Saturday Chit-Chat for January 13th!
Katie A. asked:
What do you feel is the greatest challenge as a writer?
CP: Writing. Seriously! These days just putting words on paper feels
like a challenge. Putting worthwhile words is an even bigger challenge. I’m always surprised when I go back and read something I wrote and think, “Hmmm, that’s GOOD. Why am I second guessing myself and this story?” But then next day when I sit down to write, I’m back second guessing again. The next biggest challenge is writing a book that I think will keep readers coming back for more. It’s just challenge after challenge and intimidating knowing you’re being judged by your readers! I feel so grateful to be published and to have people spend their valuable money on my words, I want them to be worth it!
JEL: Definitely the writing! Discipline is really hard when there are so many other EASIER things I’d rather be doing. NOT writing, however, is not fun, either, because of the guilt and because I really, really, really do want to tell these stories. I’m also struggling right now with memory issues…I honestly cannot remember things about my story after a certain amount of time or pages. I just went back and reread thirty pages I swear I don’t remember consciously writing. Of course, I was working on the project concurrently with another one, but the words weren’t familiar to me at all. Luckily, however, they were really great!
JD: Julie, that’s what happens when you turn forty! 
Yes, the day to day writing is very difficult! After writing 40+ books, I sometimes feel like I’m repeating myself, and the biggest (and most difficult) challenge for me is making sure that each story is unique and different. That’s why I’m so grateful to have the Plotmonkeys — not only are they the best kind of friends a girl could ever want, but when we all plot together (plotting retreat coming up this next week — YIPPEE!!! 
) they come up with some great ideas that I never would have thought up on my own.
LK: Sorrry to be late everyone, I had no internet last night & this morning! But I thought I’d pop in and add my answer. For me, the day to day writing is absolutely the hardest part. It’s not so much the “putting words down” that I find so hard, but just discilining myself enough to force EVERYTHING else out of my head and focus on what I’m doing. When I get “in the zone” the words flow, but getting into that zone has become harder and harder over the years.
The second hardest part of this job is just how dang tough the business is. It can be so incredibly demoralizing and frustrating. I often wonder why I’m still doing it when I just never seem to get anywhere, then I get lost in a scene or fall in love with a character, and I remember why I started doing this in the first place: because when I lose myself in it, I absolutely love what I do.
I can certainly understand everthing you ladies are saying.
I know I’ve written things (papers and such) thought they were awful when I did them and then went back and read them later and thought. I wrote that, it’s not half bad.:lightbulb:
And yes Julie and Janelle, I also have the memory problem of those over 40. I hate it. I can remember things on a clalendar but ask me what I just red and I’m like ‘duh’:doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie:
Ya’ll have a blast on your retreat.
Comment by Gigi — January 13, 2007 @ 9:32 am
Lord I can’t even spell anymore.
It should be ‘read’:thumbsup2:
Comment by Gigi — January 13, 2007 @ 9:53 am
Are you sure that wasn’t a memory slip Gigi??? Hell, I can’t even remember what I need at the grocery store when I have a list in front of me, much less which books I have bought. The thought of going back after only 2 years out of college and doing another degree- and writing more papers
scares the crap out of me. No way could I do a book.
I bow down to your superior writing skills ladies.
Comment by ev — January 13, 2007 @ 10:05 am
Comment by katie — January 13, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
Talking about memory problems, I recently read a book review on-line, thought it sounded great so I ordered the book. Was excited when I recieved it in the mail because I had just finished a book…. Not more than ten pages in the book I realzied I alread read this book
Yes, turning 40 has been so much fun
Comment by Tina Martinesi — January 13, 2007 @ 2:22 pm
Hope that you have a blast at your retreat……..and so glad that you all are writing such great stories. As for the memory thing after 40 yeah, there is that………I used to be able to remember plots of books I read a couple of years ago……….Now I am lucky to remember what I needed at the store………..
Comment by Cryna — January 13, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
Memory loss!! I have to worry about memory loss!!
Just kidding folks, I’m in my 60’s & it amazes me that I can’t remember something I did 5 minutes ago but I can remember something 20, 30, 40 years ago!! Why? Is that fair!
To all you Plotmonkeys, I am so glad you all work to put down those words on paper for us, the readers. Thank you for your struggles & your amazing brains that bring us new & fresh stories to keep us reading & entertain us. :love2: :kiss:
Comment by Donna M — January 13, 2007 @ 4:17 pm
Oh Donna I have to agree with the forgetfulness of the 60’s. I to remember years ago but I tend now to have to reread pages in a good book to refresh my memory. It’s sure an after 40 thing. I can see where it could make writting more and more difficult. I hope you all have a great getaway week.
Comment by jeannie — January 13, 2007 @ 5:40 pm