I try to find inspiration in little things; words, photos, music, art, people.. among many others. One of the many things that motivate me is this innocent fortune that says, "You are a lover of words. Someday you will write a book." As innocent and simple as this is, it has the power to pick me up during times that I feel discouraged. It gives me a little nudge -- and a whisper -- to keep trying and keep going, as I try to reach for my main goal. Believe it or not, it really does make me feel a lot better everytime I feel stuck -- when I feel like I'm not moving or like I'm not going anywhere. Do you ever feel that way?
This picture below though, is a pretty accurate depiction of how I've been the past three days.
As some of you might already know, the main goal I'm referring to is to be a published writer. I know I have a really, really long way to go still, but this year, I aim to accomplish part 1 first -- out of so many! -- of this said goal; to finally finish the story.
I have written several stories before -- would they count as novels? I don't know. What I do know is that I feel really good about the one I've been and what I'm working on.
I have to admit, it's a bit surreal to let other people know this life goal of mine. For years, I've been usually quiet and secretive about the whole writing thing. But now that I've finally said it, I feel as if there is a sense of finality -- like it's for real and for sure this time. It's as if a little voice is telling me, "This is it. You've finally told everyone. Go write. No excuses. No turning back now."
According to Word, I have written 14,319 unedited words so far. I am working on a slow pace, but I feel that this is what works best for me. Despite the busy schedule, I always manage to sneak in a much-needed writing time. In fact, I actually felt like I was on such a roll -- you know that awesome feeling? When you're going on a steady pace and feel incredibly motivated and inspired. Suddenly though, out of nowhere, something takes that away from you.
I have written several stories before -- would they count as novels? I don't know. What I do know is that I feel really good about the one I've been and what I'm working on.
I have to admit, it's a bit surreal to let other people know this life goal of mine. For years, I've been usually quiet and secretive about the whole writing thing. But now that I've finally said it, I feel as if there is a sense of finality -- like it's for real and for sure this time. It's as if a little voice is telling me, "This is it. You've finally told everyone. Go write. No excuses. No turning back now."
According to Word, I have written 14,319 unedited words so far. I am working on a slow pace, but I feel that this is what works best for me. Despite the busy schedule, I always manage to sneak in a much-needed writing time. In fact, I actually felt like I was on such a roll -- you know that awesome feeling? When you're going on a steady pace and feel incredibly motivated and inspired. Suddenly though, out of nowhere, something takes that away from you.
Writer's Block.
Where did that even come from in the first place? How did that happen?
To put it simply, I am and have been having a really severe case of it. My writing state has been really horrible for the past few I-don't-even-know-anymore. In fact, I don't even think I'm in a writing state at all. I have to admit, this is kind of driving me crazy. Please tell me, how do you overcome it? I am very curious.
Advice? Tips? Thoughts? Yes please!
Thanks everyone.
I find it wonderful that you share this very personal detail about you with us, and I can't be more curious now about what you are writing and I hope that you will share more with us later.
ReplyDeleteAdvise tips? sorry, but I'm just a reader, not a writer. In fact I really cannot write although I wish I had the talent. So I hope you find your mojo back, and I'm sure it will come back! Just don't give up!:)
fortunately this isn't a problem I've ever had (due to not being a writer) but this article is interesting
ReplyDeletehttp://fictionwriting.about.com/od/writingroadblocks/tp/block.htm
I'm excited for you! It must be very scary to think about letting others read your work. My favorite motivation quote is
ReplyDelete"What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail." ~~ Robert Schuller
I've found that creative endeavors are closely linked to the Spirit. Maybe getting more in tune, with whatever way works for you, will help. Good luck!
What a great post! Writer's block- there are a number of ways of getting around it. Stuck on a scene? Leave it for later and forge on ahead. I did that quite a bit in the story I'm working on now. Something in a scene not working out? Maybe it's time to re-evaluate. Sometimes, if you can't make it work, you need to change it up. I realized that one of my characters was unnecessary and just ended up deleting her entirely when I couldn't get her to do what I wanted- her role could be taken over by some of the others.
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes, a little break, a little time away from your story is good for the creative process. Even when I'm not writing, I'm thinking about my story constantly. Listening to music that reminds me of what I'm writing helps get those creative juices flowing, too. And taking my laptop to a public place, like a Starbucks, helps. I have no clue WHY that helps- change of scenery, maybe? I get the keys clicking when I'm out and about, though, so it's definitely a plus! :)
Good luck, and write on! :D
I have to agree that this was such a great post. I feel like a friend of mine is confiding her main goals in life, and I feel honored to have read this.
ReplyDeleteAs for tips, I don't have much. Sorry! I am sure though that you will indeed get your 'mojo' back.
Good luck and keep writing!
@Mrs.Vanquish: It's a bit exhilarating to be able to 'announce' my life goal -- which is something I've never done before.
ReplyDeleteBut thank you so much for the kind words, Danny :)
@Jessica: Wow thank you so much for that link! That was really helpful! I especially liked #2: "Don't be too hard on yourself."
@Kim: Thank you so much Kim for your kind words. I also love that motivation quote from Robert Schuller. I agree -- I feel as if we would all accomplish so much more if we stop thinking about whether or not it will work out. Just go for it, as they say.
@Stephanie: Wow, thank you sooo much for all those tips. I actually do have a 'playlist' and I find that it helps, when the songs talk about what the characters are feeling and/or what they are going through.
@maytagger8819: Thank you. I am the one who is honored and I feel extremely happy that some readers like you feel this way.