Saturday, August 4, 2012

Oh Joy, Joy! Where Art Thou?



It's been at least three weeks since I've done any writing. I've used my kids as an excuse (summer vacation, and it's a good one) and I've blamed "writers block", but the real truth is I haven't wanted to write.

I'm not too worried, this has happened before and what cured my bland attitude towards writing was to take a break.

When you work on a novel, especially your first, it can take a long time. A lot of hours of writing, rewriting, revising, editing etc... so it can burn you out. You can forget why you write. Somehow, it stopped being fun, and just became something else on your endless to-do list that needed to be done. More work.

Now, if you want a profitable career in writing then, to some degree, it is work. It takes discipline to sit in front of a computer for hours when you'd much rather be doing something (anything?) else.

But, somewhere inside you there needs to be a spark of joy, or a sense of accomplishment. Something that makes you return (even after a break) to writing. Especially when you don't have to do it.

So, you tell me, what do you do to jump-start your writing? What do you do when you've lost the joy?

8 comments:

  1. When the muse needs a jump start, sometimes I'll look for a writing prompt or go to One Word.com and do their daily prompt. To give my mind a break sometimes I'll just take a day and read or watch some movies. I saw something the other day in a film that started a story rolling in my mind lol.

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    1. Thanks Elise. I've had a three week break, it's really time to get back to that computer. I'm pretty sure though, that I'll wait until kids go back to school.

      Thanks.

      MaryAnn

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  2. Good question. For me, it's a matter of leaving it alone for a bit. Then I'll start getting ideas popping into my head at the oddest times and I know I have to get back to the computer. I'm lucky as I don't have to write for a living. If I did, I'm sure it would be a different story.

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    1. I think I may take a long drive soon, that's usually when my ideas start forming. No distractions, just open road.

      Thanks so much for your comment.

      MaryAnn

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  3. It happens to everyone, and it doesn't only happen once in a life-time. The important part is to get back to writing with an honest energy. And to jump-start that... I usually brainstorm. I just draw mind-maps of my story, characters, plot or world, ask crazy questions, make wild assumptions, and try not to take it too seriously. It gets the mojo flowing again and usually results in some great additional ideas as a sweet side effect. :)

    Have fun rediscovering your WIP, MaryAnn!

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    1. Hi Vero. I usually get my best ideas on long walks or drives. Once kids go back to school (one week from this Tuesday) I'll try that.

      Your ideas sound fabulous. Thank you!

      MaryAnn

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  4. *waggles finger at you* NO excuses. Discipline is key.

    Write every day, even if only a few lines. Read every day, even if only a paragraph. Once you do this every day, and add a little quiet reflection, you'll see.

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    1. :) I know you're right, and that's really good advice. I will try to do better. :)

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