IWSG: I Need a (Scenic) Vacation!

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Wednesday, April 03, 2019

IWSG: I Need a (Scenic) Vacation!


Our Insecure Writers Support Group question for April is: If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? (examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)

My answer, though I’m not proud of it is: The next scene. In the 70 books I’ve published, THIS one has been the most challenging. Sitting down at the keyboard without knowing how I was going to fill the page has never been a problem . . . until now. That, “I can’t wait to capture this idea in writing” drive hasn’t engaged. Instead of sliding behind the wheel with the vehicle of my imagination all warmed up and rearing to take me on an adventure, it’s stalled and cold, making me crank and grind out the words every time I turn on the computer. Once I get moving, I travel along comfortably, but being OCD/ADD, I’ve always had the trip all mapped out before I begin so I don’t waste any time making wrong turns on the journey. But not this time. Some days, it’s either call the Auto Club for a jump or just go back to bed.

Maybe I need a vacation for both body and mind. It’s been years since I’ve had any quality time off just to rest and recharge without obligations (I don’t count knee replacement surgery!). The idea of holing up someplace with WiFi, a comfy bed, a pool, a workout room, meals I don’t have to cook, and no expectations to meet except those of my characters . . . a dream trip! Some of my writer friends religiously rent a hotel room to finish their book. I don’t think I have enough time off accumulated to write 18 chapters . . . but I’d have a running start.

Where would you go to take a scenic break?

Pardon me. I’m off to scout locations . . . as soon as I visit my IWSG pals.

Happy Spring! And Happy Writing!



Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the April 3rd posting of the IWSG will be J.H. Moncrieff, Natalie Aguirre, Patsy Collins, and Chemist Ken!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

14 comments

  1. I rent a hotel room a couple times a month, not just for writing. To take a break from routine. Helps with the enormous amount of Things That Must Get Done. It's refreshing and energizing. Even one night away helps.

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    1. Oh, I WISH!! I'd be good with only a couple of times a year! Thanks for visiting, Mildred!

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  2. I'd go to the beach. Wait. It's 5 miles away. That's no vacation. My wip is stalled. I think about it before I go to sleep (usually helps). Isn't working. I switched to my middle grade sci-fi adventure, thinking if I put the other aside it would help. Not yet. Come on over. You can have the office I don't use. The beach is close enough. Good luck with this chapter.

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    1. I'm getting in my car . . . How nice that would be. Five miles to the beach - I'd be there every weekend. The sound of the waves is almost as good as a massage. Almost. We both need to get that creative spark refiring.

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  3. I almost always find the next scene is the most challenging one!

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  4. I always pre-write and schedule these posts, usually when I'm in a dark place psychologically. Maybe I need to stop doing that.
    The last "vacation" I had was for my brother's wedding in 2003. He got divorced in 2010. After our father died, his then-wife told him "you're no fun anymore." He's still paying off all the debts he incurred trying to make her happy, i.e. purchasing a vacation condo in Santa Fe. Gobsmacking!
    I'm not sure that "I really want to write this" sense has engaged for me for a long time. Then again, the hopeful sense of expectation hasn't engaged for anything else in a long time either. I've been fighting uphill battles for far too long to be hopeful or expectant about much of anything.

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    1. (((HUGS))) Know how that feels! Maybe it's time for both of us to make something happen instead of waiting for it.

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  5. One sentence at a time, Nancy. It'll come together. Vacation planning, my favorite procrastination. Probably why I'm going to ThrillerFest in July (calling it work, but ...) then a mountain getaway in September, then a cruise in February. December's looking empty ...

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    1. Need someone to carry your bags?! Cruising . . . that was the best. Getting up in the dark to sit on the balcony to wait the sun rise over the water . . . until the battery in my old laptop gave out. Sigh . . . Priceless.

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  6. Wishing much progress with your writing. On the ocean on a sunset cruise or the Bahamas somewhere near he ocean where can hear it and see it even from the hotel room. Yeah, have not done that in about 3 years now despite living in Florida.

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    1. An all inclusive on the Pacific in Mexico wasn't half bad, either. The smell of salt and sound of the surf. I haven't done that in over 20 years!

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  7. I have never been so organized to know where my story is completely going. Maybe a break will refresh you. Or if you know the major plot points you might be able to go chapter to chapter for a bit. Good luck.

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    1. Another thing that sometimes spurs momentum is writing random scenes from later in the book that can connect as the story moves forward. Just reserved my hotel getaway but it's a not until next month. Until then, I'll be soldiering along, page at a time.

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