I don’t wish to dampen the spirits of any aspiring writers, but the truth is, writing is hard work. And the more books you write, the harder it can become. Oh, you get better at your craft. Your knowledge increases. You’re more aware of plot points and beats and character development and such. But you also are trying to write something fresh and unique each time. You want to please your readers, so the pressure increases.
Some people think a writer waits for the muse to show up and then the book just happens. Sorry. Isn’t true. A writer can’t wait for the muse. A writer sits down and writes, whether they feel inspired or not. Just like a bookkeeper goes to the office and keeps books everyday, whether they feel like it or not.
I’ve written through some difficult times over the course of my career. I’ve had a few books (out of 65+) that were bears to write. Not fun. I don’t recommend it.
But every so often, writing is magic.
That’s how I’m feeling about my current WIP (the third book in the Where the Heart Lives series). I wish I could nail down what is different about the writing of this story over the last one (not the story itself but the process of getting it “on paper”). If I could, I would bottle an elixir from the enjoyment I’m feeling each day and drink of it for every future book. Or maybe I’d sell that elixir on the Internet and become rich. LOL!
Well, there is no elixir, and I’m not going to get rich from selling what I don’t have. So I’d best return to the writing. My hero and heroine are about to go for a ride in the foothills on a soft spring morning. He wants to win her trust and affection. She has many reasons not to rely on or forgive him. As I get their story into my computer document, I can hardly wait to discover how they will find their way to each other.
And right now, I’m feeling the magic!
~robin
