WIP: Sweating Bullets
- 10
- Jan
There are only 21 days left until the deadline for the writing contest I’m entering. I’m about half through my manuscript and love the direction the story is going. I don’t want to disclose what it is completely about, but what I will say is I’m writing it in hopes that if it does win and makes it to market it will encourage positive Christian and Muslim relationships and interactions.
The hardest part about writing this novel is that I’m incorporating two points of views (POV). Each chapter is titled after the character who is narrating it and provides their takes on the various situations and conversations that occur throughout the novel. I settled on this format after rewriting the first few chapters a couple times. While I loved my characters and the storyline, I wanted to provide a twist that would allow the reader to be in each person’s mind, experiencing what they’re experiencing and seeing what they’re seeing.
While such a format is fun to read, writing it is another experience. I find myself , at times, having to check myself and recall whose perspective I’m writing from. One of my characters is a rough and tumble girl who grew up with an alcoholic mother, while the other is a conservative Muslim who recently moved to the U.S. from Pakistan.
Knowing that each girl talks differently, has characteristic body language and dresses in their own unique style requires me to constantly envision each character as I write so I stay true to them.
This is harder than it looks, but in the end will lend to the authenticity of the story. This is why I’m sweating bullets. In between everything else I’m having to do, including finally recovering after having been ridiculously sick for two weeks, I’m wondering if I can produce the quality of work I expect from myself within the next 21 days. There are times when I’m super confident and know I can, and other times when I feel discouraged. Ultimately I have to try my best. I won’t let myself fail in the middle of something. It’s just not like me. And, when I’m feeling discouraged, I need only look at the incredible progress I’ve made and give myself credit for that, at the very least.
What are some of the challenges you’re facing with your current work in progress (WIP)? What techniques are you using to overcome these challenges?
I think I know which contest you wish to enter
Best of luck with the last stretch!
Thank you! Also, if you have time shoot me an e-mail with what you suspect. If, for any reason, you’re thinking of a different contest I’d love to hear about that one as well.
Oooooo, I can imagine how hard that is honey!
Good luck xx
Thank you! Love all the encouragement I’m getting from everyone. It means a lot to me.
Best of luck! I think the multiple narrators trick can function beautifully when it’s done well, and I love the idea of a book that encourages positive interactions between Christians and Muslims. That is is exactly what the world needs right now, and kudos to you for taking it on.
Thank you! And, I’m glad to know other people believe this is necessary. One of the reasons I landed on this storyline was because there are so few books out there like it. That can be good or bad… LOL.