Wattpad Block Party - Winter Edition III

Dasch409 Presents: Love Is In The Air, But Hopefully Your Story's Not

Love Is In The Air, But Hopefully Your Story's Not Heythere! It's D.L. Schroeder (also known as DASCH409)    

Not to long ago, I was reading several blogs on the stages of dating (research for my romance novel that I'm currently writing). It hit me that those stages are so similar to what writers experience when we first set out to pursue completing a new story. Excitement, uncertainty, frustration, and a whole wide range of other emotions are natural as you try to outline and develop your characters. The ultimate goal for all writers is to cross the finish line and be able to type the words, "The End."

So, in honor of it being February (the magical month of love), I wanted to share...The 5 Stages of Figuring Out If This Story is the Right (Write) One For You.

The actual stages are from a book about relationships (thank you Mr. John Gray, PhD), but again, I think they definitely apply to writers as we decide whether or not to pursue our next idea for a novel.

Stage I – Attraction

This is probably a favorite stage for many. The beginning is always the most fun and exciting. You have a new idea for a story and you know it's definitely a hot idea! There are so many unknown factors during this stage, but despite the limited information you can't help but be filled with glee about this new endeavor. After all, you can work out your plot and develop your characters later. Right now, you are definitely in the attraction phase.

Stage II – Uncertainty

So far, things have been falling into place. You've somewhat developed your plot and characters. You've gotten to the point past just good 'ol infatuation, but even though things have been easy so far you begin to wonder. Uncertainty begins to creep into your thoughts and you become a little unsure your headed down the right path. There are butterflies frantically circling the pit of your stomach as your mind goes wild with all sorts of different thoughts. Is your character strong or unique enough for this novel to get noticed? Are you taking the plot down a path where you will get trapped? You just don't know, but you still have enough excitement to push you through to the next stage.

Stage III – Exclusivity

Now its time to get serious and really define this relationship. You've got more than 25,000 words written for this story. Are you committed to this story, it's plot and characters? This might be one of the hardest stages for a writer. You've invested some time on your story, but now you wonder if it really is the right match for you. Over the past few days/weeks, this relationship has definitely become work. Your characters are demanding of your time as they constantly evolve and sometimes not in directions you had anticipated. You have to push back the thoughts of other books and short stories you could be working on right now. You are in an exclusive relationship with this latest idea for a novel. It's demanding and wants to know that it's your main focus. After all, you're well past the one night stand stage. It's time to really get committed.

Stage IV – Intimacy

Before you remind me that this is about writing and not actually dating, you have to admit that writing can be extremely intimate. It's very personal. You've poured your heart and soul into your work and listening to what others might have to say can be difficult. You are definitely growing more attached and invested in your characters and the plot. You've hit a few snags along the way, but overall you think they are developing. You've put down at least 30,000 words so there has been some emotional investment. Now, you want to know what others think. You begin to talk with fellow writers and post chapters of your story on Wattpad. The reads and votes don't come in very quickly. Don't get too discouraged if you're in this phase and think others might not like your work. Remember, this is an emotional stage. Don't give up just yet...