Finally Gearing Up For The Next Chapter

[daninthelionsden]

I have had severe writer's block and have been unable to start chapter 6 of my fantasy Christmas adventure story for quite awhile now. We printed out the first 2 chapters and I asked my wife to please see if she could find a few people at her work to read it and comment on what they thought. I've been so worried about chapter 1 because it's full of flashbacks. I didn't see any other way to get the reader to the adventure portion without having to prep the characters with 2 or 3 chapters of background. I chose 1 chapter with flashbacks to expedite the storyline. Well she finally found the right person at the right time. They were only able to read chapter 1 , but replied "It's good." I am relieved. I would like to see if she can get a few more to give their opinion. I've never written before. I need input.

 

[for_his_glory]

What, where, when and why is the tools of a true writer.

What is the story line and how to make it flow until the end
Where is the setting of the story line as in events and actions of the characters
When is the timing points of your story
Why is the purpose of what you want to bring across in your story

Writers block just gives us time to reflect back on what we have written so far and where we want to continue in how to continue. Sometimes you just need to clear your head while focusing on something else as that is when inspiration will come again.

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

I have had severe writer's block and have been unable to start chapter 6 of my fantasy Christmas adventure story for quite awhile now. We printed out the first 2 chapters and I asked my wife to please see if she could find a few people at her work to read it and comment on what they thought. I've been so worried about chapter 1 because it's full of flashbacks. I didn't see any other way to get the reader to the adventure portion without having to prep the characters with 2 or 3 chapters of background. I chose 1 chapter with flashbacks to expedite the storyline. Well she finally found the right person at the right time. They were only able to read chapter 1 , but replied "It's good." I am relieved. I would like to see if she can get a few more to give their opinion. I've never written before. I need input.

I hear you. Writer's block is annoying. I've had it with one of my fanfics for the longest time now.

 

[daninthelionsden]

What, where, when and why is the tools of a true writer.

What is the story line and how to make it flow until the end
Where is the setting of the story line as in events and actions of the characters
When is the timing points of your story
Why is the purpose of what you want to bring across in your story

Writers block just gives us time to reflect back on what we have written so far and where we want to continue in how to continue. Sometimes you just need to clear your head while focusing on something else as that is when inspiration will come again.

Thank you so much. I do think the story meets the criteria, but I think I.m stressing so much about external issues that I can't concentrate. One issue bothering me was that our youngest son has been unable to find work. Well today he announced he starts Monday on a part-time job. This is a relief.....mostly to just see him get going with his life. The other thing is the impending sale of our house in Houston to a "Flipper". I worry about the contract issues. I think these issues are working themselves out thus I can feel my mind gearing up to write the next chapter and hopefully finish my book in a couple of chapters after that. If a literary agent tells me I need more in the story line, I can extend the book 1 or at the most 2 more chapters. After that I'm out of story for this particular book. I hope it's enough.

 

[JohnDB]

The indie book market is the largest market with the most dollars these days.
A large portion of this is due to the Harry Potter series but...the independent writer/publisher is gaining huge ground every year.
The standard route of publishing houses is over...it's dead...just not stopped breathing yet.

However, you will need a completed work. Then invest your own money into a good editor (there are many different types of editing) and then purchase endorsements.

Then listing your book on places like LuLu, Amazon, your own website, and E-copies on sites that promote indie books like Wattpad and Patreon.

Then there is the hard copy of the book.
Good artwork that you own the exclusive rights to is going to be crucial. No matter whether hard copy or Electronic. But the selling of your hard copy printing and shipping costs to the different brick and mortar book stores is going to be a "break even" venture at best.

Which is why you are going to do book signings and readings. Getting those scheduled is another headache...but it sells books (unless at the library)

It's a full-time job to promote a book.

 

[daninthelionsden]

The indie book market is the largest market with the most dollars these days.
A large portion of this is due to the Harry Potter series but...the independent writer/publisher is gaining huge ground every year.
The standard route of publishing houses is over...it's dead...just not stopped breathing yet.

However, you will need a completed work. Then invest your own money into a good editor (there are many different types of editing) and then purchase endorsements.

Then listing your book on places like LuLu, Amazon, your own website, and E-copies on sites that promote indie books like Wattpad and Patreon.

Then there is the hard copy of the book.
Good artwork that you own the exclusive rights to is going to be crucial. No matter whether hard copy or Electronic. But the selling of your hard copy printing and shipping costs to the different brick and mortar book stores is going to be a "break even" venture at best.

Which is why you are going to do book signings and readings. Getting those scheduled is another headache...but it sells books (unless at the library)

It's a full-time job to promote a book.

yikes.

 

[daninthelionsden]

Praise the Lord, I started the next chapter and the words came pouring out and the story line continues. I was so nervous and had 3 false starts then Wham, It came gushing forth. I have much more confidence the book is becoming a reality and the end of the story is in sight now.

 

[daninthelionsden]

I finished this chapter and have plotted out the next one, which is most likely the last chapter in this book. I discovered my book falls in the literary no-man's land of the novella category. Too long to be a long short story and too short to be a novel. I don't have enough story line to make it a novel and refuse to hack it up to long short story status. So I'll end the book with this next chapter and still maintain my story line.

 

[for_his_glory]

When you think long and hard an reread many times that of what you have written there is always a chance you can extend the length of each chapter and still hold the attention of the reader. Just don't rush yourself through it.

 

[JohnDB]

So...
When are beta versions going to be available for critique and edits?

 

[daninthelionsden]

So...
When are beta versions going to be available for critique and edits?

After this last chapter, I'll have my wife and son proofread like they have each of the other chapters. I'll make corrections then I'll run the entire book through an editing program. After that I'll search for a literary agent. I think the self-publishing route is too much for me to handle.

 

[for_his_glory]

Self publishing can be expensive and a lot of work so look into various publishing houses and check out their credentials as some will try to rip you off. Find one that pays the best royalties and will promote your book like on Amazon or Barnes & Nobles for examples. I've written two books, but never got them published as they are not ready yet, but have looked into a few some years ago.

 

[daninthelionsden]

Self publishing can be expensive and a lot of work so look into various publishing houses and check out their credentials as some will try to rip you off. Find one that pays the best royalties and will promote your book like on Amazon or Barnes & Nobles for examples. I've written two books, but never got them published as they are not ready yet, but have looked into a few some years ago.

Thank you so much.