Wednesday, April 4, 2018

IWSG - Struggles




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. 😊 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.

***
It's time for another WEP Challenge.
Have you signed up?







46 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Three different projects definitely gives you variety.
Taking up the guitar is never a bad idea.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I like reading too during dry spells. And my abstract art talents sound like yours. Good luck with your projects.

Yolanda Renée said...

So true and always an option! :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Natalie. Reading is the cure for lots of things!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Sometimes I feel like I permanently gave up writing for other creative activities.

Christine Rains said...

Reading a good book inspires me too. Though it can also distract me! Good luck with your WIPs.

Chemist Ken said...

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.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

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

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

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. :)

emaginette said...

A struggle that puts fire in your heart. In a good way. hehehe

Anna from elements of emaginette

Michael Di Gesu said...

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....

Crystal Collier said...

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.

Tyrean Martinson said...

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. :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Nothing wrong with that as long as your creativity has an outlet!

Yolanda Renée said...

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.

Yolanda Renée said...

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? :)

Yolanda Renée said...

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!

Yolanda Renée said...

The deep dark woods, but yes, I am working my way through them. Thanks, Susan!

Pat Hatt said...

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

Yolanda Renée said...

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... :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Michael, you're too kind. But I am thrilled to hear of your new venture. It's a wonderful idea! Go for it!

Yolanda Renée said...

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. :)

Denise Covey said...

It’s good, believe me.

Yolanda Renée said...

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!

Yolanda Renée said...

Yep, no reminder sent. I'll have to see to that! Thanks, Pat!

Denise Covey said...

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)))

Yolanda Renée said...

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!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Deadlines are good motivation. Reading is my inspiration too.

Nas said...

Great post, Yolanda. Yes, we all feel in the slump at times but we have to keep plodding on. All the best!

Nilanjana Bose said...

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.

Jennifer Hawes said...

It's nice when your writing struggles are of a good nature for once! Three projects at once. Good luck!

Olga Godim said...

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.

Chemist Ken said...

That means it's very visual, which I think is a good thing.

cleemckenzie said...

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.

Julie Flanders said...

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!

Chrys Fey said...

Reading has helped me many times. Even when in the hardest depression I've ever had, reading was my biggest tool.

Yolanda Renée said...

I agree, Chrys, reading can bring a new outlook even in the darkest moments!

Arlee Bird said...

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

Yolanda Renée said...

It does sometimes seem like all the bother isn't worth it, but the characters just won't let go! :)

Yolanda Renée said...

So true, it's just that sometimes the journey up is just too, too long!

Yolanda Renée said...

I'm sure I'd do the same thing. Reading has always been a pleasure!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Jennifer. It's all good!

Yolanda Renée said...

I can't give it up, but the marketing side of it, in a heart beat! :) Thanks, Nila!

Yolanda Renée said...

Yes, we do, and yes, I will! Thanks, Nas!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Susan. Reading does work!

Yolanda Renée said...

No never lower your expectations, just the time you thought it would take to achieve! Keep your dreams alive!