Back in 2005, my life imploded. I stopped writing for a while, about two years, actually.
When I started writing again, I completely changed my process. I got myself back into writing by doing writing prompts. I would write by hand, and when I started doing fiction, would then type it up.
For Clockwork Kingdom I followed this example. It was one of the reasons why 10,000 words a week was killing me. I was actually writing every word twice.
For Zydeco Queen I’m doing first draft on the computer. I’m finding it easier when I’m really into the novel, when the words are flowing. I don’t even notice the process of writing, it’s just suddenly hours (and pages) later.
When the words aren’t flowing — well, it’s gotten to the point that I’ve started turning off the internet in order to kill some of the distractions. I’m almost tempted to return to handwritten during those times, because there’s nothing I can do except write when all I have is paper and pen in front of me.
One of the other things I’ve felt, at least with this novel, is that I’m not taking as many risks. (I don’t know if this is true or not–very hard for a writer to judge her own work.) I think in part it’s because I don’t want to stray too far from the original proposal. I need to get over that, and just tell the damn story, including the wild leaps and forays. Stay out of my own way.
I have about 1600 words left to reach my 10,000 for this week. Time to get back on it. And turn the internet off again.