It's one of those days where I wonder where I found the gall to ever call myself a writer. However, this time I think I have an idea of why that's come up again.

I'm faced with a particular story problem. On the surface, the writing seems fine. However, the feedback I received from someone (who is well-qualified to judge) says it still needs fixing. Problem is, the "how" to fix it just isn't obvious.

Most of the problems I encounter in my day-to-day work are quantifiable, logical and there's almost always an answer. (If there isn't an answer, there's a reason why I can't make it work, which is an answer in its own way.) I want a database to do something, so I make it happen. If it doesn't work the first time, I go through it step by step until I figure out what I did wrong and then I fix it.

Writing doesn't always lend itself to logic. There's rarely ever one, straightforward answer. And, the problem is sometimes very hard to quantify. If you can't define the problem, how do you go about fixing it? And, even if you do define the problem, how do you pick it apart to find the answer, when there's more than one answer? For example:

"The script needs a stronger story." what the heck does that mean? (Why can't I see it?) Are we talking about character? Plot? Dialog?

Okay, so maybe it means that the main character needs more personal jeopardy. She needs to find that vulnerable moment where she could be hurt, I need to take her to the brink, then let her decide whether or not to jump. Problem quantified. How to fix it? Try one way, and it sounds too forced, too fake. Bzzz. Wrong answer! Okay, let's try another approach. No one right approach (though there's plenty of wrong ones).

There's no goal, there's only attempts. It goes against what I've come to expect when faced with a problem. And since I'm a reasonably intelligent individual who can logically work through my day-to-day problems, I expect myself to be able to do the same when it comes to writing. Apples and oranges, and I just have to learn to accept the challenge in patience, frustration and persistence.