I have faith that the newish job is the right thing for me right now, and I'm wondering if having less time to write might also be the right thing for my writing.
The main character of the WIP has been surprising me. He's been louder, more direct and changing in ways I hadn't envisioned. For me, right now, I'm wondering if he's growing, morphing, rounding out, becoming a better, fuller character because I'm spending less time on him. Jeb has more space to grow.
We'll see how this goes. For right now, I'm enjoying the surprises.
How about you – do ever have a sense that some of the best time for developing a character is time away from writing?
I guess it's a bit like the old "throw your story in a drawer and don't look at it for awhile". Stories and characters take on new life when we're not looking.
ReplyDeleteHope the newish job is going well for you.
I hope the job continues to work out well!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I do. Holding myself to a single character can too long can make me tire of him/her and lose focus.
I think my best writing is done when I'm a long way from the characters and the story. Ideas come when I'm walking the dogs or sitting in the garden, and characters talk to me when I'm at the store.
ReplyDeleteI know that when I was only able to write during evenings and weekends, my output was considerably higher than it is now that I have all day to do it. :)
I do both, to be honest. When I'm away from my writing, I get fresh perspective, but there's something to be said about drowning in your material and stuff just comes to you. :)
ReplyDeletethere's never enough time for anything, and it passes way too quickly! Wish we had more time and more support in choosing our life paths.
ReplyDeleteI do think that when I'm away I have more epiphanies with my writing. All the scenes I like best came to me while I was doing something else. So you never know- maybe a break is a good thing!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteThat's a sweet view! I've noticed the same. Sometimes I reach a point in my manuscript where I think I'm stuck or I have a variety of paths I could take, and then after pondering it on and off all day at work, an even better option presents itself when I return to the laptop that night. (But it's usually not a run-on sentence...)
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you, Robert! Sometimes it's after days of not writing that I come to the page and plot lines and characters have seemed to work things out without me.
ReplyDeleteSome of my best writing breakthroughs come when I'm hiking or cleaning my house. Go figure. :) Yes, I agree writing breaks are very important for the brain.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Any time I get stuck with a story - whether it's plot or character or something else - I have to take a step back from it. It's weird how distance is the best way to get closer to your writing, but it really works.
ReplyDeleteI think stepping back from a project can help. If new ideas don't come to me, then I know I have to start writing again and force the issue.
ReplyDeleteI love surprises when I'm writing. I also find breaks are necessary for inspiration and refreshment, along with getting into the thick of it again.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I go back after a few weeks fresh and full of brilliant ideas, so at times it is best just to move onto something else for a while.
ReplyDeleteIn answering your question, totally. Being away from the computer allows me to think of the person and their situation, so I'm ready to write in when the time comes. :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes I need to put something away to gain perspective.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're enjoying your job!
This is a great posting I have read. I like your article. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI hope it's all going well for you.
ReplyDeleteI have felt that taking some time away from writing helps. It gives the mind time to process, like a teabag steeping in hot water before pouring. You have to let the characters and the story mature in your head before they're ready for the world to see.
Jai