April's Question - When your writing life is a bit cloudy or filled with rain, what do you do to dig down and keep on writing?
My first go to option is to read. It usually always inspires me, but there have been a few too many rainy days, and recently I’ve really had to fight the urge to just walk away. Saying the hell with it all, pursuing another outlet sounds exciting, but I’ve no other talent. Although, there’s always abstract art, would have to be abstract because I can’t draw a straight line. Or music maybe I could take up the guitar again or the drums. I’m sure the neighbors would appreciate that. đ At least that’s what I tell myself.
Life does get in the way, health and family issues, and significant changes always take precedence, and all of it influences my writing in one way or another.
I’ve also found that participating in the WEP challenges gives me a deadline to work towards. Deadlines always help push me forward. And if all I’m writing is flash fiction for a while, then at least I’m still in the game.
Currently, I’m trying to get three different projects to the finish line. A short story, a novella, and a novel. All of them are related to my original Detective Quaid Series, and, I’ve been struggling, but hey, it’s a good struggle.
The awesome co-hosts are Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Renee Scattergood, and Tamara Narayan!
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It's time for another WEP Challenge.
Have you signed up?
46 comments:
Three different projects definitely gives you variety.
Taking up the guitar is never a bad idea.
I like reading too during dry spells. And my abstract art talents sound like yours. Good luck with your projects.
So true and always an option! :)
Thanks, Natalie. Reading is the cure for lots of things!
Sometimes I feel like I permanently gave up writing for other creative activities.
Reading a good book inspires me too. Though it can also distract me! Good luck with your WIPs.
Sometimes a good movie is enough to get me energized again. I begin to see my book as a movie and that makes me want to run right home after the movie and start writing.
Hi Yolanda - good luck with the projects ... there are options there. Please count me out of WEP this time ... sad, but true - I've had stolen times here - but I'm taking advantage of what I can and dealing with things ... I'd miss blogging and so am as you'll know into the A-Z ... I'll be seeing you though and will get to the WEP readings ... cheers Hilary
One of my old childhood riddles: How far can a dog go into the woods? Answer: Only half-way. Then it's on its way back out again. You're no dog, sis, but you ARE on your way out of the woods. Keep on trucking... and writing. :)
A struggle that puts fire in your heart. In a good way. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
Hi, Renee,
You'll NEVER give up your writing! You have too much talent to just throw it all away! Look how much you've accomplished! You are in the IWSG Anthology again! Do you realize how many submissions go into that and yours was picked! GEEZ, I wish I had published works all over the place.
ANOTHER NOVEL?! Did you finish number 4 or is it 5? I lost count. LOL... Another Novella?! AND a Short story?! Man, if you think that isn't writing, I don't know what is!
You have incredible courage and stamina.... always remember that!
Anyway.... I have a NEW PROJECT! I am writing something completely insane and FUN< FUN, FUN!!!! Read all about it at my blog... I posted today. When you get a chance....
Sending your virtual HUGS....
I like deadlines too. Still, I think I can only handle SERIOUSLY pursuing one project at a time. I'll dabble in the others, but the ONE must be my primary goal.
Deadlines help and having more than one project helps me, too.
Way to go with your goals!
WEP looks awesome this month. If I have time and remember (putting on calendar now), I'll join. :)
Nothing wrong with that as long as your creativity has an outlet!
I've never thought of reading as a distraction, unless it's a book I don't like, but need to review. Then that's very, very hard to do. But I eventually find the silver lining.
I've been accused of writing my book like a movie playing out. I still haven't figured out if that's good or bad? :)
No problem, Hilary, I know that sometimes choices have to be made when life gets too busy. I just hope you are having fun with the A to Z!
The deep dark woods, but yes, I am working my way through them. Thanks, Susan!
Have to keep on keeping on indeed. Life sure can be a time suck, but can't stop. Nothing wrong with doubling creative endeavors. Writing and guitar playing.
Thanks for the wep reminder, forgot to sign up lol
Life is a struggle, and working through it takes time. I'll get there eventually. Today, I wrote the first chapter of my novel. For the fourth time... :)
Thanks, Michael, you're too kind. But I am thrilled to hear of your new venture. It's a wonderful idea! Go for it!
All three projects are connected so I keep going back and forth. Need to reference stuff happening in each. So, it's kind of fun. But yes, usually only one project, unless it's a trilogy and then the same thing happens. :)
It’s good, believe me.
Sometimes I wish someone would give me more deadlines, but I'm just fooling myself. You can only do what you can do. I do hope you do the WEP it's fun and it's what keeps me writing - no matter what!
Yep, no reminder sent. I'll have to see to that! Thanks, Pat!
Hi Partner
Glad you can see the finish line ahead for your projects. Giving up writing would be like cutting off an arm. What would you do with all those ideas tumbling around your head? You’ve got through many dark nights of the soul. You can get through this.
Denise (((hugs)))
Thanks, Denise! Appreciate the pep talk, it is a struggle, but I've done it before, Ill do it this time too! Especially with the help of friends like you! THANKS!
Deadlines are good motivation. Reading is my inspiration too.
Great post, Yolanda. Yes, we all feel in the slump at times but we have to keep plodding on. All the best!
You have enough ideas to keep you going...don't even think about not writing. You've been chosen twice for the ISWG - that takes serious talent! By all means take up abstract art, or music or whatever else if it helps to keep things going...but keep writing. The darkest hour is always before dawn. All the very best always. Hugs.
It's nice when your writing struggles are of a good nature for once! Three projects at once. Good luck!
I love/hate deadlines, but I always work better under pressure. Unfortunately, I only have deadlines for my short stuff: internet pieces and newspaper articles. My fiction doesn't have a deadline, so I procrastinate... indefinitely.
But I'm sure you'll finish all your projects. Even if you have to read a book or five to get into the groove again.
That means it's very visual, which I think is a good thing.
One thing about hitting a slump is that the only way is up. Here's to being back on top for all of us. Up there the air is so much better.
I've been feeling the same as far as walking away for quite a while now. I had to laugh about your abstract art comment - that would have to be my specialty too and somehow I don't think my stick figures would make it.
Glad to hear you are working on more Quaid stories!
Reading has helped me many times. Even when in the hardest depression I've ever had, reading was my biggest tool.
I agree, Chrys, reading can bring a new outlook even in the darkest moments!
I understand much of what you're saying. Maybe I've been lowering my expectations about my life. I've got a lot of decisions ahead.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
It does sometimes seem like all the bother isn't worth it, but the characters just won't let go! :)
So true, it's just that sometimes the journey up is just too, too long!
I'm sure I'd do the same thing. Reading has always been a pleasure!
Thanks, Jennifer. It's all good!
I can't give it up, but the marketing side of it, in a heart beat! :) Thanks, Nila!
Yes, we do, and yes, I will! Thanks, Nas!
Thanks, Susan. Reading does work!
No never lower your expectations, just the time you thought it would take to achieve! Keep your dreams alive!
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