Is it just me, or are books getting harder to write? I always knew that writing was difficult. Okay, I admit that in the beginning I didn’t realize that because I ignored things like craft and structure. I was so excited that I wrote a book that it didn’t occur to me that there was more to it. *g*
Sadly, this is how I approach many things.
That changed with these last three books. They were all difficult for various reasons. The Blaze was hard because frankly, they’re hard to structure. You get the layout or you don’t. I fall into the latter category. RED was hard because I’d never written a book in two different POV’s and it was my first serious attempt at paranormal suspense. Also, it was only the second single title that I’ve written. Yeah, that length is a bitch. LOL! The third book’s been HARD because I’ve never written in this genre…and I want it to be PERFECT. *ggg* Small detail.
I actually think the reason that writing is becoming difficult for me is because my plots are getting more and more complex. As you all remember, there was a time I fought to have a plot. Not any more. I’m coming up with some doozies.
If you’re a writer, has anything in the ‘process’ changed for you recently?
April 10th, 2007
For me they aren’t harder per se…I just question myself more. Second guess my words and my ideas. Because yes, I want everything to be perfect so that readers will love me. LOL
by Vivi Anna April 10th, 2007 at 5:16 pmVivi, I don’t know…that sounds harder to me. *ggg*
by Jordan April 10th, 2007 at 5:27 pmYes, they seem harder to me too for the two reasons mentioned already: 1) My plots are getting more complex while I’m trying to really deepen my characterizatio more as well and 2) I’m second guessing my words and how I form them more. Like Vivi, it comes from my need to get it just right for my editors and my readers.
by Patrice Michelle April 10th, 2007 at 7:04 pmPatrice, I’m wondering how helpful the second guessing is to the process. :/ I’m right there with you both.
by Jordan April 10th, 2007 at 7:27 pmI’m shortening the novels, jumping the shark at the beginning, and not thinking in terms of 200,000 words, all thanks to your advice. I read it here first. I confirmed it on the agent blogs, and reading the Snark’s Crapometer.
The writing hasn’t gotten harder; but Mama Mia, the editing is going to finish me off.
by BernardL April 10th, 2007 at 8:02 pmHaha. I don’t think it’s helpful either, Jordan, but at this point, I can’t help it. Comes with the territory of trying to write outside my ‘regular’ genre…makes me look more closely at the caliber of my writing in my current genre, I suppose.
by Patrice Michelle April 10th, 2007 at 8:18 pmSecond-guessing is awful. I do my best to write too fast to have time to second-guess! Plenty of time to ask myself if I really want to say THAT in edits. *g*
I think it gets harder because you always want each book to be better than the last. And yes, I keep increasing the complexity, taking on bigger plots, experimenting with new elements. Because I guess it would be too easy otherwise. *eye roll*
by Charli April 10th, 2007 at 8:43 pmBernard, Editing is a real BEOTCH.
LOL!
by Jordan April 10th, 2007 at 9:51 pmPatrice, I’m right there with you. I feel like someone just tossed me into the deep in without instructions on how to swim. *g*
by Jordan April 10th, 2007 at 9:53 pmCharli, LOL! Maybe that’s it. *ggg* Don’t want the whole process too easy.
by Jordan April 10th, 2007 at 9:54 pmOmg yes, and for all the reasons you mentioned Jordan. New genres, more complex plots, longer books, and I also have tougher editing and killer deadlines. Killing. Me. *g*
by Jaci Burton April 11th, 2007 at 5:37 amLOL< yeah, second guessing does suck sometimes. Okay, most times. I guess I do it, because I usually only write one draft of a book. I do do some editing, but I don’t think I’ve ever rewritten scenes or parts on my own accord. My editor has asked for rewritten scenes. Maybe, I should leave the second guessing to my editor…LOL
by Vivi Anna April 11th, 2007 at 7:13 amI definitely see it getting harder, for the reasons you named, more complex plots, writing outside your comfort genre, etc. but growth is painful (and sometimes fun), so it’s all good *g*
by amie April 11th, 2007 at 9:06 amI think it’s getting harder for me because the more I learn about the craft of writing, the more and more I have to pay attention to each book. Talk about ignorance being bliss! lol!
by Tina Gerow April 11th, 2007 at 9:33 amI’m like Tina. It’s pretty much left me in the close to zero output section so far this year. *groan*
by May April 11th, 2007 at 10:29 amIt’s definitely getting harder, but it’s my own fault. Right now I’m doing what you did before by pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I’m used to writing FPPOV sexy paranormals with lots of violence and language. My current WIP? A YA (can’t have foul language OR sex!) in 3rd person with multiple POV’s and two complex parallel plotlines that will hopefully merge at the end in a coherent way. And I’m having to do FAR more research than I’m used to. This book is kicking my ass!
by Jeaniene April 11th, 2007 at 5:13 pmJaci, Yes, edits can be just as hard, if not harder than writing the book.:-O
by Jordan April 11th, 2007 at 6:04 pmGood luck with your edits and deadlines.
Vivi, LOL! Sounds like it. *ggg*
by Jordan April 11th, 2007 at 6:05 pmAmie, ***Growth is painful.*** You can say that again. *g*
by Jordan April 11th, 2007 at 6:06 pmTina, Oh, weren’t those the days. (wg) I never realized how easy I had it. LOL!
by Jordan April 11th, 2007 at 6:06 pmMay, Sometimes you have to give yourself permission to write a shitty first draft.
Or as Charli mentioned, write so fast that you don’t have time to think about it. Both work well. 
by Jordan April 11th, 2007 at 6:07 pmJeaniene, Well you know how bad the UF is kicking mine, so I feel for you. It’s pain no matter which way you move.
by Jordan April 11th, 2007 at 6:09 pmThey’re also harder because you know what you’re doing. My process hasn’t really changed, but my writing voice has … for the better, I hope. It’s also harder because I’m starting to pay attention to structure, etc. Like I said, I’m finally beginning to know what I’m doing. But I’m still a panster.
by Bailey Stewart April 12th, 2007 at 5:19 amBailey, There’s nothing wrong with being a panster. I started out that way. I’ve kind of morphed into a hybrid these days. I have to plot at least a portion of the book or I get lost. *ggg*
by Jordan April 12th, 2007 at 12:04 pm