…of a poor hook.
Not hook as in this:
Although it’s true I can’t crochet worth a darn.
Or this:
Thought it’s also true I’ve never caught a fish. (But I’d like to try. Sitting out in a boat in the middle of a peaceful lake just sounds nice, you know.)
Or even this:
And, um, I have nothing sassy to say about that photo. Hehe…Suffice it to say it came up when I Google searched “fishing hook.” Yup.
No, I’m talking about the hook for my second Iowa book—that thing that grabs the reader and doesn’t let go.
My new story centers on two side characters from Tuesdays: Romey and Rick. They’re pretty cool…the kind of people I’d love to know in real life. Flawed, hopeful, mistake-makers and dream-followers.
Once the decision was made to write Romey and Rick’s story, I did my background work, used my well-worn My Book Therapy resources, went to town crafting a story that’s woven its way into my heart.
Alas…
Something hasn’t felt right. I’ve written at least a dozen opening scenes for this story and chucked ‘em all. It’s become a familiar mental march: write, review, scrap – write, review, scrap – write, review, scrap. Oh, and add in wallow. Because each time I read my attempted scene and then pressed delete, my emotions plummeted like that Power Tower ride at Valley Fair.
Well, finally last week I did some soul-searching…er, story-searching. I played Sherlock and refused to write another word before diagnosing my illness. (Was that a mixed metaphor? Chalk it up to my writing distress!) And this is what I discovered: The premise of Rick and Romey’s story? Nothing outstanding.
Oh, the pain in that admission! But it’s true. I mean, it’s an interesting plot. Sweet characters. Some nice twists and turns. But the hook just doesn’t…hook.
And so, I had a choice to make. Rethink Romey and Rick’s entire story…or simply let them rest awhile and move on to my next story idea. (Which, oh, I’m just over the moon about! More details to come soon!)
I decided to move on. However, the decision brought with it a new emotion: Guilt.
Oh crap. I’m one of those flighty writers who can’t finish a story. 20,000 words in and I start a new story. Nooo…..
But then I went to church on Sunday. And as happens more often than not, the sermon not only pricked my conscience but also held these ribbons of relevance to my writing life. The pastor talked about repentance—not the most light-hearted of topics, yeah? But he pointed out that we often view repentance as this scary, almost hands-offy thing. We don’t really like to talk about it. But in reality, repentance is this sweet opportunity to turn a new direction.
Okay, he didn’t use the term “sweet.” That’s my little paraphrase. (Someday my vocabulary will catch up to my age.) But turning a new direction…there’s something refreshing and guilt-relieving in that notion. Changing direction can be a good thing…a great thing. Doesn’t have to be something to feel guilty about. ‘Specially considering I’m not (yet) under contract and my only deadlines are self-imposed. I’m…free.
And so, Romey and Rick will wait in the wings. I’ve not abandoned them by any means. I’m just moving a new direction for now.
And I feel:
Refreshed.
Energized.
Guilt-free. (About the story, that is. Not about the double fudge brownie I just ate…)
Oh, and incidentally, my new direction involves:
- a home-building show. I even watched Extreme Home Makeover Home Edition this week for research. (Oh, Ty, doesn’t your voice hurt after each episode?)
- a nosy reporter. Um, drawing on personal experience on that one, I guess.
- and a fake husband. Haven’t begun “research” for that…yet…:)
This is gonna be fun, my friends. I hope to churn out the bones of a first draft by the end of February. Yay. And, uh, anyone know anything about building things…and power tools…and Bob Villa?
~Melissa
Comments 5
So Melissa, do you think you felt obligated to write a second book because so many these days are part of a series? It seems stand alone novels are becoming rarer. I know that in any story I work on I am subconsciously trying to figure out which characters will be the next one, lol! Your new one sounds like a lot of fun! I can’t wait…you need to hurry up and write it!!
Recently when I wrestled with clearing some things off my plate, I commented on feelings of guilt. Susie helped me put guilt in perspective. We need to feel guilt when we sin, but if we are doing something God called us to do, and still feel guilty, then that’s Satan getting a foothold into our thought process. I released my feelings of guilt joyfully and a peace surrounded me in a way that goes beyond words.
You’re not a flighty writer, but a smart one. Your characters may be waiting in the wings for now. Who knows what sparks of genius God will present to you for their story!
I think you’re right, Heidi. I’m guessing the popularity of series has something to do with the fact that publishing is a business…if a series is good, readers (i.e. buyers) will keep coming back. Although, in my case, part of the reason I wanted to write a second Iowa book was because I so fell in love with the characters of Rick and Romey – especially Rick. I know there’s a story there…somewhere…:)
Thank you for sharing what Susie shared with you, LJ. So true…and freeing! And thank you for saying I’m not a flighty writer…I truly worried about that. I want to be able to finish what I start…and I will, just not at the moment, I guess. Hehe…but this new story, oh, it oozes dramatic irony…which I think is what was hugely missing from Romey and Rick’s story. I’m so excited!!
Melissa,
Why, oh, why did I wait so long to read this blog post? I love everything you write. And I love the premise of your new story. And who knows? Maybe Rick and Romey will re-appear someday. Ya never know . . .
Thanks for the comment, TEE! 🙂 I sure do hope Rick and Romey reappear!! I’ll make it happen!! But only after Raising the Roof/From the Ground Up (with title credits to you and Dee) is finished. Hehe…