Bowing Out


As you may have noticed, it's half-nine PM (in the UK) and I still haven't posted entries for M and N on either of my blogs. To put it simply, I have A-Z writer's block. 

While I am enjoying the A-Z and have had some many excellent story ideas come from it, at the same time it's hard. I'm running into letters that aren't really sparking my imagination and putting off writing them in favor of other things. I don't wanna be doing that. I don't wanna be half-assing posts, and procrastinating because I'm uninspired. Between two A-Z posts a day, commenting on blogs, and family life etc. I'm finding very little time for anything else, especially writing. And I miss writing. I put a lot of time and thought into this new project so it doesn't go off the rails like my other ones, and I don't want to burn myself out on the A-Z with posts that are mostly background for my story world, and be left with nothing in the tank for the actual novel. 

Without the pressure of the A-Z my inspiration is back - I actually wrote almost 1k this morning before collecting Youngest from nursery. The novel is going really well. I'm at 15k now, and following the snowflake method's three act structure, I'm about the hit the first disaster, which will amp up the drama for my MC and hopefully propel her and the story into act two.

In addition, thanks to the A-Z I have ideas for three sequels, one of which incorporates a story I've been dying to write for a couple of years, but had never found the right way to tackle it before.

As for the A-Z and the posts that came from it and the remaining unpublished posts -- first of all ...THANK YOU. Thank you to every awesome person who's read and commented on entries A-L. The feedback has been amazing, and so encouraging of the story world I'm creating. I'm extremely grateful.  My intention was always to polish those posts up after the A-Z and publish them as a free introductory book to the world of the Ancile. I still intend to do that, just at a slower pace, so I can give each letter the attention it deserves, and get the book as good as it cane be, while also leaving me enough time to work on the first book in the series.

So yeah, long story short, I'm dropping out of the A-Z this year, on both blogs, so I can devote more time to my writing. Thanks once again for all the support and encouragement you've given my entries. I'll still be visiting your blogs, and commenting on all your awesome entries, and I'll return to (semi) regular update about writing and such. 

19 comments:

  1. Life happens. It sounds like you're making the best choice for yourself for the long term. Good luck with your writing :)

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  2. You will be missed. I really enjoyed your posts but you have to take care of yourself. I look forward to reading more when you have a chance to finish it up.

    Happy writing.

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    1. Thank you Jai! I will miss all your wonderful comments, though I will make sure to keep up with your blog. Hopefully I'll have the chance to share some stories soon. :D

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  3. Clare, I'm sorry!! Are you sure? I don't want to take you off the list too soon. Email me.

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    1. Thanks for the support Alex, it really means a lot to me. I'm sure though, I know it's the right decision for me and my writing, so go ahead and take me off the list. :D

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  4. I'll miss your entries VERY much but good luck with your writing. If you ever need a beta reader, I'll be more than glad to dive into your world. It rocks!

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    1. Thank you Al, that really means a lot to me. :D And thank you for the beta offer, I may have to take you up on it in the future. :D

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  5. Dear Clare, I love your writing and I will miss you too! I understand however and think you have bowed out very gracefully. What the heck, you can always return. We will all welcome you back with open arms!
    xox jean so nice to know you!

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    1. Jean, thank you for your comment, it really meant a lot to me. It's been nice getting to know you too, and I'll be sure to keep up with your blog. :D

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  6. I completely understand. Still glad it helped inspire you and best of luck Clare.

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    1. Thank you for the support, Sheena-kay! :D

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  7. Sorry to hear you're bowing out, but it makes sense if you're not enjoying it anymore. It's supposed to be fun, not a chore :)
    Good luck with your writing!

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    1. Thanks Laura! Yes, exactly. when it stopped being fun I knew it was time to bow out.

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  8. You do what you must; and I'm with Laura, blogging is supposed to be fun, not stressful. I have enjoyed all of your posts so far. But you know when you are pushed beyond the limits of what's good for you. Take care of yourself Clare, and keep on writing, that's what it's all about. :)

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  9. You've done a fantastic job, and I cannot wait to read what you're writing now. Your own writing comes before blogging anyway, and as the others have said, if blogging becomes a chore, you should maybe take a break.

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  10. Sorry to hear this, Clare. I know exactly how you feel, it's a pain in the arse but if it's the right choice then it's a bit of a relief :)

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  11. Congratulations on the progress! Just stopping by for the A-Z Challenge. Juliet atCity Muse Country Muse

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  12. As long as you've been inspired to write and work on your novel, then you've done what's best for you. As much as I've loved participating in the challenge, I'm not good at balancing my work so i felt like i neglected my manuscript, but now that the end is near , I'm itching to get back to my editing and quering so hopefully I benefited from the time off . I love the snowflake method. It sounds like you've made amazing progress so congratulations .

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Thank you for taking the time to read this entry, and comment. I really appreciate it.