My biggest problem while writing project kidnapped and how I fixed it

 

I ran into a lot of issues with writing project Kidnapped also known as Bound Desires, but for the most part, it wasn't actually the writing itself that I had issues with, it was the editing and rewriting stage.

I have talked a lot on YouTube about how I hate editing my books, not because they don't need them, because I learned that lesson a long time ago, but because I just can't stay focused and find it so boring. I would much rather start a whole new book than do it, but something about editing Bound Desires just had me struggling more than normal. 

My editing software did run out and I had decided not to renew the subscription just yet so I was only reading my manuscript to make it sound and flow better while also doing some light editing that I could do with the free version but I kept getting blocked.

Something most people don't talk about is the fact that even when you think you are in the clear from writer's block, you can get hit again with it with editing, and while I am pretty good at making sure I don't get writer's block when I am editing, that is a different story. 

Reading and fixing the manuscript was hard because I have to put myself under a lens and over analyse every little aspect which made me feel like a failure if there was a lot to fix in a chapter. this obviously isn't always the case some chapters need more work than others for various reasons from tiredness to writing it or just being plain old distracted but it can hurt the heart to see your manuscript you felt was perfect when you finished has so many flaws. 

Even though that was hard it wasn't the hardest bit in my opinion because even though I struggled once I got into a roll it was actually motivation in a way to see how much I could fix in a certain amount of time the hardest part was the actual editing which I was doing after rewriting the chapter, every line felt like mental torture and I don't know if that was because I had edited the first ten chapters then took a two to three-month break before going back and doing a chapter or two a morning after my coffee while I woke up or what it was but I felt like I wanted to rip out my hair. 

Looking back on this project now has me feeling more proud of myself because while it took a lot longer to edit this book because of the challenges I faced it almost makes me feel more rewarded for getting it done, it can be difficult to keep going when you are struggling with a project or you feel any sort of negative emotion from it but it is so worth it to keep pushing forwards and try and get it finished, this doesn't have to be straight away this could mean taking a break and coming back with a fresh mind and eyes but without trying you will never know the greatness you can do and how hard you can work to make something you want to happen.

How to use astrological signs to create deeper characters

Using astrological signs to create deeper characters can add layers of personality, motivation, and behavior traits that make them more relatable and intriguing.

1. Understand the Basics of Astrological Signs:

Each of the 12 zodiac signs has distinct traits, strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes.

Aries (March 21 - April 19): Energetic, courageous, and impulsive.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Reliable, patient, and stubborn.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Adaptable, curious, and indecisive.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Emotional, nurturing, and moody.

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Confident, ambitious, and egotistical.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Analytical, meticulous, and critical.

Libra (September 23 - October 22): Charming, diplomatic, and indecisive.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Intense, passionate, and secretive.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Optimistic, adventurous, and blunt.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Disciplined, responsible, and pessimistic.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Innovative, independent, and detached.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Compassionate, imaginative, and escapist.

2. Assign a Sign to Your Character

Choose an astrological sign that fits the character's role in your story or the personality traits you envision for them. This will serve as a foundation for their behavior and motivations.

3. Develop Traits Based on the Sign

Use the core traits of the chosen sign to flesh out your character's personality.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Define the character’s strengths and weaknesses according to their sign. For instance, a Leo might be very confident and charismatic but also struggle with arrogance.

Motivations and Fears: Base their motivations and fears on their astrological traits. A Cancer character might be driven by a deep need for security and family, while an Aquarius might be motivated by a desire for innovation and freedom.

Behavior and Reactions: Think about how their sign influences their behavior in different situations. An Aries character might react impulsively in a crisis, while a Virgo might approach the same situation with careful planning and analysis.

4. Create Relationships Dynamics

Astrological signs can also inform how characters interact with each other. Consider compatibility and conflicts based on their signs. 

Compatible Signs: Relationships between compatible signs can be harmonious and supportive. For example, a Taurus and a Virgo might share a practical, grounded relationship.

Conflictual Signs: Opposing or different signs can create tension and conflict. For instance, a free-spirited Sagittarius might clash with a cautious Capricorn.

5. Add Depth with Birth Charts

To add even more depth, consider the character’s full birth chart, including their Moon sign, rising sign, and other planetary positions. 

Moon Sign: Represents their emotional nature and inner self.

Rising Sign: Influences their outward behavior and first impressions.

Other Planets: Each planet rules different aspects of life (e.g., Venus for love, Mars for action), adding complexity to their personality.

Example of character development using astrological signs. 

Character: Elena

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Moon Sign: Cancer

Rising Sign: Capricorn

Personality Traits

Scorpio Sun: Elena is intense, passionate, and secretive. She has a magnetic personality and is deeply loyal to those she loves.

Cancer Moon: Emotionally, she is nurturing and sensitive. She craves emotional security and has a strong intuition.

Capricorn Rising: Outwardly, she appears disciplined, ambitious, and responsible. She often takes on leadership roles and is seen as reliable.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Determined, resourceful, protective, and strategic.

Weaknesses: Jealous, controlling, secretive, and overly cautious.

Motivations and Fears

Motivations: Driven by a desire for deep emotional connections and personal transformation. Seeks to protect loved ones and achieve professional success.

Fears: Fear of betrayal, vulnerability, and failure.

Behaviour and Reactions

In a crisis, Elena remains calm and strategic, using her intuition to navigate the situation. While in  relationships, she is fiercely loyal but can become possessive and jealous.

Relationships

Compatible with: Cancer (shared emotional depth), Pisces (shared intuition and creativity).

Conflictual with: Leo (clash of egos), Aquarius (different values and approaches).

By using astrological signs, you can create multi-dimensional characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and relationships, enriching your story and engaging your readers but you can also use it as a  guide to help you understand more about who your characters are. 

Self publishing vs traditional publishing

Self-publishing and traditional publishing both have advantages and disadvantages and only you can decide which path is right for you. I have written this blog post to lay out some of the advantages and disadvantages of both self publishing and traditional publishing as well as some other considerations. 

Self-Publishing

Advantages:

1. Control: You have complete control over the content, design, and marketing of your book.

2. Speed: The process is faster. You can publish your book as soon as it's ready.

3. Higher Royalties: You keep a larger percentage of the profits from each sale.

4. No Gatekeepers: You don't need to secure an agent or publisher's approval.

5. Creative Freedom: You can make all decisions about your book’s presentation and content.

Disadvantages:

1. Cost: you will have the upfront costs for editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing are your responsibility.

2. Distribution: It's harder to get your book into physical bookstores.

3. Marketing: You must handle all the marketing efforts yourself, which can be time-consuming and challenging.

4. Credibility: Traditionally published books may carry more prestige and credibility.

5. Time: Managing all aspects of publishing can be time-consuming.

Traditional Publishing

Advantages:

1. Support: Publishers provide editorial, design, marketing, and distribution support. 

2. Advance: You may receive an advance against royalties.

3. Credibility: Being published by a reputable publisher can enhance your book's credibility.

4. Distribution: Better access to physical bookstores and international markets.

5. Focus on Writing: You can focus more on writing while the publisher handles the business side.

Disadvantages:

1. Control: You have less control over the final product and marketing strategies.

2. Royalties: You will earn a smaller percentage of sales compared to self-publishing.

3. Time: The process can be lengthy, often taking years from writing your manuscript to the publication of your story.

4. Rejection: It can be challenging to secure a publishing deal, and you may face numerous rejections.

5. Rights: You might have to give up certain rights to your work.

Considerations

Goals: What are your primary goals? If you want creative control and faster publication, self-publishing might be better. If you seek credibility and support, traditional publishing could be the way to go.

Budget: Can you afford the upfront costs associated with self-publishing?

Skills: Are you willing and able to learn about marketing, design, and distribution, or do you prefer to focus solely on writing?

Patience: Are you willing to wait for the traditional publishing process, or do you want to get your book published and out to the public quickly?

Choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing depends on your individual circumstances and what goals and hopes you want to achieve with your book.