Writing is often hard. Right now I’m going through a difficult patch. I completed a first draft at the end of last year, and now I’m moving towards a second draft, as I mentioned last week. I have the story outline, and I’m listing scenes and working on what key actions happen in them: do they move the story on and do they really need to be there. I’m also reading for research (on being held hostage, in Africa, AND on the politics of aid and disability, if you have any recommendations.) But it’s strange. I like research, but I’m finding this intangible background searching a struggle. I want to be writing, making visible progress. So I’ve decided I’ll carry on like this through February and March, then in April I will push everything aside and start with my scene guide and a blank page and go for a second draft. In the past I’ve tweaked first drafts, made copious notes, and then stopped, but this will before the first total rewrite. I’m looking forwards to seeing what happens.
38to39
A work in progress
38to39 
Best of luck with it all! Second drafts are hard!
Thank you. I’m very interested to see what you are doing with Mothers Milk Books.
I hear you that it’s hard going, but it also sounds like a good plan, so grit your teeth and stick with it. That research and planning you’re doing will pay off when you come to write your second draft. Also, I like that you’re not going to keep researching and replotting forever, but have a date in mind to go back to writing. Good luck!
Thank you. I think deciding there had to be an arbitrary end date has helped psychologically!
Sounds like a plan! Sometimes it can be hard going but having a plan for the coming weeks helps. Good luck x
Thank you
Best of luck with your second draft!
I ended up completely re-writing one half of my book in the end, as the story just was not working for me anymore… xx
Thank you. It’s good to hear about your experience!
Sounds like a lot of work coming your way. Remember to take some time out to relax and chill too – you don’t want to burn out! #WhatI’mWriting
I’ll pace myself. Not much chance to do anything else with the kids around.
The research is so worth it in the end. Keep going. I know how you feel at the moment and can definitely sympathise.
Thank you. I feel better having a planned time to stop research!
Good luck with the second draft! It sounds like a sensible plan even if it is slow going now. I always prefer to get my teeth into writing rather than research but I’m sure it will be worth it! Thanks for linking to #whatImwriting xx
Thanks for commenting!
Ross is currently on the 19th draft of the script he is writing and I see what he goes through so I completely feel your pain! Your book sounds really intriguing and I am looking forward to seeing the finished product eventually. #WhatIAmWriting
Wow. 19 drafts! Thanks for stopping to read and comment.