Yesterday, a friend and I attended Angelina Lopez’s awesome book release party at One More Page Books. During the author interview portion, Angelina talked about trying to write a book but getting stuck on a minor detail. Her husband asked her why didn’t she just worked on the other aspects of the story and worry about the detail later.

On the ride home, my friend said, “that is so you.”

I thought about it later. You see, I’ve learned recently that I’m a late processor. I digest things after I’ve had time to reflect on them, usually while

watching a show on the ID channel. One day I’ll share my deep thoughts during Evil Lives Here. #DontJudgeMe

Anyway, I was stuck for eight days. I thought I wrote myself into a corner with my WIP (work-in-progress.) There was something that didn’t make sense and I couldn’t see why (back off, plotters.) I whined to my critique partner and the funniest thing happened. She asked two simple questions: 

Stuck how, character or plot? What larger personal problem is keeping them from seeing the next step?

I reflected and slept on it. The answer was: NOT THIS DAMNED DETAIL. 

The detail I was sweating about was too minor and easily worked around. I was just too caught up freaking out to see it. Plus, it didn’t change anything in the grand scheme.

 I stressed over nothing.  But that’s the life of a writer. We sometimes get stuck on little things, worry to death, and sometimes cry about it. Getting stuck in the minor details is a pain yet a normal part of writing books. Don’t get frustrated. Just ride the wave and don’t let it stop you.

 You probably expect me to do better next time. I won’t. Self-doubt and obsession are part of the game. You just learn to laugh it off and keep writing.

 

Remember…

Don’t sweat the small stuff…if you can.

It’s okay to cry because writing is hard.

Check out Angelina Lopez’s Lush Money today! You’ll love it.