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Help: The story won’t tell itself!

I write a morning piece almost everyday. Some of them I draft here in the WordPress window, hammering pieces out in 10 minutes.

But for the last 3 days (make that 4), I’ve been struggling with a piece of 600 words. I’m  on to the 7th draft, and after feedback from quite a few non-writing, and a few writing buddies, I think I might just be nearing the final draft.

I wrote the first piece in 10 minutes, then realised the plot was unclear. Once I had juggled the plot and the character into place, I lost the heartbeat of the first draft. So, it was back to the drawing-board, of course.

Now, waiting for the verdict with bated breath: my latest and most favourite/ useful reader is going through the piece as we speak..erm..as I blog.

Wish I could have posted it here and thrown it open for opinions, but alas, that is no to be.

Send me some luck, folks. Maybe a few prayers,  a shot of tequila?

Damyanti Biswas

Damyanti Biswas is the author of You Beneath Your Skin and numerous short stories that have been published in magazines and anthologies in the US, the UK, and Asia. She has been shortlisted for Best Small Fictions and Bath Novel Awards and is co-editor of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her literary crime thriller series, the Blue Mumbai, is represented by Lucienne Diver from The Knight Agency. Both The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon were published in 2023.

I appreciate comments, and I always visit back. If you're having trouble commenting, let me know via the contact form, or tweet me up @damyantig !

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11 Comments

  • Priya says:

    Can’t wait to read it! I have read a couple of your works here and find it awesome that you just type these vivid pieces through in a few minutes. You are a writer’s dream (and stuff for envy, too).

  • Damyanti says:

    Nutschell, thanks for your visit. I did write the final draft, and sent it too. Let’s see what happens! Welcome to my blog.

  • Nutschell says:

    Writing is easy. Rewriting is a writer’s greatest ordeal. Trying to rearrange sentences and cut words just to have an imprint (on paper) of the beautiful image in our minds can be downright painful. I wish you luck on your draft. hope you find yourself writing the final one soon.

  • Damyanti says:

    A word of thanks, folks, for your kindness, your comments, and your wishes. Have been without internet for more than a week now, and have to do without for at least another…just checking in quickly from a hotel, and am amazed to find so many comments :). Thanks again!

  • bronxboy55 says:

    Sometimes just putting it away for a few days can help. I’m sure you know that things don’t always flow, although your work usually gives the impression that it all springs from your head, fully formed. The fact that you worked this piece through at least seven drafts says a lot. You’ll get there; just don’t give up.

  • aubrey says:

    I’m slow in general: slow reader, slow writer, slow draw-er (sp?). I’d send you liquor luck, but I drank it all (it’s been a difficult day).

    I’m a couple of days late – hope it all worked out!

  • Suzanne says:

    So I send you luck. How’d the read-through go? Sometimes it’s best to just put it aside and start something new.

  • Writing a story, any story, in ten minutes is beyond me. It takes me longer than that to write a short email! I guess my thought processes are like worn down cog wheels. Well done you for sticking at the project.

  • emilyrae says:

    Oh, I despise rewriting. Why is spontaneity so difficult to catch?

  • Crispin says:

    I’d send you some inspiration but I couldn’t get it in the bottle. Good luck!

  • Gwen says:

    It takes me nearly an entire week to write a blog entry. I rewrite and rewrite.