IWSG: when writing gets tough

The awesome co-hosts for the June 1 posting of the IWSG are SE White, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguire, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Jacqui Murray!

June 1 question - When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If you have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?

I find that when I’m stuck in a story (but still have to write it, meaning, I’m on a deadline) that’s when creative things start happening. If my story is stalled midway, I turn on music, sink deep into the story, and let the characters do the driving. I wrote my first novel in 5 weeks (wouldn’t recommend doing it that way—my backside hurt for a year from sitting so long; this was in the days before ergonomic desks!) as an opportunity came up that I couldn’t resist. I put on a soundtrack and with my beginning, middle and end in mind (and nothing in between!) I drove my story through the fog and found my characters arriving in strange and wonderful places. It turned out to be a glorious adventure.

When I have the choice (meaning, no deadline) and I’m stalled on a story, I set it aside to do more simmering. I usually have about 4-5 projects on the go at once with some taking years to make their way back to the front of the line.