The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. We post our thoughts on our own blog. We talk about our doubts and the fears we have conquered. We discuss our struggles and triumphs and offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. This group is all about connecting!
The awesome co-hosts for the July 2 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, Natalie Aguirre, Cathrina Constantine, and Louise Barbour!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. Remember, the question is optional!
July 2 question – Is there a genre you haven’t tried writing in yet that you really want to try? If so, do you plan on trying it?
A few years ago I got an idea I’d really love to write—a time travel. I jotted down some notes but that was as far as it went. However, the idea won’t leave me alone. I vacillate between rolling it around in my head and trying to ignore it because, as usually happens, someone else got a similar idea and they actually used it, wrote several books. I haven’t read them and I’m sure they’re different from my own idea but it was discouraging.
I have a theory that if we don’t grab our ideas immediately and start writing, God “shares” them with someone else. It’s happened to me way too often.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows”. James 1:17 This verse directly declares that all good and perfect gifts originate from God, emphasizing His role as the ultimate source of blessing and provision. To me, that includes our ideas.
But back to the question:
I’ve written a time travel short story about a kid and his granny going back to her childhood but it seems incomplete—like just part of their story. Not sure what to do with it. It feels like it needs a true beginning, more of a middle, an ending. I’m just not sure. It takes me way too long to think and plot. I’m not sure how to fix that. (frowny face here because it’s a real problem.)
I’m intrigued by dual timelines where a character from the past connects with one in present day. I’ve read some of Robin Lee Hatcher’s books using dual timelines, also Rachel Hauck’s and Jaime Jo Wright’s books. I think that genre would be quite challenging since the timelines converge by the end of the novel, revealing a hidden connection and often solving a mystery.
When I was young I read historical novels all the time but eventually lost interest in them. Time travel and duel timelines would plunge me back into reading and writing it. Not sure I have the stamina for that depth of research.
Thoughts anyone?
On another note: we’re moving. Downsizing. Up to our ears in packing, sorting, decision-making.
It’s quite challenging to dispose of things that are dear to the heart but not needed. I’m certain there are lessons to be learned through the process but right now, I’m resistant.
More on that later.
Keep writing, my friends. Don’t give up.
Time travel writing would be fun, getting into the target period, and doing the research. My problem is figuring out how to accomplish the time travel. I don’t want to “borrow” from anybody else’s idea of how it’s performed. I want to think up something new.
We are also downsizing. Parting is such sweet sorrow, and a whole lot of work!
Where are you headed?
Hi Larry, I really appreciate you popping in. Hubby and I are moving to the Lafayette, Louisiana area. It’s just about 1 1/2 hours away—close to the daughter who will take care of us in our old age. Hubby hates it when I say that but it’s true. I hope I can get back to my writing in my new surroundings. We’ll see.
But as far as time travel goes… just start writing and the time travel will happen. In my story, the granny is in the hospital and the kid is holding her hand. All of a sudden the IV starts flashing and they’re transported back in time. Anything goes! Just get it down then you can revise and tweak. The ideas roll when you’re doing the actual writing! Good luck!
Maybe combine that first story with a dual timeline?
Good luck with the move!
Thanks Alex!
Hi-
I love a well-written time travel story! It’s not anything I think I’d be good at, though. Good luck with moving- it is quite an ordeal, but you’ll empty those boxes out again before you know it.
Sure hope so, MIffie!
It was your gift and still is. God didn’t give it to someone else. Write that story, Jessica.
We’ll see. 🙂
I’ve walked in your shoes!! Sometimes we make our own situations more difficult by overthinking them until they’re blown out of proportion. There are NO new ideas – only different interpretations of them. Write your own story your own way . . . and OWN it! But don’t call it GONE WITH THE WIND.
Thanks Nancy, I do tend to overthink!