I’m 8,000 words into my first book and have hit a wall. I am at a standstill with no ideas.
The thing is, I have an outline written for the entirety of the book. I know where I need to go next, but I can’t figure out what words will get me there.
I tell myself I would be all set if I could just write another 10,000 words. Even if my story ends there, I’d be happy. I would have a novella in my hands that tells a story that’s been nagging at me for years.
I’m satisfied with what I’ve written so far, but the process is draining. I figured it would take a lot of self-discipline to start, but I always imagined I would be infused with divine inspiration as I went along, that all these sentences would come to me with no urging on my part, that my only problem would be to get the words down on paper fast enough. But that’s not how it is. I don’t know if it’s ever like that for any writer.
The only personal aspiration I have for this life is to be the author of a book that can be held and cherished forever. I want to be able to find my book at a second-hand store years after it is published. I will find it there not because someone wanted to get rid of it, but because they read it and donated it, believing it would hold value for someone else too.
But now…I can’t write. I hope this post is a step in manifesting what will become true.
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This approach may not be for you, but consider the case of Graham Greene who wrote 500 words a day, five days a week. In a year he would have a novel.
Again, this approach is not for everyone, but it allows one time to think about what is coming next. Perhaps giving yourself that time will allow for the bridge you need to create to reveal itself.
https://www.williamlanday.com/2009/07/08/how-writers-write-graham-greene/
Thank you for sharing this article. I had never read about Greene’s writing process. I do find it to be inspiring.
For me, the premise of my book came into being in 2023. It took me so long to act on the idea and write the first sentence. I think I am paralyzed by these expectations–for myself and my book–that have been building up in my head for years. I must force myself to take small steps. I have already experienced weeks where I do not write a word.
I hear you, I recently started writing what could be my first self-published book and I also struggle sometimes. I’ve read some of your posts, and I can see you’re very talented. Maybe taking a break for a week or two might help, don’t stress about it too much, you’re clearly good at this! Best of luck
Your comments are always the best. Thank you. You’ll have to let me know when you finish your book too! I’d love to read it.