I am a huge fan of multiple writing projects for exactly this reason, JH. I don't like to come to a standstill. Writing and pondering are both important parts of every project, but there is nothing at all wrong with doing them simultaneously...on two separate projects. 🙂

Congratulations on that five year milestone, JH! That's a big one. I did a lot of sleeping, and most of my interactions happened with the nurses, who were just amazing.

I went through chemo four times, six months each, three days every other week. At 63, I no longer thought I’d make it to 66 and questioned whether I’d undergo it again. I’ll turn a (relatively) active 73 next January, thanks mostly to switching oncologists.

Aside from the growing fatigue and discomfort experienced during chemo, I found that no matter how helpful, comfortable, and welcoming the cancer centers tried to make you, it was very difficult not to become depressed when you could see so many others like yourself that you knew were unlikely to make it.

I always tried to read and to sleep when I could. The first round of treatments were in a larger room without curtains, so I could speak with others. There was a young, upbeat mother I met, who was on her second round of treatments. When I could, I’d sit next to her just for the positive vibes. All later rounds were in rooms with curtain dividers, so I’d only see those across the aisle from me. Plus, so many seemed so worse off than I was. That’s why reading and sleeping were such a needed distraction.

If you’re up to it, I think someone should write a book to help others really understand the process cancer victims go through.

I’m extremely fortunate to have switched oncologists and found a doctor who listens and is responsive (and isn’t too busy to actually read the lab reports). He handled my last two bouts and had recommended (because of the recurrences) just an ongoing infusion schedule (for life), but still offered a (new then) pill option, which I consider a lifesaver for me. I don’t think I could have handled never ending infusions every two weeks. And on the pills (Capecetabine aka Zeloda) I’ve been cancer free for over five years now.

So true! All the personal projects I had no time for when I worked (a busy 24/7 on call, on the run troubleshooting type job), we’re waiting for me when I retired.

Aside from (not enough) us time with my wife, found myself dividing my time between completely refurbishing our boat, (too many) doctor visits, and writing. And have now (long overdue) added regular trips to the gym to make boat and doctor trips more comfortable.

Your article makes excellent points, and certainly resonates with what I’ve experienced. I find I sometimes hit roadblocks when I get to scenes which include pivotal elements. Sometimes it’s about where they fit in the story’s timeline. Sometimes it’s a question of how to approach the reveal or even which characters or POV should be used for the most dramatic effect.

The bottom line is I can retreat a couple of day, doing other (non-writing) things and shoving brainstorming into quiet in-between moments, before “sudden clarity” springs me back to action. I don’t entirely recommend my particular habit to anyone, because it really is too much downtime.

So, what I personally plan implementing is to begin other writing projects on my list, so I can at least segue to other productive work. I’ve seen many others recommend it, and think it goes hand-in-hand with your advice.

Thanks, James! I really struggle with antagonists - making them three dimensional and strong. Particularly as a new writer, I sometimes wouldn't even have the right antagonist until the second draft. The tool that helps me figure out the right antagonist is Bob Mayer's conflict lock. It makes me examine who wins and loses - like if the protagonist achieves his or her goal, they directly block the antagonist from achieving THEIR goal (and vice-versa).

Here's an example from my early years:

In one story, I had the villain as the antagonist for the heroine. And it wasn't working. Those scenes were contrived. I realize now it was because I saw villain and antagonist as synonymous and they're not. The villain was the hero's antagonist, but NOT HER'S. Her antagonist was actually her mother...Mom wanted to be close and entwined more than anything, and my heroine absolutely LOATHED her mother and wanted uber-independence. When I made the mother a more active character and threw her together with the protag more, everything took off and aligned seamlessly. It felt glorious.

You are very very welcome, Chris. My chemo is done, thank goodness. But there are still many medical moments where I have huge pockets of time for story clarity.

Ken, it sounds like you are getting a LOT done. Maybe not the things you really want, but important things nonetheless. Websites and republishing are mega important milestones!

I am so happy for you, Lynette! I love hearing about to-do lists shrinking. 🙂

It is very easy to get busy being busy and not have it move the needle forward on a story (or a to-do list), and the result is soooooo much frustration.

I have to go now now and think about my WIP. Boris -- not named Badenov but he could be -- is kind of wimpy.

Anyway, thank you very much and take care.