Summer.
Le sigh.
Since graduating college over a decade ago, I've never quite been able to shake the notion that summer means a break from all my cares. Like two months worth of Saturdays. Unfortunately, as we all know, that doesn't translate to real life. And it doesn't translate to my writing life, either.
Since my cruise a couple of weeks ago, I've been struggling to get my fingers moving. So I went on a quest to find some inspiration, reading great quotes from famous authors. They all centered around one thing (spoiler alert!): you just gotta sit down and write.
Surprise, surprise.
The annoying part about this is that I was on a serious roll right before this weird lull hit, writing several hundred to a couple thousand words a day for the three weeks prior! And now, pfft. Nothing. Maybe my motivation is the Bermuda Triangle's latest victim (okay, okay, I know that's not possible. We were nowhere near the Bermuda Triangle!).
Alas, here's my cry for help. Words of inspiration, a challenge, heck, a triple dog dare! If you have any rut-busting tips, please, comment below! I'm begging you.
I'm right there with you, Katy. Though I just had a mini writer's retreat with my writing group and I was surprised how productive I was. I am editing right now but it's been pretty slow. But knowing that a writer's retreat was coming up I made myself focus and do a lot of thinking and organizing and evaluating of my story before the retreat. During the retreat I starting editing at Chapter 1 and now I'm on Chapter 11! (Ok, so right now I'm skipping the chapters with my male POV cuz I only want to be in one head at a time as I add their thoughts and emotions on this round of edits) But I was so amazed at my progress. I really can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the not writing thing, I make sure if I have a lull in my writing that I am reading instead. I try to make sure I read books in the genre I'm writing (especially if I'm in editing mode) because it helps me to subconsciously absorb what I need to do in my book. Also, it helps me to feel less guilty about not writing. I can just say I'm doing research instead! Plus when I read good books it makes me excited to finish writing mine! So my tip is to get inspired to write by reading books that are inspiring! Oh, and to plan a write in with some of your writer friends (hint, hint!).
I love that idea, Nikki. I'm going to step up my reading for extra motivation...starting tomorrow! ;)
DeleteI agree with Nikki- reading is second best to writing. Unless it becomes your escape from your manuscript. Like for me.
ReplyDelete*sigh*
I think we need to schedule a writing sprint ASAP to help us Procrastinating Patties get our butts in gear.
I am in the midst of forcing myself to finish reading a book called “Mythic Story Structure for Writers”. It’s got a lot of good stuff in it but it’s not always a page turner. I want to finish it before I start working on my story again, because every few pages I read in it I discover something else my story needs, so I figure there’s really no point to starting to work on my story when I will want to change it another 10 times. Right? That sounded much less like a procrastination excuse in my head...
I would love a sprint! I used to do Fridays, but it hasn't worked with my schedule lately. Please, let's do it!
DeleteOkay, my husband has been gone all week but he’s coming back tonight...but it might not be until late tonight, so I might be able to squeeze in a sprint...if not then maybe tomorrow night? I’m doing a post on Monday so I’ll definitely plan one for Monday night and invite everyone!
DeleteDarn it! That whole "you just gotta sit down and write" thing really interferes with my reading, quality time with the family, church responsibilities...and I think I need to organize my sock drawer, too. :-) Seriously, with my English class this semester I found that the best way to get out of a rut was to set a timer for 10-15 minutes and make myself sit and write. Knowing that I only "had" to do it for that short time usually gave me the motivation, and I usually didn't stop when the timer told me I could. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLove the timer idea!
DeleteI am not much of a procrastinator usually I like to get up and get things done I am a do things in the morning person if I leave it to the afternoon I am likely to not feel up to do it any more
ReplyDeleteMy human alarm clock (aka, my toddler) makes it so nap time and night time are my only writing times. I just need to use them!
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