HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Lots of fun stuff in today's blog – – including some prizes and loot for you! But first:
A tiny bit of whining.
What's that noise you're hearing in the background? That is the wail of the poor pantser–author, approaching 110,000 words in a manuscript, and realizing that the big dénouement had better appear pretty darn fast, not to mention the climax and coda, and having no idea what it is.
I’m telling you, Reds and Readers, I have no idea. I have asked myself: what does the main character need beyond all need? What would she REALLY do now? What does the bad guy need to have happen? (Who is the bad guy, anyway?) What will the final big conflict be? And how will the main character get out of it? What will she learn? What do I want to leave the reader feeling at the end of the book? What is the last frame of video in the story?
Ha ha ha. Whatever. I have no idea. I am wallowing in the slough of despond–it’s the scourge of the pantser, staring at my page and waiting for inspiration. Last night, seriously, I had the best idea. The. Best. Idea. I woke up in the morning, all excited, so relieved that I had figured it out, and I am telling you, it was the worst idea that anyone has ever had in the entire history of the planet. And we will leave it at that. I have two more weeks to finish this, and then a month for revisions. So that should be fine, right? Right?
All I need is ONE idea. Seriously.
In other news, there is a lot of fun stuff brewing. And as I said, above, here’s a drawing for you, a bargain for you, and an offer to get something in your actual snail mail box !
Do you enter Goodreads giveaways? If you do, you know how wonderful they are. Some fabulous publishers—including mine—give away dozens of free books in brief, but fabulous drawings. And this year, Forge Books is giving away 50—yes 50!—hard covers of The House Guest!
Just click here to enter!
ALSO! HER PERFECT LIFE is now-–briefly!--just $1.99 on all platforms that sell e-books!
In other news, there is a lot of fun stuff brewing. And as I said, above, here’s a drawing for you, a bargain for you, and an offer to get something in your actual snail mail box !
Do you enter Goodreads giveaways? If you do, you know how wonderful they are. Some fabulous publishers—including mine—give away dozens of free books in brief, but fabulous drawings. And this year, Forge Books is giving away 50—yes 50!—hard covers of The House Guest!
Just click here to enter!
ALSO! HER PERFECT LIFE is now-–briefly!--just $1.99 on all platforms that sell e-books!
(It's reassuring to see this, you know? Because I DO remember at one point I had no idea how that would end either, and it turned out fine. More than fine. So…onward ) ANYWAY! But if you missed HER PERFECT LIFE, snag it now!
Just click here.
Just click here.
And remember, you can give an ebook as a gift, and isn’t that a great idea? They'll never know you got it on sale!
And now, back to staring at my manuscript.
Still, wait. Might as well write SOMETHING! So I know it’s silly and sentimental, but I absolutely love to get holiday cards in the mail. Even the glittery ones, where the glitter falls onto the carpet and takes forever to clean up. I love seeing the family photos, and the family newsletters, and having a moment with each card to be grateful for a friendship.
I love to send them, too. I think of each recipient as I address and sign them, and it's so much fun to take them to the post office and imagine their journeys. So, would you like a holiday card from me? If you do, I am making it easy this year. Just click to this easy form, fill it out, and the holiday elves will get me all the information. And your card will be on the way.
And oooh, the reviews and blurbs are coming in for THE HOUSE GUEST! Here's a VERY nice one!
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And now, back to staring at my manuscript. It’ll happen, I KNOW it will. Any words of encouragement for me? And how about holiday cards? Is that what you’re writing these days?
I have come to the conclusion that fretting is an important part of the writing process, but having read your books, Hank, I also know that it always works out for you in the best possible way. So, hang in and I’m sure you’ll see . . . .
ReplyDeleteAs for writing those cards . . . well, I did buy them, so there’s that. But as for the actual writing . . . well, soon [maybe].
DeleteOh, thank you so much, and I agree, you are probably right :-) as for the holiday cards, you and I are in this together, sister! And we will take it one card at a time. Xxx
And I just read your comment again, and awwww— thank you so much, dear friend.
Delete:)
DeleteIt will come. Maybe while writing Christmas cards?
ReplyDeleteOh, that would be the ultimate wonderful multitasking !
DeleteSometimes you have to empty your mind and then watch out as the plot/story comes to you. Is the struggling you are having on a new book yet untitled?
ReplyDeleteWell, the book right now is One Wrong Word. And I am hoping that is not prophetic. :-) !!!
DeleteSince I am a panster stuck in my new mystery, not knowing who did what or why, I found your post reassuring. I know you will come up with something that works fabulously, and I will be eagerly looking forward to the post that says you did. On another note, I would love to enter the drawing, but I live in Portugal, so I don't think your publisher will be keen to send me a book. But I did just order an ebook of Her Perfect Life. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this so much! I know we will BOTH come up with something! Oh, and hurray about the e-book--I am SO grateful! xxx Crossing fingers you love it. oxoxo
DeleteWaving my pantser hand - and you know it will come to you (although that is a tight schedule!). Have faith. You've been there before.
ReplyDeleteIf it helps, last night I dreamed you were going to give me a silver necklace with stars on it like yours, and then you showed up again, asking if I'd gotten it. You were frustrated that nobody knew where it was. So maybe your solution involves a necklace with stars on it? Easy. You'll find it and finish your book, and I'll get a Hank necklace!
Oh I know, the necklace belonged to Rhys's character Georgie and they were all in Paris at a Chanel showing...oh wait, phooey she already wrote that one...
DeleteWOW--that is fascinating! And here's the cool part--there is a silver star necklace in The Murder LIst that is a pivotal element! But hey, you still should get a necklace! A dream necklace, at least. xooxoo Aww. Love this.
DeleteWhoa - I read the Murder List! But I don't remember the necklace. Talk about the subconscious digging deep.
DeleteHANK: Dearest pantser, you will figure it out! You always do! And then you can do the edits and cutting to make the story even better in the New Year.
ReplyDeleteRE: giveaways. Most Goodreads & FB giveaways are U.S. only, so many thanks to Forge for opening The House Guest giveaway to U.S. & Canada. Yes, as a SuperReader, I did get the ARC & gave my 5-star review in November but it would be nice to get my own hard copy.
Aw, Grace thank yoi. I LIVE for the editing and cannot wait to get to it. And..you DID??? Thank you so much--oh, this is so reassuring and wonderful--and you are incredibly generous! It makes such a massive difference!
DeleteHank, I have faith in you to find the way through to the end.
ReplyDeleteI used to send dozens of cards but it has dwindled down to just a few now. I buy gorgeous cards from National Wildlife Federation and they are spectacular big cards in lined envelopes! If I fill out the form to get a card from you, how can I send you one of my fabulous cards? You are, after all, my friend.
I will enter the Goodreads contest if I haven't already done so. Thank you for the reminder.
Awww..thank you! I will happily send you my address via direct message. xooxo YAY! xxx
DeleteDear Hank, we know your pain so well, but also know you'll come up with something amazing! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you! Do I say this every time?? oxoxo
DeleteYes, it will come. It always has. If it's any consolation, I have the very same problem and I *plan*... I think I know what that final shoe-drop will be. And then I get there and think, nah, not quite good enough. I need to twist the twist... but how? And how long must I sit here staring at my computer before that elusive idea is hatched? We love your books, Hank! It will come and you will once again surprise us.
ReplyDeleteAwww...thank you for your confidence. Much much much appreciated..and since you are ALWAYS right, this is even better! xoxoooo
DeleteTake a walk, scrub some tile grout, wash a window. Inspiration will sneak up on you when you least expect it...and when you don't have notepad and pen handy. My Christmas cards are sitting in a box staring at me. Copy edits first.
ReplyDeleteScrub some GROUT?? Okay, now you;ve gone too far. :-) I did clean the refrigerator, though, so.... :-)
DeleteI second Margaret's advice. Do a mundane chore and see what the back of your brain works out for you and the missing plot points, Hank. You'll get there! As for Christmas cards, I'm sending mine telepathically this year ;)
ReplyDeleteLove this. I got yours already! LOL
DeleteGreat news! I love how this system of card-sending works LOL
DeleteThat is a PERFECT system! By the way, did you see that you won Lauren Belfer's book on First Chapter Fun?
DeleteYou will find your way through and it will be amazing! Have faith! I went out and bought holiday cards yesterday (and got sideswiped by someone who couldn't stay in his lane on the way home, sigh!). I was thinking of skipping them this year, because I wrote a thank-you card to someone in my life each day in November. I enjoyed the gratitude practice immensely! I'll get the cards done and I still have lots of time-- in my tradition Christmas starts on Christmas Eve and ends on Epiphany, which is Jan 6.
ReplyDeleteHope you weren't hurt, only the car, which is bad enough but a car is not a human.
DeleteMy mom also used the Twelve Days option too. Her cards always had the Wise Men on them.
DeleteThanks Deanna, I wasn't hurt and there's slight damage to my car. I feel very fortunate! My mom used to hit the after Christmas sales and give more gifts on Epiphany, which she called Little Christmas. Pretty fun for us kids!
DeleteOh, NO! How incredibly frustrating..and so relieved you are okay. And oh, absolutely until Jan.6. xxx
DeleteI've got nuthin', I'm afraid, Hank. But you always pull through, and this time will be no different.
ReplyDeleteWell, one thing. Just start writing. Good, bad, or indifferent, it will give you some "teeth" to hang something on.
I completely agree with you, and this is my go to, as you say. I just start writing something. But at this point, I’ve really got to cut bait :-)
DeleteHank if anyone can keep to that schedule it is you. Just remember us, your host of fans and friends standing behind cheering you on. Perhaps not a read walk singing. But along those lines. Hugs - Celia
ReplyDeleteThat is such a fun and hilarious vision to imagine! I will try that!
DeleteAs a fellow pantser, I feel your pain! But it will come. And I've entered the GR giveaway so fingers crossed! Lots of publishers won't include Canada and yours did, so wonderful to be given the chance.
ReplyDeleteHooray! Crossing fingers for you!
DeleteSpace lasers to the rescue. Purple ones with stars. And then Bigfoot comes crashing through the door, and the Easter Bunny asks him (her) to tea, and then the Queen's corgis all sing the Hallelujah chorus! Ta-da! An end to your story! Maybe not. Seriously, Hank, you're in the grip of panic and overthinking--take some deep breaths, take a walk or a long bath, relax and let the magic percolate! You've already done the spadework for your fertile imagination (see above, 110,000 words!)!
ReplyDeleteDon’t think every one of those has not crossed my mind, sister! Or just, kaboom! Big explosion, and everyone dies.
DeleteOh Hank, I know you will do it. Eventually! And it will be fabulous, as usual. Go take a walk, enjoy some nature and it will come to you. We here have faith, so you must too!
ReplyDeleteI have complete confidence in you, Hank! You always come through!
ReplyDeleteI haven’t sent cards in years. It got to be too stressful to try to fit in the time for it. I still love to receive cards from people who can manage it, though!
DebRo
Yes, so agree--but it really is fun to get them!
DeleteOh, Hank, I can't even wrap my head around this bold approach. I am a coward and a plotter and don't even leave my house without a map. It could be due to my horrible sense of direction but still. You've got this. Your muse is just taking a siesta. She'll be back shortly and all will be well.
ReplyDelete*Jenn breathes into a paper bag*
SO funny. When I first read this, I thought it said: YOur MOUSE is taking a siesta. (WHich is so cute...)
DeleteOh heavens. Don't remind me! It passed through my mind this morning that I really was late in starting our family Christmas letter, but I pushed the thought aside cause - other deadlines!!! Why do they keep moving the holidays up? It was just August, wasn't it? Congratulations, Hank, on The Guest House, and we all know you'll pull it off with the new one. What the main character REALLY wants is to be free of the strain of dealing with the bad guy, and the conflict comes from her having to get over herself and accept help in getting rid of the creep. Oh wait - maybe I'll use that in my story! Ahh- we can both use it. Off to snag a copy of Her Perfect Life and then back to work. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe can both use it! xxx ANd you are SO right. They DO keep moving the holidays!
DeleteSorry for your angst, but overjoyed at the high bar you set for yourself, and the wonderful books we get to enjoy because of it. I'm sure you have many ways to stir the embers of creativity (another blog post idea?) and that the ending will come to you when the characters are ready to reveal it. Meanwhile, chocolate? <3
ReplyDeleteOh, that is profound. When the characters are ready to reveal it. That is wonderful. Now. Can we get them to hurry? I think they are dithering.
DeleteHank, tomorrow is the Feast of St. Nicholas - maybe if you put a stocking at the end of your bed, St. Nick will leave you a killer ending for your story!
ReplyDeleteREALLY?? Trust me, sister, I am doing that!
DeleteYou'll make it happen, Hank. It's always the darkest before the pantser dawn!
ReplyDeleteI hope so--it is pretty darn dark! :-)
DeleteThank you so much, my darling, optimistic friend! Xx
ReplyDeleteHank, I'm sharing Jenn's paper bag here. 110K words without knowing the ending? Yikes, that is amazing. But it's in there somewhere, in what you've already written. Take a walk, or a bath, have a cup of tea. Sit down with a notebook and a pen (or one of your Blackwing pencils) and just jot down anything that comes to you. No pressure, because you're not actually working on the manuscript, you're just having fun. See what happens. I have absolute confidence that you will figure it all out, and that it will be brilliant!!
ReplyDeleteWell, that is...so lovely of you. Thank you. And aw, yes, my blackwings..I do love them! Yes, indeed, maybe time for some blackwing magic. oxooo
DeleteBlackwings! Aren't they fantastic? ~Lynda
DeleteI thought I'd written myself into a corner on my second novel, so I sat down to re-read the whole thing, and dang if the answer wasn't right there in a throwaway paragraph in one of the earliest chapters. Who woulda thunk it? Yours is probably in a similar place.
DeleteWell, of course you will get it done! Just as you did every other time. No one else doubts it. :-) That walking away for a bit sounds right. I've heard a few very well-known writers say the answer is a long shower. The ideas satrt to flow. Of course there is that little problem of how to write anything down? Laundry is good. Something about that mindless, repetitive, hands-busy folding frees the mind. Yo know the answer is in there, buried but ready.
ReplyDeleteAww..you are such a dear pal. ANd yes, absolutely showers work. xoxooo ANd I do agree about a repetitive thing! Hmmm. xooo
DeleteYou know the perfect solution will pop into your brain when you're thinking about something else. I have no doubts at all! As for Christmas cards, my list has dwindled drastically over the years. I haven't bought any cards yet to send out. I've gotten lazy and send cards out only to those who send us cards. Terrible, I know.
ReplyDeleteIt's your system, and it works for you! Got to love that! xx
DeleteHank, you figuring out what your character and story need is always a sure thing. And, what's more, it will be as brilliant as every time before when you figured it out. I'm so looking forward to The House Guest. I just feel it in my bones that this one will be an award winner.
ReplyDeleteChristmas cards. I have to be honest and say I really don't enjoy sending them anymore. It's become a chore, and I don't send many out now. I do enjoy a few that keep me in touch with some friends and let me know they are still around. I had to laugh recently about my sister-in-law's Thanksgiving card. Yes, you read that correctly. She sent us a Thanksgiving Day card. I told her that she really shouldn't have, and I mean she really shouldn't have. Her excuse was that she was out shopping and saw it and decided to send it. One of these days, I'll discover her real reason. Hahaha!
Oh, a THANKSGIVING CARD? That is a high bar to cross! xxx
DeleteWhat you are describing sounds terrifying to me, but, as Debs says, the answer is in what you've already written. What about re-reading some key chapters (or even the whole MS--I don't know how fast you read), and then making a big pan of almond brittle? It takes over an hour of stirring; the work is mindless, but you have to concentrate to make sure you don't miss the point where it gets shiny. Do that without thinking about your book at all, and your ending will come to you.
ReplyDeleteAlmond brittle FIRST! Yes. xoo Either way might work, and hey, cannot hurt, right?
DeleteHank, sending the muse fluttering to your shoulder asap. IN truth I find if you let characters talk they usually tell you what they want. You'll be brilliant. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteAwww...thank you. I feel her now...and YOU. Or maybe that's the same thing. Thank you. xx
DeleteSo sorry for your dilemma, Hank, but what great suggestions its generated. My take on this is that it's similar to parenting in that poor parents never wonder if they're doing a good enough job. It's only the conscientious ones, the ones who really are terrific, who doubt themselves. You're such a gifted writer that we all have faith in you to resolve this and publish another huge hit.
ReplyDeleteAs for Christmas cards, I love receiving them, especially the newsy ones, and ones with photos. My mom always corresponded with her three sisters, and I loved reading their letters. It was the same with Christmas cards; she wrote to widespread family and friends, and even as an adult, when I was home for Christmas I pored over each and every card to catch up with everyone. I've been hit and miss with cards myself, but there's still time to get them out this year, and that's my intention. ~Lynda
Thank you, dear Lynda! ANd I am so touched by your optimism and support! And yes, intention is good! But no pressure, right? xooxo
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