Love Is In The Air, But Hopefully Your Story's Not Heythere! It's D.L. Schroeder (also known as DASCH409)    

Not to long ago, I was reading several blogs on the stages of dating (research for my romance novel that I'm currently writing). It hit me that those stages are so similar to what writers experience when we first set out to pursue completing a new story. Excitement, uncertainty, frustration, and a whole wide range of other emotions are natural as you try to outline and develop your characters. The ultimate goal for all writers is to cross the finish line and be able to type the words, "The End."

So, in honor of it being February (the magical month of love), I wanted to share...The 5 Stages of Figuring Out If This Story is the Right (Write) One For You.

The actual stages are from a book about relationships (thank you Mr. John Gray, PhD), but again, I think they definitely apply to writers as we decide whether or not to pursue our next idea for a novel.

Stage I – Attraction

This is probably a favorite stage for many. The beginning is always the most fun and exciting. You have a new idea for a story and you know it's definitely a hot idea! There are so many unknown factors during this stage, but despite the limited information you can't help but be filled with glee about this new endeavor. After all, you can work out your plot and develop your characters later. Right now, you are definitely in the attraction phase.

Stage II – Uncertainty

So far, things have been falling into place. You've somewhat developed your plot and characters. You've gotten to the point past just good 'ol infatuation, but even though things have been easy so far you begin to wonder. Uncertainty begins to creep into your thoughts and you become a little unsure your headed down the right path. There are butterflies frantically circling the pit of your stomach as your mind goes wild with all sorts of different thoughts. Is your character strong or unique enough for this novel to get noticed? Are you taking the plot down a path where you will get trapped? You just don't know, but you still have enough excitement to push you through to the next stage.

Stage III – Exclusivity

Now its time to get serious and really define this relationship. You've got more than 25,000 words written for this story. Are you committed to this story, it's plot and characters? This might be one of the hardest stages for a writer. You've invested some time on your story, but now you wonder if it really is the right match for you. Over the past few days/weeks, this relationship has definitely become work. Your characters are demanding of your time as they constantly evolve and sometimes not in directions you had anticipated. You have to push back the thoughts of other books and short stories you could be working on right now. You are in an exclusive relationship with this latest idea for a novel. It's demanding and wants to know that it's your main focus. After all, you're well past the one night stand stage. It's time to really get committed.

Stage IV – Intimacy

Before you remind me that this is about writing and not actually dating, you have to admit that writing can be extremely intimate. It's very personal. You've poured your heart and soul into your work and listening to what others might have to say can be difficult. You are definitely growing more attached and invested in your characters and the plot. You've hit a few snags along the way, but overall you think they are developing. You've put down at least 30,000 words so there has been some emotional investment. Now, you want to know what others think. You begin to talk with fellow writers and post chapters of your story on Wattpad. The reads and votes don't come in very quickly. Don't get too discouraged if you're in this phase and think others might not like your work. Remember, this is an emotional stage. Don't give up just yet...

Stage V - Engagement or Break-Up

Dr. Gray's fifth stage is just Engagement, but I would challenge that sometimes not all great ideas are really the right fit for you and sometimes there is a need to simply break-up.

If the plot has developed and the characters are the right fit...then put a ring on it. This one is a keeper and even though you're not married just yet you've hit a critical point and moving forward will be easier. You can see the finish line in sight.

On the other hand, sometimes we ignore the writing on the wall and we try to force something that just isn't meant to be. You've tested the water on your idea, but if it's not working then maybe its time you just take a break or break-up. There are a lot of break-ups that result in couples rekindling months/years down the line and this could happen to you. Just because you've broken-up with this story idea for now doesn't mean you can't revisit the idea at a different time. Maybe a break is just what you need to reignite the excitement and energy you felt in the first stage. If you are in the break-up category, don't let this stage discourage you. Hopefully, it will only lead to greater endeavors.

Have you ever experienced these five stages? What's your favorite and least favorite stage?

Also, my latest story Lost Boy has been posted on Wattpad. It's a romance with a little bit of suspense. If you've already started to read some of the chapters I have included a special bonus interview below. It's a Q&A with Isabelle. We get to know her throughout the story, but don't really have much insight into what she thinks about certain events and certain people (hint...hint...Andrew Montgomery).

DLS : Why did you become a doctor?
IR: Wow, I didn't expect you to ask me such a boring question right out of the gate.

Don't you want to know about my love life and all of that juicy gossip?

DLS: I do, but right now I want to know why you became a doctor?

IR: I like to help people. Going to med school also provided a great opportunity for me to stay out of my hometown. Being around my family was sad and depressing following my sister's death. I hated going back and needed a reason to stay away.

DLS: So, why'd you move back?
IR: I eventually missed the place. It's my home. I also knew my family needed me and

that others in the town might also need me.

DLS: Like Andrew Montgomery?
IR: Uh, I wasn't really thinking about him when I decided to take the job at the clinic,

but yes, I guess ultimately he needed me as well.

DLS: Speaking of Andrew, what was your first thought about him? Did you have a hard time keeping your hands off his muscular chest?

IR: You really have odd questions. I don't know what my first thought of him was. The first time I saw him, I was moody because I had been up most of the night with patients. I think he probably thought I didn't like him, but really I just thought he looked like a muscular version of his brother Miles. I guess you could say that I hadn't really thought about him and didn't really care about him when we first met.

DLS: Were you attracted to him?
IR: Not really. I mean he's good looking, but he really isn't my type.

DLS: *Laughs.* Hmmm...that wasn't really obvious. After all, it didn't take you very long to fall for him?

IR: *Blushes Slightly.* I didn't like him at first. Finally, he wore me down. Andrew can be, well, convincing.

DLS: Did you realize your brother was so angry?
IR: Pete's not a bad guy. He just cares for his family. DLS: Uh, Right...

IR: Pete really isn't bad. He too had questions for Andrew. I think events just unfolded in the wrong timeframe for him.

DLS: What did you think about Montgomery Industries?

IR: I never really thought about the company. I knew it was big. There were always trucks with the company's logo driving through town. It's nice to have a big company that is able to provide jobs for our town.

DLS: So let's go back to Andrew. Do you see a future in your relationship? 

IR: I don't know. I guess you'll have to read the book to find out.

For more on Lost Boy, check out: : https://www.wattpad.com/story/88936412-lost-boy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my submission for the Wattpad Block Party Winter Edition III! - Muah! Dasch409 

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P.S. Don't forget to enter the 130+ #WattpadBlockParty Giveaways! Clickable links are at the top of my Wattpad profile! :)

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