Bronwyn Green

The Corner of Quirky & Kinky

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I think probably every author has stories they’ve abandoned. Either the stories weren’t working, the writers lost interest, or maybe the books were meant to be part of a series at a publishing house the author has chosen to not to associate with anymore. It happens.

I abandoned the first few stories that I wrote. I mean, they’re finished, but they’re abandoned. They’ll never see the light of day because they’re just that dreadful.

But, I don’t feel like they were a waste of time or anything. They were great learning experiences.

I learned that a story without conflict is boring as fuck. No – really. So insanely boring. Painfully boring.

I also learned the basics of realistic dialogue (which I’ll be giving presentation on to a local writers group, next month) big, black moments, point of view, and satisfying endings.

I also learned that super detailed outlines or plots are more of a hindrance than a help for me. I write better when I make it up as I go along.

Every story I write (or edit for someone else) teaches me something new.

I do have a few stories that I wouldn’t quite put in the abandoned category, but I also wouldn’t say I’m actively working on them, either. They’re stories I’ve set aside to finish at a later time. They’re started, but they’re not currently on my schedule, and unfortunately, that means they’ve dropped in priority. But they will get finished. Eventually.

That’s it from me this week, but be sure to check out Gwen’s post on her abandoned stories. Oh, and that photo at the top is an abandoned structure in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, right down the road from where we stay every year for our writing retreat. More pictures later in the week!

12 thoughts on “Abandoned Stories – Have them? What Happened?

  1. Kris Norris says:

    Does having 20 on the list make none of them abandoned? LOL. I agree. Sometimes you just have to chalk something up to experience.

    1. Bronwyn says:

      Life…one learning experience after another. 😉

  2. Alex Kourvo says:

    I remember how freeing it was to learn that not every piece needs to be published. It’s not just bad books that get set aside. Sometimes we can let go of even very, very good writing, knowing there will be more to come. I find that comforting.

    1. Bronwyn says:

      You know…that *is* comforting. 🙂

  3. I am nothing but mostly abandoned works, sadly. I’ve only completed one book and it was only a first draft so technically it isn’t finished. However I learned to accept who I am is a girl who likes to write stories for her own entertainment. I am not an author. In order to be that I have to have more discipline. Hats off to you authors for having that discipline and drive.

    1. Bronwyn says:

      I wish the discipline part was easier some days. 😀

  4. Jae Roth says:

    I have a drive full of notes on stories, started stories, stories that stalled, etc. For me it was a matter of priorities and life getting in the way; publisher issues, three small children, day job, etc.

    1. Bronwyn says:

      I totally get that. And let’s be honest. The kids always come first. <3

  5. Pansy Petal says:

    I have to go along with missmissytalylor – “Hats off to you authors for having that discipline and drive.” You know the issues I have writing a blog. 😛 But some day, when I grow up . . .

    Thank you for a sharing your thoughts and inspiration.

    1. Bronwyn says:

      Eh – growing up is overrated. Let’s just get out the crayons instead! 😀

  6. Gwen Cease says:

    Super detailed outlines are the death of stories for me. I’m such a pantser, but I didn’t understand that when I first became truly serious about writing. The “rule” was to outline so I outlined and then the book became super boring. *sigh*

    1. Bronwyn says:

      I soooooo get that!

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