, choice paralysis in fiction is something I’ve experienced as well. That’s why I find essays much easier to write.
Welcome to the reality of being a writer. Even with an outline & worldbuilding & research I inevitably get to the point you mentioned: And now what? Where do I go from here?
Fortunately, I did find some tricks that work for me:
- I always have the end of the story
- When I’m lost or my character is lost , I just make something up 😉
Good luck with your project!
Thank you! Useful advice.
I wish you the best of success in you project. Love your new title by the way!
Appreciate you a lot, Nadia! Some new artwork is on the way as well.
You always have such great artwork. It has been fun seeing how your Substack has been evolving.
Has been fun for me too, if plenty confusing. At least I can say, hand on heart, that I have been evolving along with it. As human being and artist both.
I'm sure you are going to be lucky with your new project. The feel of starting a new project is always thrilling, you're young and full of energy for doing everything you want to! I wish you all the best in this new stage of your life. Take your time and enjoy! Read you soon! 😃
See you soon, Sara! 🔥 And thanks.
Good luck with your project, Andrei!!
There are many stories in your archive we can read & share.
Right! Thanks a lot, neena!
Happy writing, Andrei! See you in September. And on Notes?
We remain hopeful, sincerely, your readers.
Ahh, definitely on Notes! Will be reading, restacking and connecting on the app still. Just won’t be posting as much. Cheers, Ingrid!
That's great, Andrei. Sounds like an exploration of uncharted territory. Some of the most beautiful part of being a writer.
And... "attempts" to tell the truth is something I can relate to - indeed it is a challenge when you try to truly tell (the closest approximation possible of) the truth.
Hey, Robin!
The idea of trying to get at the truth through literature is something I’ve heard many times in different places, but it struck me most when David Sedaris, one of my favourite authors, said it. And I realized this only recently, looking back at all the work I’ve done over the past two years: that what I’ve been trying to do with every single piece I wrote was uncover a little piece of truth/the truth.
So, without me realizing it, this idea has become my philosophy. The new name of this newsletter reflects that. It’s the first stop in my trip toward discovering my voice as a writer, the first concrete destination. It felt like a good idea to celebrate that.
You've got this, Andrei💜Trying a new thing is tough, even when it feels easy. Take your time, remember to breathe, and take breaks when you need to. We'll be here, ready to read, and also we've got your back, dear friend, so allow yourself to fall into this new thing and see where it takes you💞
Sweet! I’ll be sure to pop in as often as I can. This newsletter needs to grow, after all:) Can’t abandon it. But it’s also time to try something I’ve never done before. In any case, whatever comes of it, it’ll be a formative experience. Cheers, Kimber.
Oh, I thought this was going to be about warping the space-time continuum! Happy to get your update - I agree with Claudia, I also get to this point in every project (even the short ones quite often). My tactic is just to keep going with whatever nonsense spills out and clean it up later. Also, some dot points help point the vector in the right general direction. The end becomes easier.
I do know where I want it to end, at least where the MC’s emotional arc is concerned. The main issue now is figuring out how to get there in a way that makes sense, that is believable. And that’s not something I’ve ever done before. But there’s a first time for everything. Thanks for the thoughts, Shoni!
As we say in the rights movement (though this expression is now probably criminalized under the new national security laws in Hong Kong) — ADD OIL💪🏻
🛢️🔥
Create. Juices flow into your glass. Drink. Quechua your thirst. Sing a song. Let the ink dry. Follow your star.
Beautiful!
Quench your thirst. Lift the glass. See the liquid life flow into you.
Yes, Andrei, it’s important to follow the path your creative instinct is leading you. We will always be here, whenever you are ready to return. Wishing you all the best ❤️
Grateful for you, Maureen. Always.
How exciting! Best of luck!
I am also working on a thing (I like the intrigue of keeping it vague…) and was a former pantser who has found a form of plotting that works really well. I like to keep a notebook and pen with me at all times to jot down any notes, scenes, dialogue, research points, etc. related to the project. And I have grown fond of listing out scenes I need to write in an excel sheet because (a) those can be moved around and rearranged easily when things inevitably change, and (b) I can highlight the row a fun color when I’ve finished that scene and it’s very satisfying!
I hope you find your rhythm and are able to ride that wave all the way to shore (or wherever it wants to throw you off). Have fun!!!
That seems great! I recently (I might even say serendipitously) discovered an app called Defer, which lets you jot down whatever’s on your mind and store it for later. It’s very freeing. And I’ve got about 20 of these random thoughts in the app already, all about my project. Btw, I’m also at the “list of scenes” stage. Looking forward to seeing where this thing wants to go. Good luck with your project as well, Paige!
Andrei, put your head down and go with it. 'Notes' is a great thing, but it can steal time too. Best of wishes on your project. Let it flow, make it happen. - Jim
Fingers crossed. Lots of anxiety needs to be battled, but I think I can do it. Cheers, Jim.
I think you can too.
Much appreciated!