Thanks Alex J. Cavanaugh |
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Taking a month away from social media is great except the return is a bit overwhelming. And does that add to the insecurities? Absolutely.
- Will I get everything done that I’m supposed to?
- Will I do it by the deadline?
- Will I do it well?
Do any of those questions sound familiar? Have you ever taken a month off your social media to do all that other stuff you need or want to do, or are you among the sane ones who don’t do social media?
March Question: Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?
I wasn’t going to answer this month’s IWSG question, but it so happens that did pull out an old story. I reworked it. My agent loved it, but I wasn’t happy with it. There was something off about it, and I never could put my finger on what that was. My agent has let me pull it to do some more fiddling–she’s very understanding–but I’m wondering if I just should have left that thing tucked inside my C-drive in the first place. It may be a story that I should have let die a nice, quiet death.
Now here’s some excellent news: IWSG has some new and lovely SWAG for y’all! Stop by the site and pick out something you like and can use. AND. . .
stay tuned for #IWSG Twitter Pitch Party! Do you have a hot idea you want to try out? This will be your chance. Want the details? Ask and you shall receive.
J.H. Moncrieff says
Sometimes when I travel, I take a break from social media. I just have to. Otherwise, it's not much of a vacation. Or I don't have reliable wifi. Whatever the case, it goes a long way in making a vacation feel like an actual vacation.
Carrie-Anne says
I hope you figure out a solution to that story. Generally, if something feels off about a story, it's best to listen to our guts and make the changes, or keep following those feelings until we figure out how and what to change.
Barbara Fisher says
At age eight or nine, I wrote a full-length adventure story which my mum promptly binned. I’m sure she was right as I probably ‘stole’ most of the plot from the Famous Five stories by Enid Blyton. Since then I’ve contented myself with writing book descriptions (when I was a book dealer) and my blog. I do have a story bubbling away in my mind but the trouble is it’s been there for 60+ years, so I’m not sure it will ever get written.
Lovely to have you back blogging again, I missed you while you were away.
DMS says
It's a good sign that your agent loved it. Maybe you are being too hard on yourself? Who knows maybe with the right editor you will figure out the part that is bothering you- or maybe you will figure it out now that you have pulled it. Good luck and welcome back!
~Jess
dolorah says
Your agent loved it and you didn't let it enter the publishing world. Ok, to me, that's weird.
My blog is my social media. I hit up FB a couple times a month, mostly to check in with family and close friends (and read the funnies). I used to check my blog for comments several times a day, post several days a week, join every meme. I had a job for a while that kept me away from my computer consistently, and now I can't quite get back into the consistent blogging mode. I miss the habit, but I keep hoping to replace it with actual writing.
Cherie Reich says
I haven't taken off a long time for social media, although I do often not check it on weekends. Sometimes stories need a little more time. Good luck with whatever you decide to do with it!
farawayeyes says
I've cut back my social media participation so much it's hard to make the rounds for something like IWSG.
I've reworked a full length novel into a short story for Submission to an Anthology. I admit i was somewhat disappointed in the outcome, because fitting into the allotted word count forced me to make considerable changes. I should be hearing any day now how that one worked out.
nashvillecats2 says
Great post as always Lee.
Found how to get back on to your blog via Sandra.
Yvonne.
C. Lee McKenzie says
So glad you found me again, Yvonne.
Shooting Stars Mag says
I've never taken a big break from social media, but I think coming back in after a month away would be really overwhelming!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You've got that right.
RO says
I stayed away from Social Media for a while, and felt good for the moment, but like you, once I got back, it was mad catch up time. Love your site! Hugs…
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for the visit. Hope you'll come again. I love all my visitors.
Sandra Cox says
Hi Lee,
Love the IWSG swag. I'm thinking I may need to invest in the cup.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Me, too. I can always use another receptacle for coffee!
Cathrina Constantine says
I agree with many of the comments. Either let it die because it doesn't feel right or push it away again, and go back later to see if it suddenly morphed into something you can work with.
I was just thinking last night how I need a break from social media. It takes up so much of my time. Have a nice weekend.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm in the pushing it away stage right now. 🙁 I liked the break and may take more to give myself time to do what I love which is to write.
Mason Canyon says
I'd say if the story doesn't feel right to you, just let it sit for awhile longer. When it's right you'll know it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm so impatient, but I'm working on that, Mason.
Pat Garcia says
Nice to have you back, Lee. I haven't taken a month off from Social Media but I have taken three days and it always does me good. I also make it a practice of staying away from my computer on Sundays, unless, it is an absolute emergency. This helps me maintain mental balance.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
C. Lee McKenzie says
Striking a good balance is an excellent idea. Good for you, Pat.
Denise Covey says
Welcome back, Clem! Hope your month off was productive or lazily lovely! As you know, I'm road trippin' (and finally have wifi).
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hope you're enjoying that road trip. I want to hear all about it.
Juneta Key says
Nope never taken off from social media but have let it slide before.
I rework old stories all the time and recreated character to fit into different worlds.
Cool swag.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
C. Lee McKenzie says
Get your swag while it's fresh, I say!
Jacqui Murray says
Glad to have you back, Cheryl. I have never pulled a book that my agent (the one I don't have) liked, but I know what you mean. Even if it's published, it has to sell, and that means it must be great.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was grateful that she didn't mind. Well, she questioned me, but that's good. I'm sure I'll work something out.
Lexa Cain says
Wow, all the agented writers I know (and I didn't know you were one!!) send their agents stories and instead of "I love it" they get impatient attitudes and a long list of things to fix. Good luck on figuring out what's wrong with the ms or getting a new idea!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I took a while to seek one out, but last year I decided I could use more guidance. Guess I'll see how this works out.
Natalie Aguirre says
Good luck with your old story. Maybe your agent can help you since she suggested you work on it and likes it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
She's not a hands on agent in that way, but she does let me choose my path without any fuss.
Sandra Cox says
Good luck with the old story, Lee. Hope you get it worked out the way you want it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm thinking of tossing the pages and see where they land. Then I'll reassemble according to what fate has decreed! 🙂
Olga Godim says
Some stories should be let to die, but others could be re-emerge victorious. If you don't like your story but your agent does, perhaps there is something there you don't see. Try a global reversal: like making a male lead into female or changing the time of the story from the past to the future. Introduce magic or dragons and see how that altered story shapes up.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Some interesting tips, Olga. Thanks.
Donna K. Weaver says
Interesting that your agent likes it. I'd keep working it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
She likes the ghostly element. I'm not fond of it.
Tyrean Martinson says
I say keep working it if the agnet likes it. Best wishes on all that you do!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I guess I'm committed to getting it done.
Toinette Thomas says
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and offering encouragement.
I've taken extended time off from my blog but not social media. Does that count?
I have a feeling that once I start looking at my old stuff, I'll burry or burn some of it.
The pitch party sounds really cool.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Any kind of break counts! Hope you'll come pitch with us.
Bish Denham says
If you agent likes it, there must be something special about the story. Don't give up on it!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for the encouragement, Bish.
Lynda R Young says
Yep, some stories should die quietly. Hopefully your one isn't one of them and you finally work out what it needs.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Only my rewrite will tell which one this story is. I'd better get busy.
Jemi Fraser says
I'm learning it's best to follow my gut, but I bet your agent sees something awesome in that story!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'd like to, but so far I haven't found awesome. Will continue to look. 🙂
Tamara Narayan says
I have taken breaks from social media and it's never been a problem. The internet isn't going to disappear and the writing community is great about welcoming you back with open arms.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You're so right about this community. Thank goodness for them.
Liz A. says
If your agent loved it, there's probably something there. But sit on it. I'm sure you'll figure out what's bothering you.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Liz.
Sarah Foster says
I can go a long time without posting on social media but I'll usually still check it all the time. I hardly ever post on Facebook but I still look at it every day. I don't even know why. Most of the things people post I find annoying.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I so agree about the annoying part. So why am I there? I guess it shows off my books and I have had some success with their ads.
DEZMOND says
I had three days away from social media last week when my Internet was down, it was wonderfully strange
C. Lee McKenzie says
Great way to describe it!
Chrys Fey says
If your agent loves it, that counts for something. Looking at it from a different view point might help. Good luck!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm adjusting my way of looking at it. Slow process.
Shady Del Knight says
Hi, Cheryl!
Welcome back! You always project confidence and therefore it is difficult for me to believe that you even need the IWSG.
You asked: "are you among the sane ones who don't do social media?"
I have accounts on YouTube and Blogger and that is the extent of it. I stay plenty busy and have no desire to register on Facebook or any of the myriad other social media services. In my opinion all they do is suck vast amounts of time, occupying you day and night with writing, sending, receiving and reading update tweets which are the direct opposite of good, meaningful and artful communication.
I am wondering why you think your old reworked story might not be worth resurrecting. Care to elaborate?
I like the various items of IWSG swag, especially the pretty lighthouse T-shirt.
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend C-Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was experimenting with paranormal and it just didn't work for me. In adult and young adult fiction I like to stick with realistic and I write better when I do.
Misha Gericke says
I sometimes feel like I'll never catch up to my social networking. My day's hours just don't seem to add up anymore. :-/
C. Lee McKenzie says
The faster I go, the behinder I get. I do understand, Misha.
Elephant's Child says
It is Thursday here. Early(ish) but Thursday just the same.
I hope you can put your imnitable style of that resurrected story…
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks. I'm working on it.
Arlee Bird says
I've never taken more than a day or few from social media. I'm a hopeless addict I guess. And even without leaving, my answer to all of those questions you posed early on in the post is "no" unless I actually did have a deadline and then I hope the answer would be "yes" and if I did do it, I'd hope that I would do it well.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm somewhat addicted myself, so I take breaks to sober up. I feel less anxious when I'm outside walking or digging in the dirt so my garden has a chance for a bit of attention. 🙂
Patricia Lynne says
I've had that happen with stories too. Usually, I figure out what is bugging me, so I'm sure you'll solve the mystery soon enough.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It must happen to a lot of us. We should do a hop with "Stories I Had To Either Trash or Make Over."
emaginette says
I'm sure between the two of you, you'll figure it out. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
My fingers would be crossed, but I have to use them for typing. 🙂
Pat Hatt says
Sometimes a nice quiet death just doesn't want to be spun. A whole month? Me? Bah, the cat is far too mouthy for that.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Now that I'm cat+less, I don't have all that nagging anymore. 🙂
Yolanda Renée says
Just a month? Damn, I think I've taken about 3 or is that 6. To much going on elsewhere, besides writing. Life does get in the way, but isn't it supposed too?
Why don't you like your finished product? Maybe beta readers can tell you? Although, to be honest, I'm not thrilled with an entire novel this time around and I put my heart and soul into it. We'll see.
Good luck!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You're the sane one, Yolanda. Good for you, and I'm sure you're using the time to kill off a few characters. Am I right? My beta readers have liked the story, too. I'm really just not sure what bugs me about it.
Leandra Wallace says
Social media, so awesome and horrible at the same time! 😉
C. Lee McKenzie says
A perfect way to describe it.
L. Diane Wolfe says
That's nice your agent is letting you rework it.
Sometimes pulling back from social media is the only way I get anything done.
C. Lee McKenzie says
So far she's been easy to work with.
Julie Flanders says
You made me laugh about the sane ones who don't do social media. I haven't taken a planned break but just find myself staying away from it sometimes. Seems to happen more and more so maybe I need to try to join the sane ones LOL.
Hope you can get the story worked out into something you like. Good luck!
Crystal Collier says
YES! Last time I took a break, it was such a nightmare getting caught up. I decided it's better to just kind of stay on top of things and let most of it go rather than backing away from everything.
Karen Walker says
I have pulled out an old story, but so far, haven't done much with it. Those questions plague me all the time. I don't do very well with much social media – just blogging and Facebook. I hope you figure out what's wrong with the story that your agent loved.
S.A. Larsenッ says
Yes I've had those same questions plague me. Often. I've actually pulled back from social media some. It's changed and not as encouraging as I once found it. Doing so, I've found I'm a bit lost each time I return to it. Even with my once a day check I miss so much.
Yvonne Ventresca says
I've never taken a whole month off, but have done days at a time. Even that can feel overwhelming, but I've realized a lot of the activity, in hindsight, was okay to miss. 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Sorry that story doesn't sit well with you. Hope you figure out what to do.
I've never taken a whole month off but I might take some time in April.