finishing a story

[Buh4Bee]

Please provide suggestions if you can: I am trying to finish a short story that I am emotionally hung up about. Does anyone have any strategies to help me get it done?

[hillwalker]

I know of a 'Creative Writing' tutor who used to tear up the original copy of every poem or story handed in to her by her students and instruct them to rewrite their pieces once more from memory! She believed a complete rewrite off the top of the head would usually be an improvement.

I'm not suggesting you start again - but if you are 'hung up' on the plot or the development of the story perhaps you need to reconsider the ending and either change it drastically or use the ending as a new starting point for the story.

Doing that might untangle a few knots and inspire you to continue the original story from your sticking point at a later date.

Good luck with it.

[Buh4Bee]

Hillwalker, thank you. this might just be the advice I need.

[hillwalker]

You are most welcome.

Another solution might be to walk away from it for a while - focus on something totally different, like gardening or cooking or whatever - then come back a day or two later with a fresh approach. That has worked for me in the past....

[Hayseed Huck]

Hello,

I am a retired writing instructor. I did that once--
tore up student papers and trash-canned them.

My lady dean chewed my butt for doing it. Seems
some student's sense of self-esteem was damaged.

Do you think I took the chewing-out graciously?

??

HH

[hillwalker]

HH

Student writers possessing self-esteem? How dare they!

The whole process of writing is the ability to conjure words from the ether I guess - listening to that inner voice and transferring it onto paper. It's just that some of us are better at taking dictation than others. Editing and revision are all part of that process.

You seem to have a serious yet.... mischevious attitude to this writing lark - I bet your classes were quite an experience.

Just what these forums need I think.

H

[dizzydoll]

I love reading the responses you write to posters Hillwalker, most enjoyable and educational too. Have you got the Scots temper also? lol. And is that picture of you as a youngster?

[hillwalker]

dizzydoll

The picture is indeed me in my black and white days - how ever did you guess :-)

My 'temper' (?) is non-existant as I am a placid Welshman now residing in glorious exile in my 'spiritual home' - as laid-back as it is possible to be without falling asleep.

But thanks for your kind words - a little balm to the soul is always welcome.

H

[dizzydoll]

dizzydoll

The picture is indeed me in my black and white days - how ever did you guess :-)


very cheeky little face, you must have had plenty pinch your cheeks. :smile5:

[hillwalker]

Oh yeh - lol

Especially when I was wearing my favourite zipped-top jacket (featured in the pic). I really thought I looked the bees' knees (nine years old and sweet on a girl called Susan Iball).

I wonder where it all went wrong!

[xtianfriborg13]

I know of a 'Creative Writing' tutor who used to tear up the original copy of every poem or story handed in to her by her students and instruct them to rewrite their pieces once more from memory! She believed a complete rewrite off the top of the head would usually be an improvement.

I'm not suggesting you start again - but if you are 'hung up' on the plot or the development of the story perhaps you need to reconsider the ending and either change it drastically or use the ending as a new starting point for the story.

Doing that might untangle a few knots and inspire you to continue the original story from your sticking point at a later date.

Good luck with it.

Best. Advice. Ever.