Wednesday 3 July 2019

Ongoing

Ongoing means in progress, under way, continuing, being worked on. I have a novel that's been ongoing for years and now looks as though it will be more than one book (the big project I mentioned last month).

The amount of work involved, and not knowing if it will be a success at the end of the process, was making me feel a little insecure. Thankfully several members of the Insecure Writer's Support Group did what they're there for and offered support and encouragement. Amongst the helpful suggestions was a common theme – just go for it, do a bit at a time and don't put obstacles in my way. Since then I've added more words and am feeling just a little less daunted.

Other meanings of ongoing are progressing, advancing and growing. The story is doing that, albeit slowly. They're the aspects I'll try to focus on, rather than how much more there is to do and what might happen when I eventually finish.

This ongoing competition from The Third Word asks for just 80 words, which can be a complete story, scene or extract from a longer work. I won once and that was with a novel extract.

11 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Patsy - Ongoing is a good word ... and if I can get off procrastination and actually stop - the stories might develop. But life is life ... take care and good luck with the book - now series seemingly ... enjoy this wonderful weather - cheers Hilary

Ornery Owl of Naughty Netherworld Press and Readers Roost said...

I have many WIPs which will probably never be published. It kind of makes me sad.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Glad their advice and encouragement helped. Will the work be worth it in the end? You'll never know if you don't finish it, right?

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's great that you're focusing on the progress. I have a book I worked on for 10 years before putting it down. I learned so much from the process that I'm not sorry if I never do anything with it.

Patsy said...

@ Hilary – We are enjoying the weather, Hilary. Seems a shame to stay indoors when it's like this, so the writing will have to wait.

@ The Real Cie – That is a bit sad, but you could be wrong and they'll get published and that's a happy thought.

@ Alex – Good point.

@ Natalie – I am learning things from this project, so whatever happens it won't have been a complete waste of time.

Chrys Fey said...

I have a project (a series) that had been ongoing for years and YEARS, too. Still not published, but one day...

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

The IWSG always offers such amazing support! I've received lots from the group, and I can only hope I've given at least a little back. :)

Good luck with your project!

Juneta key said...

IWSG is very supportive. Good luck with your project. I am working to finish one too.

emaginette said...

You define the word success. No one else. Don't fall for the trap and enjoy the journey. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

cleemckenzie said...

Thanks for telling us that IWSG was helpful in your writing process.

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

It can seem hard to determine if a novel you're writing will work out or not. A similar problem I'm having with one of my current projects and it's only a novella! Lol