I’ve been writing a very long novel for some time, and finally, it is done. My next steps are querying for someone who might publish it. I am optimistic and hopeful, although many tell me the chances of publishing (with the Big Six or Eight, or whatever number the publishing houses are now) are slim. But Slim Chances is only an obstacle that I’ve named. (It’s also a great character name.) Obstacles are to be overcome and should not stop one. 

But how to overcome them? All obstacles are the same, they just wear different anime faces. To overcome writing obstacles, I’ve found that writing something different, and reading both help immensely.

Because my novel is long, and because it covers much of one character’s lifetime, and because there are many characters to keep track of, writing short stories are a respite for me, of sorts. A short story might require more time per page than a novel, not that I measure such things, but changing what I’m writing seems to help. (Several of my short stories are published on Spillwords, if you are interested in reading them.)

When I doubt my writing, which seems to arise at unexpected times, I read. (Lucky for me, reading is one of my favorite pastimes.) When I read, I remember that I too can create a story. Obstacles (imagine an anime ghost face) want your attention and reading diverts your attention, so as they move closer, you find ways to dart around them.

George Saunders wrote a book that I’m currently making my way through: A Swim in a Pond in the Rain. I say ‘make my way through’ because it’s a workbook, a very interesting look at the construction of seven short stories, and why they are classics. I recommend it. 

(Also, I recently finished The Vigil by Mr. Saunders, which is wonderful and the kind of other-worldly book that when I was done, I thought “I wish I had written this.”)

If you are in a place where you encounter obstacles and cannot move forward, read. A cup of tea, a comfy chair and a good story are a combination spell that allows you to see your path.

I hope these suggestions dispel your obstacles.

Until next space….