I’m still struggling to find a new topic for a novel. I can’t separate the story out of the background of my life right now. That character or characters haven’t popped out of the background yet.
I’ve written about several characters.
I’ve tried combining a couple of ideas, and it sorta works, but it’s not jelling yet.
I’ve ignored it for a while and come back to it fresh.
I’ve re-read old failed novels, wondering if I can revise one or more; or more drastic, if I might cannabalize parts of one or another.
There’s a two part solution:
BIC
So far, I’m still in the BIC (Butt-in-Chair) phase and there’s nothing that has captured my imagination enough to commit.
Trust the Process
I don’t consider if writer’s block at all. There’s nothing emotional keeping me from writing and in fact, I’m getting lots of non-fiction written. It’s just that no new characters have grabbed me yet. No plot has fascinated me.
I am reading widely.
I am writing daily.
I am exploring many options.
I am trusting the process; it will come.
I agree, sometimes you’ve just got to wait. The blank page may seem intimidating, but why push things if all you’ve got is a box of Jello mix and no boiling water? (Yes, I did just try to make an analogy that would relate with the fact that “it’s not jelling yet.”)
Good luck!
LOL on the Jelling/jello analogy!
It’s an active waiting, anyway; I’m writing lots, just haven’t found that WOW factor I’m looking for.
Darcy