I can't believe that June is here already. Before I get started, I want to thank everyone who commented on my fitness post. You really made my whole week and touched me more than I'll ever be able to say. Thank you very much.I'm still working through comments, but I promise I will get back to all of you.Anyway, it is another installment of the IWSG or Insecure Writers Support Group founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. We writers air our insecurities, triumphs and terrors and other things.
I'm afraid that today I don't have much to say because well, I have not been writing. At all. Not one syllable on any thing remotely resembling fiction. I have no desire to, don't know where it went. My crit partners are on my case, my awesome friend Michael Di Gesu has been kicking my butt, but to no avail. I used to write compulsively whenever the mood struck, which was quite frequently. Now, there's nothing. Zip. Zero. Nada. I'd rather watch or read a good story. I haven't even done my other creative pursuits like jewelry making, coloring, painting and drawing. I try to laugh it off, say I'm being lazy or whatever, because the truth is awful.
It's like there is this giant black hole where my Muse used to reside. I am utterly empty, I have no words at all. I was burned out for a while, but I don't know if that is the case anymore. What if I never get my creative mojo back? I know that sounds stupid, but I honestly feel that way.
Sorry to be such a complete downer, but I am just completely drained and sad right now.
It will hit again! Have faith. I went a long time in between my second and third books.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex. I sure hope this ends soon as I feel terrible.
DeleteI think it will come back again also, when it is ready! Mine comes and goes...I think it is just life. sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandy. It's great to hear from someone else who has a fickle Muse. :)
DeleteMaybe it just needs to recharge. I'm sure it will come back. Sometimes we have to live our lives for a little while so that we have something to talk about!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Johanna! I think I do need to recharge. I feel awful and depressed right now. like I'm missing a part of me.
DeleteOh, noes, we must call Austen Powers to bring back your mojo!
ReplyDeleteHey Dezz!! I do need Austin Powers for sure. If anyone can bring mojo back, it's the International Man of Mystery. :)
DeleteI agree with Johanna and Sandy and Alex. It just needs to recharge. My muse comes and goes and when she goes, she's gone for a while, but she always comes back. And brings me a lousy t-shirt when she does...
ReplyDeleteLOL Thanks, M.J. Maybe my muse has a really ugly tee in store for me.
DeleteYour muse and my muse must have gone to hang out together. I just recently became inspired to write again and it's barely there. I'm definitely pushing myself. Don't worry, it'll be back soon enough. For both of us!! =)
ReplyDeleteHugs,Elsie :) Maybe our muses are partying together. Mine needs to bring back a giant margarita for me.I'm so happy to hear you're inspired again. It gives me hope.
DeleteOh, you just need to take a break! You sweet thing! Yes, take some time off---I have no doubt that the magic will be back soon! Love you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Morgan. I love you too, sweet friend. Your belief in the magic return makes me smile and feel some relief. :)
DeleteMy muse has abandoned me on various occasions so I can relate. It's hard to start back up once you stop, I'm sure you'll start up again soon!
ReplyDeleteHey Daniel! Isn't it like trying to free climb Mt. Everest when you have to get started all over again? Thanks for being here.:)
DeleteI've been there. Couldn't even blog for most of a year...had to rebuild my readers...all linked to my chronic major depressive disorder, which I got from my chronic pain...all in a vicious cycle of falling deeper and deeper into the pit of despair. I'm not going to blow smoke or be all rose colored glasses, but I do think it will return. You have talent. Maybe it just needs a rest while you focus on your health, I don't know. Just hang in there. We're rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
Tina, I am ever so happy we reconnected. Thank you so much for making me smile when I need to and always having just the right thing to say. Have you all in my corner gives me the hugest boost. Hugs!
DeleteIt absolutely will hit again. I've had this happen before, many times. I'd sit and wonder what I did to piss off my muse. But, the less I thought about it, the more I just did other things, creative or not, the sooner it all came back. It's like, I had to work on some sort of issue with the writing, but had to go do something else entirely before the resolution would come. Good luck to you! It will be okay, you've got us here to cheer you on.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we need to take a break, and that's perfectly okay!
ReplyDeleteSometimes we're drained and it takes awhile to fill back up. Think of yourself as a creative well. The movies and books you want to read right now will help the spring bubble back up. Don't stress about it. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you were in desperate need of recharging your batteries. When you're ready, it'll come back. Don't push yourself and drive yourself nuts. That won't help. Give yourself permission to take the time off.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find the key to recharging that sleeping Muse. Writing workshops, conferences, in person get togethers, often get my butt in gear.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, hon. I know it will come back. It never left. I do know the feeling, though. We can't force the mojo back, but it always returns. It's you. It's your soul. It can't possibly be gone. I think you should just be gentle with yourself and keep enjoying your time. And know that you are well loved.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs,
xoRobyn
I feel like I have a psychic barrel of creative juices - and when that barrel is empty - I got nothin'. But then, after some amount of time it will be full to the brim and I'll crank out a screenplay in two or three weeks. Maybe you drained it to the bottom - and it's taking a little time to get back. I would suggest writing one sentence a day. Just one - but really try to continue telling the story at hand with each sentence. I've done that and after a few days I'll find that second sentence, and the third...
ReplyDeleteI want to say "very bad muse for leaving" BUT maybe she knew you needed some time to recharge. I say its ok, whenever I lose my muse I take advantage to write and watch movies or spend time with all the important people. We are all different but hopefully you can find positivity in the sadness. I'm pretty sure the moment you find yourself too busy your inspiration will return. Big hugs!
ReplyDeleteI don't write, but have a similar feeling about my art. I'm a frustrated artist, but haven't put pencil to paper in months. I hope you find your muse too Melissa and you've inspired me to try a draw a little more. Thanks and Michael Di Gesu is awesome for pushing you.
ReplyDeleteI'm down in the dumps with ya, Melissa. But the guilt feelings gots to go. Sometimes you just need a nice, long break from business as usual. Enjoy the (Muse's) silence and recover. That fickle wench'll return, just you wait and see. <3
ReplyDeleteSome Dark Romantic
Not so much burned out but I do think we need breaks from our creativity. We also need to refill the well. Sometimes that means getting out and doing other things. See places, read, laugh with friends, do something that is fun for us. Gives us back contentment. It also gives a fresh perspective and we need that as a writer.
ReplyDeleteSia McKye OVER COFFEE
YOU will get it back, I promise! It is part of the creative process-we are creative coasters-up n'down! I suggest you take an ART WALK...grab a camera and go to a museum or perhaps somewhere new! Yes, grab your favorite coffee or tea beverage and stroll somewhere new. When in your own private space journal, color, dance, and watch a different genre of movie or read a book you don't think is your style! Change it up and kick the muse's ass! I know you can do it~ (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteJust take a break, and everything will work out.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
OH, Sweets...
ReplyDeleteI HAVE FOUND THE ANSWER>>>> WE MUST MOVE!!!!!! OUT OF THIS DISMAL CITY!!!! I haven't written much either since I've returned. I wrote all my fab posts for the A-Z in FLorida and now this. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS WEATHER?
IT's the DEMENTORS. THEY HAVE COME INTO CHICAGO and are SUCKING ALL THE HAPPINESS from us...
THere is NO other explanation. WE MUST THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS... WIP out our WANDS ... SCREAM, "EXPECTO PATRONUM" and call it a day....
THEN we will be happy again. SEE.... it's that simple.
Just came from Michael's blog and wanted to send you some hugs and good thoughts, Melissa. So sorry you're having a difficult time right now. I hope the sadness eases soon. Take care!
ReplyDeleteI'm coming from Michael's blog, too, and wanted to say "cheer up, why do you look so sad, cheer up, it can't be that bad" (it's a line I took from a cartoon, and it's applicable for you right now).
ReplyDeleteSometimes my muse needs brewing time, she likes to brood over the next idea or figure out that convoluted plot. When that happens, I go with jotting down ideas and keeping them. So I'm brewing too along with my muse. Jotting down words or titles helps me. It's something to keep you from being bored or feeling down.
(Calliope, the muse of writers and artists see link below)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calliope (wikipedia)
Don't be down on yourself. I work full-time and have a family. I go through big chunks of time where the only writing I do is blogging. But I always come back to the writing and you will too. Awesome you and Michael are friends.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa! I read Michael's post today. I do think it's possible to drain ourselves in one area, but that doesn't mean we are drained everywhere else. Maybe you're about to embark on a journey that will be more creative and fulfilling. When I finished writing my last fiction book, I was drained and thought I was done. I finally started working on another non-fiction book, and that fired the engines again.
ReplyDeleteIf nothing else, take solace in the fact that you're not alone.
ReplyDeleteWe all go through this...I was feeling much the same way just about a week ago.
It -will- turn around and your muse will return. Just keep and eye/ear out.
Take care and cheer up...things will get better :)
Hey Melissa :) I, too, read Michael's post today. I believe we all go through spells like this. We get poured out and need to fill back up. For me, I tried to quit. I told myself I wasn't a writer and I meant to walk away from it. It was too quiet in my head. That decision caused an uproar. My various characters clamored for attention, but they're still a bit shy. Right now, I'm doing what I call skeleton building. My friend Marina calls it 'boning.' It's more than outlining, but not really writing. I hope you find what works for you and please don't give up!
ReplyDeleteYou're not alone, Melissa. My muse is on sabbatical as well. I've decided to let him have time off while I get my life (which is a freakin' mess) back in order. Even knowing he'll be back doesn't stop the fear, guilt, or feelings of inadequacy I have for not writing.
ReplyDeleteWriting should be a joy, and I know that joy is still inside you because not writing has affected you so deeply. I've no doubt your muse will return—easy for me to say, right? Take time for yourself. Then put pen to paper, even if it's only another blog post letting us know how you're doing. Baby steps.
VR Barkowski
I have just the thing for you Melissa! There's still three days left! You must come by!
ReplyDeleteIt's a writers' houseparty!
Dropping by with a hug: ((HUG))!!
ReplyDelete