How to Keep Writing

 

Today's question is:  When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If you have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?

I think this question is rather appropriate for writers and one I sometimes struggle with. Having just gone through a long bout of not doing much writing, I have discovered that the best thing for me is to plot out the story chapter by chapter. I am the world's worst pantser. Can't do it. I admire those who can. I had been trying to get through the last few chapters of the last book of the current series I'm working on. It should've been done in a month. But here we are, already halfway through the year, and I got maybe 5 pages written. So I thought about it. What's my problem here? And the problem was (besides not having much time), I didn't know what the end was or how to get there. I had been pantsing my way through it (which is not my normal procedure). So I took a few days to figure it out and write the outline for the end of the book. Low and behold, I just finished two chapters in 2 weeks. Holy mackerel kingfish! 

The other thing I have found helpful is to start a fresh project. Brainstorm, writing ideas down.  Or maybe pull out an ancient manuscript and breath new life into it. I'm actually doing that for a picture book manuscript as well. 

How would you answer this question?

Here's your Klaus picture of the month. He was very hot on his walk. He attempted to cool off under that bush. Not sure he was successful. (You can see he has 2 black spots on his tongue. Birthmarks. But we use them as gauges to tell how tired or hot he is. When you see both spots, he's super tired or super-hot. This is one hot dog!)

 One more thing:  I am having a lot of trouble with Blogger. I can't comment on most of your blogs, and even on my own, I can't respond to your comments. I don't know what the problem is, but it was like this last month, too. Want you to know I am reading your blogs and comments. Hopefully, it will get fixed soon!