I got some great advice over the weekend. Lately I just don’t love what I’m writing. I wanted this final redraft of the novel to flow easily and be a joy… I’m trying to meet a Sept 30 deadline for a residency application but the word count is stagnating.
I try to do a bit every other day… I’m scheduling it around full time work, a second job, language classes (am learning Arabic), blogging and a life… and I’m managing…
but I’m writing bland shite.
I’ve lost the joy.
The advice? “You’re treating it like a chore instead of a treat!”
All this scheduling makes it feel like all the other obligations and stresses. The writing is the thing you do because you WANT to, to relax and express yourself. Treat it as the escape from the other “To do”s.
Oooohhh I get it! That feels much better…. this week’s aim: swap wine for writing, and stop scheduling it. Watch this space to see how I go.
What do YOU do to get around this? Anyone else got handy tips? Love to hear ‘em…
#1 by Christina on September 20, 2011 - 3:55 pm
I write anytime and anywhere the muse hits. Sometimes that means writting on a napkin or sitting on the john. It often means writing when most people sleep. I don’t think the creative process can be forced, rather it has to flow. When I try to schedule my writing sessions my muses tend not to show. It’s no fun to write without them.
#2 by Patricia on September 20, 2011 - 4:58 pm
It’s good advice.I’ll try it!