New Stories
I started a new short story the other day that turned out to lean on quite the science fiction side of life. Whenever I write sci-fi, though, brevity does not occur too often. I undertook the story for the purpose of filling a need for a less than 1000 word story for a book.
What I got? A 1000 word intro into a much larger body of work. In fact, this story requires an outline and careful planning. This planning stumbling block must be overcome if I am to finish any of the novels in progress (not so much active progress – sort of a passive languishing into the oblivion of time progress).
What kills me about the writing process is this – I created a pretty cool story here on Fiction’s Footsteps, The Cold Bite of Autumn, and I’ve done nothing with it. The issue here is an outline. I’m telling you readers – I’ve fought against the restrictions I feel outlines bring to my writing – and I’ve lost.
Without an outline, my writing stumbles, bumbles and dies. I cannot keep the momentum going because I get lost and discombobulated. That is a technical writing term, by the way…
Therefore outlines need to become my new best friend. The discipline to write an outline all the way through even eludes me. I know I can do this, but the question is – will I?
I must if I expect to kick out some books. I have had books published in ’08 and ’10. Every two years is unacceptable to me. The holdup is my procrastination, nothing else. Three books a year is quite doable.
One last thing about blogging. Did you know a pic is a good idea? Too often, pics take up a lot of my time. Today, I’m envisioning my favorite time of the year (not Christmas). The idea is to inspire me to do that which will allow me to move back to where I belong…
Fiction's Footsteps 
One book every two years sounds like an accomplishment to me, don’t minimize what you have achieved. If you want to increase that number make it a doable goal. Going from half a book a year to three books a year might be too big of a leap. Going from half a book to one per year would only require small changes to accomplish. Remember “The Accidental Diet”, that was her success, small changes to achieve the goal. You have all the tools you need to be successful, now go forth and allow the successful writer within you to shine forth.
I am determined to make this writing thing happen. I feel my proverbial back is to the wall. Maybe that’s a place I need to be. I don’t mind failing as long as I gave it my best shot. My best writing is just beginning to emerge. I am hopeful, but I realize the plight of desperation hangs over my keyboard…