Many things have changed in the past four years, mostly for the good. But the down side is that I’m feeling worn out now and cranky; the spark for many things is gone. I’m at a loss as to what to do with the few remaining years of my life. I know, I’m sounding like I’m ancient. Well, that’s how I feel.
But when I read some of my writing, a little spark ignites as I’m struck with surprise at some of the clever lines and humour. It encourages me and I think, perhaps I should keep plugging along; at least, with the writing. But what have I learned about my writing this past year? Two things; I need uninterrupted time; and a purpose or dead-line.
My best writing or shall I say my best out-put is when I take a private writer’s retreat. For those few days, I get a lot of writing, plotting, editing, and daydreaming accomplished. Yes, daydreaming is part of writing – for me, anyway. Unfortunately, those retreats are short once-a-year occurrences. Now, if only, I could manage blocks of time like that more often I’d finish the novel I started three years ago.
This hit-and-run method hasn’t been beneficial to the progress of my writing. What I need to do is set a regular block of time aside for writing and find a place nearby where I can write uninterrupted. Of course, the place would have to be free otherwise the cost of writing may exceed the sales the novel might generate. I do have a den but at home it’s always easy to find something else to do and I can be interrupted.
Well, this gives me something to think about…hmm… Do I smell smoke?
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Shirley, you've described my angst most eloquently. Always another task that could be done first, always an interruption that sticks it's foot in the door I'm trying to close so I can focus.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if God would help? Hmmmm... Maybe he does, and it's just so different from what I'm expecting that I haven't noticed it. You've motivated me to ask him! Thank you. :)
You described my methodology to a tea - at least until a couple of years ago. I used to write primarily in the summer months when I wasn't teaching, with only a little bit of editing etc. The rest of the year I only had time to keep up with marketing, social networking and my blog. then I signed a couple of contracts that forced me to write and it was the best thing for me. Deadlines are a great motivator!
ReplyDeleteDeadlines are great motivators for me as well, but I think realizing that when God places it upon me to write, I need to obey. It is a discipline and sometimes a lot of fun! Sometimes I head to the coffee shop for ideas and a space.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your heart with us Shirley. I have learned this past year that looking at the final-product goal is too daunting for me--that I need to make baby-stop daily goals in my writing. Otherwise, I freeze and don't write at all. I hope you can find that regular block of time, setting smaller accomplishable goals. May God give you that needed boost of energy and determination to do so.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shirley. I can identify with much, maybe all of what you're saying: The desire for large and/or regular times for writing, the realization that the years for my writing--at least on this earth--are limited, that I too am working hit and miss.
ReplyDeleteI pray that both of us and others with similar concerns can soon smell smoke from the sparks that ignite our writers' flames. Blessings.