It's a good thing thinking about my story counts for something because that's the extent of my creative energy at the moment. That did get me to thinking, what do you do to stop feeling guilty about not being able to write when life just overwhelms? I know I'm not the only one this has ever happened to and at the moment, I'm just too tired to even feel guilty about it, but I do know the shame will come! I should be writing!
For me, I have to go through a mental or sometimes written list of the things I've done just to remind myself of all the non-writing "to-do"s I have accomplished! It's usually an eye-opener. When I get to the point where I can start writing again (next Tuesday hopefully barring a natural disaster), I have to start with small goals because, for some reason, getting started again can seem rather overwhelming in and of itself.
Do you have any tips or thoughts on the stop and go of writing? Sometimes life doesn't even bring these on. How do you get motivated to start writing something new after working so hard on a now completed novel?
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You are working on your writing all the time. Just because you're not physically sitting at the keyboard, doesn't mean you aren't forming new ideas or observing how people interact, to bring into your future characters.
ReplyDeleteYou need some time away from actual writing now and then. You're not a robot!
There's a time when a person can let go of the not-writing guilt?
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I have this same problem. For me, it stems from perfectionism. That little needly voice that whispers that if I just tried harder, I'd get it all done. It's not that hard, is it?
*sets perfectionism on fire*
I think reminding yourself all that you've accomplished--writing induced or not--can help. Also, reminding yourself that it's okay to let writing slip sometimes. Life is life. And counting your blessings loudly enough to drown out that perfectionism bug.
*hugs*
I thinks it's best to be patient and wait until you are are inspired to write. It's a slowwww process!
ReplyDeleteI so understand this post...LIKE SO UNDERSTAND!!!. For me, I write everyday - even if it is just a blog post. Anything, as long as I write. A published friend of mine says, doesn't matter if its garbage - just write. So I do. I can always hit delete (which I do often when life is hard.)
ReplyDeleteBarb, all goods point! Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteDanyelle, counting blessings is definitely a good thing, but I like the idea of setting perfection on fire. Maybe we should make a big party of it! lol
litgirl01, it definitely can be! It seems to go in spurts for me. I guess I'm an all or nothing kind of girl.
Christine, I think that's a great idea, but right now, I can't even seem to get to the blogging! July 23rd will bring a lot of downtime though (We'll be in the Bahamas, but our stuff won't be) and everything on my to-do list, done or not, will be a distant memory! Why does moving bring so much paper work? Does that count as writing? lol
I'm a stay-at-home mom of twins, so I don't get a lot of writing time. I do make a point of blogging five days a week though. It's something I can do while they play, fight, cry, whatever. Just kidding, sort of. However, I feel like I've accomplished something because at least I wrote that much today.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
Good idea, Lynnette! As you can see, I haven't even done that much. Does changing my facebook status once a day count? (Not that I've even done that! lol!)
ReplyDeleteNisa, I have something here for you: http://myth-takes.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteWish I had some good advice, but I'm feeling guilty right now. LOL And I already did my editing, yet I feel like I should do more.
ReplyDeleteIf you find an answer to getting rid of the guilt, let me know.