One of the hardest parts of writing for me is that gap between one step in the process and another. Whether it's first draft to editing, plotting to writing, or even one chapter/scene to the next. These moments are when it's easiest to get distracted by real life, drop the thread of the story,and give up. Because I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but...
It's hard, and nine times out of ten, no one is making you do it. Plus, unless you're a published author writing to deadline, there usually aren't a ton of consequences if you don't actually do it. So if you're anything like me, when things get hard or something shiny runs across your path, a debate begins about why you're really doing this anyway. I mean, is anyone actually going to read your words? Is the story that original or exciting? Maybe the characters are a bit flat and the plot is actually a giant cliche and you're just waiting your time. And on and on...
At the moment, I am procrastinating while telling myself that I am clearing my plate so that I can write soon. Or that I'm taking care of myself so that I can be in the best possible state to get the story right. Or that I'm not really on a deadline so I should take as much time as I need preparing to "get the story right". Bullshit.
When I get in one of these moods, it helps to remind myself of why I'm writing in the first place. Often, it has to do with the characters or the fact that the story is just fun or the fact that writing is good for my anxiety-riddled brain, even if it doesn't always feel like it. But this time around, there's more to it than that. So, to remind myself, let me tell you why I'm writing this story.
The main character, M, is inspired by best friend who has cerebral palsy. She is incredible and strong and clever. Sometimes she gets down on herself about her disability and how it makes everyday living hard. It makes her afraid that she won't be able to live the life she's always wanted. But to my mind, she is practically a super hero. Not because she overcomes immense barriers every single day (although that is certainly worthy of admiration). She is amazingly intelligent and compassionate. She is fierce in her career and her beliefs. One of my favorite things to watch is when someone tells her no, or "you can't do that". She looks at them like they're speaking Swahili and proceeds to do exactly what they declared she couldn't. Because obviously. Just try to stand in her way, peasants.
But for all her fierce strength and enormous heart, she still struggles in so many ways. Yes, physically. But more so, she struggles with feeling like she's expected to be a role model, a symbol of diversity and accomplishment and accessibility. Sometimes, she just wants to freaking live, you know? Sometimes she doesn't want to be Superwoman, she just wants to be human.
I wanted to create a character that she could see herself in. Partially because representation in media (whether books, movies, TV, or advertising) is my gospel. But also because if there were more people and characters like my best friend, she wouldn't have to carry so much of a burden of representing. If there are many voices, no single one needs to tell the whole story.
So I'm writing this story for her. If this manuscript only goes as far as her eyes, it will have done its job. If it gets published and find its way to other readers who can see themselves in M, that would be even better. But first...I have to actually write the dang thing.
At the moment, I am procrastinating while telling myself that I am clearing my plate so that I can write soon. Or that I'm taking care of myself so that I can be in the best possible state to get the story right. Or that I'm not really on a deadline so I should take as much time as I need preparing to "get the story right". Bullshit.
When I get in one of these moods, it helps to remind myself of why I'm writing in the first place. Often, it has to do with the characters or the fact that the story is just fun or the fact that writing is good for my anxiety-riddled brain, even if it doesn't always feel like it. But this time around, there's more to it than that. So, to remind myself, let me tell you why I'm writing this story.
The main character, M, is inspired by best friend who has cerebral palsy. She is incredible and strong and clever. Sometimes she gets down on herself about her disability and how it makes everyday living hard. It makes her afraid that she won't be able to live the life she's always wanted. But to my mind, she is practically a super hero. Not because she overcomes immense barriers every single day (although that is certainly worthy of admiration). She is amazingly intelligent and compassionate. She is fierce in her career and her beliefs. One of my favorite things to watch is when someone tells her no, or "you can't do that". She looks at them like they're speaking Swahili and proceeds to do exactly what they declared she couldn't. Because obviously. Just try to stand in her way, peasants.
But for all her fierce strength and enormous heart, she still struggles in so many ways. Yes, physically. But more so, she struggles with feeling like she's expected to be a role model, a symbol of diversity and accomplishment and accessibility. Sometimes, she just wants to freaking live, you know? Sometimes she doesn't want to be Superwoman, she just wants to be human.
I wanted to create a character that she could see herself in. Partially because representation in media (whether books, movies, TV, or advertising) is my gospel. But also because if there were more people and characters like my best friend, she wouldn't have to carry so much of a burden of representing. If there are many voices, no single one needs to tell the whole story.
So I'm writing this story for her. If this manuscript only goes as far as her eyes, it will have done its job. If it gets published and find its way to other readers who can see themselves in M, that would be even better. But first...I have to actually write the dang thing.
