WIP — getting my groove back

A commissioned short story did the trick that long months of worry and struggle could not — I am writing again and the words are flowing. There are a lot of factors involved, but probably the most important is that this is a very fast turnaround time, and the story is due on May 1. This means a first draft by tomorrow so I can bring the story to cryptopolis, my writers group.

Another factor is that the short deadline means I can’t fuss and bother over each word. I need a good, fast draft. Editing comes later. Granted, I did make some major changes to the draft as I went along, because they were deep structural and character changes that came about from understanding the story more, but in general, even when I’m writing a scene I know I’ll be condensing later, the most important thing is word flow right now.

There’s a saying: don’t let perfect mess up good. Writers need to tell themselves that.

All of this productivity has got me grooving on the other things I want to write. Creativity begets creativity — I can’t wait to set this work aside and ramp up on a series of short stories that are finally coming together.

Besides this story I am in the throes of production on The Crow God’s Girl. Very exciting! I hope to have a cover reveal soon.

I took the time out of a long writing day to see the movie Mirror Mirror with Julia Roberts. Lots of silliness and laughs, everyone in the cast is having a blast, and parents and kids all clapped at the end. When was the last time you were at the movies and that happened? Sweet, silly fun — go see it. Go!