Wednesday 4 May 2011

Bad Blogger

I'm a bad blogger.

It's been far too long since I posted anything here, but in all honesty, that's probably because nothing has really been happening in terms of my writing.

After the optimism of my first few rejections, the harsh reality of the situation is starting to set in, and I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever receive a response that doesn't include the phrase "Thank you for your submission but...".

The most depressing aspect I'm experiencing is the constructive criticism that I'm receiving. I know that, as writers, we're supposed to embrace the honesty, but I'm finding it extremely demoralizing to be told the same thing over and over again. Especially when I believe I'm improving. Which I'm obviously not.

Apparently, my submissions aren't "proper" stories. They're more vignettes than stories. I'm failing to provide a solid beginning, middle and end for my characters. There is no real conflict (or, indeed, conflict resolution). I can see this in my writing, but I'm struggling to do this inside the 500 word (or whatever the particular flash fiction word count is that I'm working on) limit.

Maybe I'm failing right at the start of the idea process. Most of my ideas stem from scenarios or characters, rather than actual stories.

Okay. My task for this week. I'll come up with some generic plot ideas that have a solid outline. No characterization or anything, just story outlines that could possibly be told in 500 words.

Feel free to nudge me if I don't post something next week!
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