It’s bound to happen. The story you were so eager to write is going nowhere. Or it’s going in too many directions. It doesn’t make sense anymore and bears no resemblance whatsoever to that exciting, glittering tale your mind conjured up. What’s your next move? Tempting as it may be, DO NOT hit the delete button and relegate your writing to the cyber cemetery for all eternity! There are less drastic steps that will eliminate any regret down the road. Let’s see what we can do.
Set It Aside
Perhaps you and that confused project need a break from each other for a while. Distance may provide clarity and direction. Perhaps there are too many characters vying for attention or too many plot lines going in too many directions. While you’re taking a break, think about the basic story, and see if you can whittle it down (or at least trim away the excess). If/when you do, save those bits you’re paring down or cutting from the story’s central focus. They could be the start of another story, chapter, or book in a series. Save them in a separate file that you can resurrect and work on later.
Visit the Trash Heap
Every writer needs a trash heap. Okay, that may sound a bit extreme, but every writer should have a place to keep things that don’t quite fit and are too good to just toss/delete. Put the things that you think are worthless in there, too. You may be surprised at what you might find or how looking at a cast-off just might trigger a new idea or perspective in your current WIP. I have a folder of random assignments, projects, as well as dis-jointed phrases and paragraphs. I’m always amazed at how valuable I find them when I re-visit them. Some still don’t quite work and need to stay put, but that almost-deleted passage, phrase, or single word can trigger new thoughts, a new direction in your WIP, or a new story altogether.
Things That Grab You
This is somewhat related to the trash heap, but it’s a little different. I keep a folder of images, writings, etc. that I’ve found in magazines or come across online and printed out (don’t forget to credit the original artist/author if you use them). I keep them for inspirational purposes. For one reason or another, they’ve grabbed my attention and have something to say to me. They, too, may trigger an idea, feeling, or reason to write something that may turn into a poem, short story, or novel. When you’re taking a break from your WIP, spend some time with these images and passages. You may be surprised where they take you.
The bottom line is that while some of your writing may be considered better than others, there is always a kernel or nugget worth saving in everything you write. Don’t sell yourself (or your writing) short. The trash heap may be just the place to rummage around and find what you need most.
Niki Kantzios
Great advice. I can’t say how many paragraphs, scenes, even phrases I’ve resurrected from my “cemetery.”