A Writer’s Struggle

by Jessica Haines

Right now I’m finding myself in a weird limbo that I think quite a few writers (and honestly all people) fall into once a big project you’re involved in has come to an end. I’ve not long finished my edits for my second book in the Grotesque series and I’m all up to date on things with admin, life, and all the things relating to the kids.

So what do I do now?

In a section of my house I have a pile of notebooks that can easily cover any of the four other people who live with me, if they should run out between now and December. There is another pile filled with ideas and characters that I would love to write, but up until now I’ve not had the time. I also have Ryley and Kasper, whose story needs putting out into the world, so my trilogy can come to its end. There are also even more ideas in my head too, that haven’t even met the pages of the notebooks yet.

But, for some reason, I’m sat here procrastinating. Typing this up rather than doing any of those writer type things. And the question I can hear you all ask is, why?

And the only thing that comes to mind is fear. Writing ‘The End’ on 85,000 words, and a good six months of my life, felt fantastic. But now comes the time when you have to stare at that blank page and remember how hard getting those first few 100 words down actually is.

Is my first line catchy enough? Does it draw the reader in and set the scene? Am I starting this book in the right place? Or could the MC actually manage this moment alone, and the next bit of their journey is where things need to kick off?

And the biggest one that always shouts the loudest in my head? Am I good enough to do this?

From what I’ve seen, even those with 25 novels under their belt still have this ‘hmm’ moment where they tap their chin as they stare at that tiny cursor, that innocently sits blinking at them while it waits for inspiration to strike.

Now, while putting this together I’ve actually found an answer to the question in the title, and it’s an odd one because it kind of contradicts a chunk of what I’ve written.

I put it to another writer.

Now, this person has given me a list of things that I could do, and narrowed them down to where I’m at with my day and how long I have, how I’m feeling. And, of course, it all makes sense.

So, it appears that writers are fantastic individuals, who have muse like qualities when it comes to all things in the world. So, if you ever need help, find yourself a writer.

Unless it’s finding out about their next book. With that, you’re on your own!