Hi friends!
Here’s a question Kim asked:
How do I know if I’m just overwhelmed and should power through or if it’s okay to shelve it for right now and start something new?
Be honest with yourself if you’re feeling disconnected or even bored with your own work, because forcing writing or revisions will show!
Step away from your work for a while. By a while I mean more than a day. Maybe a week. Maybe several weeks. Obviously this only works if you’re not under a deadline, but it does work. Does the story call you back? Do the characters pull you to their side? I’d say give yourself a time limit that works for you (I set aside a novel for SIX MONTHS — it became my debut published novel).
Are you having a crisis of confidence? All writers do. Maybe while you’re stepping away, ask for an opinion. I don’t mean a critique, just an opinion. Does someone you trust like the story? The protagonist? Does she want to read more? If you’re far enough along you could obtain an evaluation of your manuscript or partial from a writing coach LIKE ME. No matter who you ask to help you, be sure to ask for what you want from them (I’ve found non-writers don’t always understand we don’t want their ideas for our stories.)
It’s always okay to start something new–it’s not an offense to your WIP! That move honors YOU as a writer.
Hope that helps!
Ask me more!
Amy xo
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