The Sixth Sense Every Writer Wants
I'm not talking about the sense that there is good story idea lurking about or the ability to sense what isn't working in your story. No, I'm not talking about the impeccable sense of timing that helps pace your story. Alright, I guess there are lots of "senses" a writer might want but what I'm getting at is that sense of accomplishment.
What writer doesn't long for that great feeling that comes with finishing your project or better yet, getting your work published? The weight of an unfinished task lifted from your shoulders, the feeling that you can treat yourself because of a job well done. The pride of being able to say, today I wrote and finished my story.
If you haven't felt this in a while I imagine you might feel a bit left out after that description so I have a suggestion for you. Maybe you're stuck on a series of stories and don't know how to finish them or don't feel like you have the time. Maybe you haven't been able to make yourself write lately or haven't had the time or maybe you're steadily trudging along on a novel but still a ways from finished. Whatever the case may be this is my suggestion to you because every writer should feel this and I think the buzz you get from that wonderful sense of accomplishment will help you with whatever your other projects are. It worked for me today so I hope I can pass it along.
Write a short short story. One page or less. Take the simplest premise you can think of right off the top of your head (a guy meets a girl, a woman gets stuck in traffic, lunch gone wrong) and go with it. If you don't know what I'm talking about read Hemingway's "A Very Short Story" and have at it!
Stop reading and go for it and then let me know how it turns out and if it made you feel a little good.
Until next time, I'm Eric and I'm an unpublished writer.