I hate this part.

[robling_t]

OK, so, writers out there: how do you tell the difference between genuine concerns about whether a story is working properly in terms of where you mean to go with it, and Brainweasels trying to convince you that DOOM IS YOUR LOT and this idea was never going to work in the first place and there's still time to give up before anyone sees you? Because I seem to be thoroughly mired in the 3/4 Of The Way Along Slough Of Self-Doubt, here.


Again.

Comments

[morgynleri]

I don't know that I manage to do that very well, since I have a larger file of stuff that's never gotten off my hard drive than I do stuff that's been seen by someone other than a co-author. Maybe having someone else take a look at it might help? Get their impression of what it's doing and where it's going, and see if that comes close to your intentions.

Also, I have discovered that sharing regular snippets of whatever I'm writing on a given day with tumblr has resulted in better writing days, at least for me, and it helps having people who will at least acknowledge having seen the stuff. Sometimes I share the snippets here under a cut for a more select group because the story is... going less well.

And sometimes I just work on something else without looking at the project that's worrying/frustrating me for a couple days, then try again.

I don't know if any of that will work for you, but it's what I've got. :)

*hugs you*

[kaffy_r]

I'd say that if you think that it's false brainweasel tomfoolery, then it probably is. I'm really not being flip.

The one thing I might do is give the story, or the latest bit of a story, to someone who is familiar with where you actually wanted to steer the story; someone you've had multiple conversations with about said story, so that you're reasonably sure they understand your game plan. Show it to them; say - brainweasals, or do I ned to take a look at plot/pacing/thematic development/whathaveyou? Make sure they read it through carefully.

Then accept their judgement. Go forward.

In other news - *hugs*

[bibliofile]

Is this a work you're still writing on? Becuase in that case I'd say ignore the editor and keep writing. Editing uses a different part of the brain, but it can be a weasel trap/time sink/distraction if done too much during the first draft. Keep writing and make a note to revisit the problem later (by which time your brain may have figured out a solution and/or that it's just brainweasels).

stoopid brainz, always fighting itself...