Being positive is difficult when it comes to writing, especially when we've gotten away from it because of overwhelming outside circumstances. It is hard as hell to be positive and keep the creative juices flowing then.
I admit, my friends, that I have not written a single syllable of fiction in six weeks. 6 weeks. Whew, writing it down here is like saying it out loud. I am relieved to come clean with you all. I let outside factors drag me down big time and once you go down that road, it is hard to turn around.
Now what do about that. Well, I'm starting by dedicating myself to writing some fiction every single day, whether it's a whole chapter or a few pages or even half a page. Some is better than none is my credo for now. I know there are those who will say you must do a specific page count if you want to get anywhere, but I just want to get back to it. Period. Even a paragraph is better than absolutely nothing.
I am also organizing my story ideas and projects. Thinking like an author with contracts to fulfill (I'm being positive!) helps to maintain that writing frame of mind. Cleaning my writing space is another. I have let other things creep into my authorial realm...bills, to do lists, etc. Even if you use your writing space for other paperwork, that stuff should have its own drawer so it's not visible as you try to write.
These small steps will hopefully start me on my road back to fiction writing. It's a new year and a new beginning!
And so ends my post for this first IWSG post for 2012. I wish you all good writing this year and may 2012 see our writing dreams come true.
I understand how easy it is to become gridlocked by outside forces, circumstances beyond your control, and negativity. Reclaiming your freedom to write is a wonderful thing, and I wish you the best of luck in 2012.
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely not alone.My life has been turned upside down and writing has not been my priority. This year hopefully I will get myself back on track again as well. This group helps :)
ReplyDeleteYou needn't be so hard on yourself, Melissa. In my opinion, a writer is always a writer, and just because the words aren't going on paper doesn't change that.
ReplyDeleteYou are constantly constructing projects in your mind. We all are. When my wife sees me staring off at the landscape from our balcony, she comes up to me, pats me on the back, and says "Working again, huh?"
Six weeks of not physically writing is nothing. (Yes, I used a double negative. Sigh. ) Six weeks of planning and building magnificent architectures in our minds is everything.
Just be sure, when the muse hits, to take a few seconds out of your day and jot the ideas down. Phrases, sentences, plot directions, etc. It only takes a moment. Otherwise they are apt to get lost in the mundane duties we all attend to.
Happy New Year Melissa
ReplyDeleteI always have a reporter's notebook and stack of pens with me as I like to do my first drafts by hand.
I am not always in a convenient position to write as I drive a bus. Luckily I do have moments of dead-time, waiting for my passengers to arrive. If I have my tools with me I can jot down ideas or thoughts wherever I am (it is so frustrating forgetting or losing track of an interesting thread or notion or sentence for a poem.)
As you say writing something is better than absolutely nothing.
Best of luck with those small steps.. looking forward to them all stringing together to make something great.
Emma
http://www.emmacalin.blogspot.com
Yeah, those bills and other nasty nuisance papers, they speak to you don't they? I hit mine with a brick. :)
ReplyDeleteIt will come my friend, I have faith!
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
I went for months without writing any fiction. Just jump back in, Melissa. It does feel good to do it again!
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of days all I get done is a half a page. But at least I'm connected to the work, like you said. Don't let other people's ideas of what it means to be a writer dictate. You're a talented writer and the words will come when you are ready.
ReplyDeleteSome days, just getting out of bed and showering is a big accomplishment for me. Unfortunately, those damn necessities like food and shelter always seem to take so much darn time to procure. As long as you make yourself a priority, when you do sit down to write, it will still come from the soul. A good bottle of wine just gets better the longer it's corked.
ReplyDeleteBest of the Muse in 2012. And if she isn't with you, just cue up that episode of SOA season 3 with C.H.'s tattooed backside. Sigh.
oooh! great tidbit of advice about putting the other stuff out of sight!
ReplyDeleteyou know, sweetie darling sweetie :), sometimes it is good to have a break from work. When you come back to it you will feel refreshed and you will have more energy to get back to business.
ReplyDeleteI've been writing like a fiend lately but that's because I'm highly motivated to - baby #3 is due February 20th. Once the little one makes his appearance, my writing is going to be so severely limited it might be nonexistent for awhile. Definitely for that sleepless first month.
ReplyDeleteWe all go through times when writing isn't happening as much as we like. It's good to stay positive. Writing even a sentence is better than nothing.
ReplyDeleteA couple of summers ago, I took a month long hiatus from writing because I was down on myself about it. When I came back to it, I did the just write a little bit every day approach. No pressure, just writing. I like to think it worked.
ReplyDeleteEvery summer I have to take off because my kids are home. And, every summer I convince myself that I will never write again! What I've found, however, is that those are the times that my brain is recharging and then in the fall, when they go back to school, I'm full of good ideas.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your creativity will come flowering up and you will surprise yourself!!
Even five minutes a day will feel amazing. Good luck! New follower :)
ReplyDeleteIt's very important for writers to stay positive because in a solitary profession, it's easy to get down. Great post.
ReplyDeleteDamn life. Keeps intruding.
ReplyDeleteDo stay positive. You do rock, and I look forward to reading more of your books. Happy IWSG and 2012. :)
I think you're being too tough on yourself, Melissa. Um, didn't you just do a huge book release and signing? Girlfriend, you deserve a few more (chocolate) martinis before hitting the page again. But in the meantime, half a page is great.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
Breaks are good - but it's also very positive to gear back up and get on that horse - and then ride it hard and put it up wet. - A phrase I adore, and so appropriate considering your spicy writing ;)-
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you, Melissa! Positivity and creativity historically do not make good bedfellows, but more power to you for doing so!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. It took three years to write, edit, and self pub my first book. They next one was easier, and the third one due out this fall is rolling right along.
ReplyDeleteBut you have to take care of business and that means shutting down the writing. I took off almost two months of writing and blogging during 2011 to take care of business. It happens.
You really do gotta keep those juices flowing!
ReplyDeleteReading your post and the comments reminds me of going swimming again after all of these years. The most difficult challenge was trying on bathing suits. Then came slowly stepping into the pool, pausing at every step. Next came the graceful plunge into the water. Each day I would float a little further out. You've overcome so many obstacles, and I know you'll sail through this too! Julie
ReplyDeleteI like that you are taking steps to fix things that have hindered you. The more you overcome to write the bigger your success story will be.
ReplyDeleteHey don't be too hard on yourself a break can be a blessing sometimes; you don't want to burn out. I do love how positive you're being though and your strategies sound very effective. Distractions can be a bitch sometimes, haha. I wish you the best of luck but I'm sure you don't need it. You'll be great!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a good plan! I like to follow all the other Melissa's. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think just intending to write every day, with no set number of words or anything like that, is a perfectly good goal. I hope you reach it! Good luck.
ReplyDelete