I had a bit of a writing wobble earlier this week.
I’ve just begun editing Under Stone, the fourth book in my Ambeth series. It recently returned from a professional edit, and so I was taking suggestions and beta read comments on board, polishing the final crevices and tidying up punctuation and prose, ready to go to the next stage.
At least, that’s what I was supposed to be doing.
But something wasn’t right. Even my groaning ironing basket held more allure than playing with words. Even though it’s what I love to do. I mean, editing isn’t my favourite part of the process but there is still something immensely satisfying in taking a book through the final stages before publication, seeing the changes from rough first draft to the end product. So I was ready, I thought.
But I just couldn’t find the thread. The story thread. The Ambeth thread. Whenever I step into that world the voices are clear, the images sharp. I know all of the characters intimately, their backstory, what drives them, where they are going. But, for some reason, they seemed a little… distant. As did the world of Ambeth – the gardens, the Palace, the sighing sea, all felt as though I were viewing them through the wrong end of a telescope.
And so I had a wobble.
After all, it’s been a while since my last Ambeth book, Hills and Valleys, came out. Since then, I’ve published A Thousand Rooms, my standalone women’s fiction novel, as well as almost finished the first draft of Silver and Black, another standalone work. I’ve also started a new job which is taking quite a bit of my time. So I was worried. What if the story, the wonderful story that started me writing, words pouring out of me, had decided to, well, get up and leave? I mean, I had been working on Ambeth – Under Stone was quite a complex book to write as so many threads from the first three books came together, many of them to be resolved in this book. So it was only a couple of months since I’d last visited. But still – it had been a while.
And I couldn’t find my way back into the story.
So instead I fell into a wormhole of sadness and despair. But, after a pep talk from a lovely writerly friend and a good night’s sleep, I decided to approach things from a different angle. Instead of editing, I decided simply to read the story again. And, it seemed to help. A piece of music I associate with the books started playing in my head, and carefully, slowly, I started to wander back into the woods. I’m not all the way there yet but, thanks to music and oak apples and reading and thought, I think I might get through the Gate again.
And that ironing basket isn’t looking so interesting any more…
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Helen Glynn Jones 
** shudders** … the writing-wobbles are nearly as bad as the tummy collywobbles! … glad you found your way back. 😀
Thank you! Yes, it was pretty bad, but I think I’m on my way back now *fingers and toes crossed* 🙂
I doubt if that gate will ever be closed to you… x
Thank you, Sue – I hope that’s the case, I’d miss it terribly x
Just believe x
I do 🙂 x
🙂 x
Glad you’re waving bye to those wobbles!!!
Thanks Ritu – yes, on my way now 🙂
🙂
Ironing!!! Ironing??? Get ye back to Ambeth forthwith!
(Writing wobbles: I don’t think you can call yourself a writer if you haven’t had a few 🙂 X )
Haha, yes, thank you, no more ironing, point taken 😀 On my way back there now.. *wanders into the woods*
Sometimes you just have to go away and do other things and be patient. I frequently feel very much the same, and then I have to either write something new or go for a walk or just leave the whole thing be for a while.
Thanks, Mick. Now that I’ve just started reading, rather than editing, I’m finding the flow again. It was quite a stressful evening though! 🙂 The trials of writing, hey?
I imagine it just means that you have to find your way back into the world. Once you’re there, things look so much clearer 🙂
I think that’s the case too. It was just such a moment of panic! But I think I’m on my way back there once more now, thank goodness 🙂
Pleased to hear it 🙂
You write as naturally as you breathe Helen and some days it’s easier to breathe than others! You will flow back naturally and maybe just needed to do something else for a wee while. Hugs xX
Aw, Jane, that’s so lovely of you to say 🙂 I think I’m finding my way back but I’m trying not to rush things, just going with the flow, as you say. Thank you for your support xx
I think we all have moments like these Helen. You have such great support here. 😉
Thank you 🙂 Yes, I love this blogging community, such great people. I feel very fortunate to know you all 🙂
👍🏼
if that ironing urge comes again, well, let me know. I think I can help with it…
With the ironing? Or with getting rid of the urge to iron? Either way I’m grateful, Geoff ;-D
Ironing urges have to be treated surgically or they will return…
😀
I’ve had the same feeling and re-reading is a great way to get back into the story. I’m sure with everything else going on in your life and all the other projects in between, you’ve just lost the thread of your story. I’m sure it will all come back and you can continue your wonderful books! Best wishes. xx 🙂
Thanks so much, Louise 🙂 It’s been reassuring to hear that this is quite a normal thing. I haven’t had this long a break from the Ambeth books since I started writing them, so it was a bit of a shock! However, the re-reading is definitely helping and the stories coming closer again. xx
Glad to hear you got through that wobble, Helen. I think we all have them, but some of those wobbles can continue moving for a long time.
Happy writing.
Thanks, Hugh 🙂 I think the wobble has steadied now, but it’s been lovely to hear from everyone, such great community support x
The community here is always a wonderful place to come and talk, Helen. I dread to think where I would be without them.
Absolutely 🙂 This little blogging lark has been life-changing…
I’ve had that issue too! I often find I have to re-read my story from the beginning to even be able to get back into writing it. I have a couple of them like that right now… Glad you got un-wobbled!
Still un-wobbling… but getting a lot better – might make that NaNo goal yet! Thank you, it’s good to know this is all perfectly normal and I’m not alone 🙂 Still sad I won’t get to see you next month, hope your travels are going well x
Yes, me too. Wish we could have met. Ah well, next time!