No More Grind
Writing is going much better. I’m back to fiction, exclusively, at least for the next two months or so. (Although I’ll probably put my Kindle project on the Kindle. Why not? I’ll continue that series in a day or two.) Nothing like doing something you don’t like to remind you how much love what you do like.
I’ve noticed, over the years, that I have a tendency to write a ton in summer and fall, and dry up a bit in the spring. Isn’t that weird? Maybe it’s because the summer solstice has been approaching, but I’ve been feeling much better.
Whenever I go through a dry spell, and I really go through about one a year (even if I’m still writing during it), I always fear this is how it will be forever.
But this time, I have a few new rules for myself.
No more grind. When I grind words out and write things that aren’t who I am or what aligns with the universe’s plan for me, everything dries up and writing becomes a chore. If I can’t bring a little enthusiasm and spirit to the table, forget it.
No more practical ideas. I used to believe that I could write any idea. Probably I can, but that quickly turns into the grind. From now on, I refuse to waste my time on projects that don’t capture my heart and imagination. My imagination has to want escape to the world I’m writing in.
Oddly, I’ve learned a couple things about myself. I would be very hesitant to say I write fantasy, but my best work has fantasy leanings. I need to embrace that side of me more.
And the other thing, when all my ideas seem to be lackluster and I lose your mojo, it WILL come back. It really will. Eventually. I always fear it won’t.
So what did you learn during your last dry spell? How do you get through them? And what rules do you have to protect the writing?
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Natasha Fondren is a writer traveling the U.S. in a camper with her four cats. She is currently enjoying the lizards and desert heat in Arizona.
I’ve been going through a long dry spell and what I am figuring out, I think, is that there is no good reason for me to write anything except something I truly feel inspired to write. Being inspired to write something marketable, something that will match a trend does not qualify. But since I don’t enjoy writing just for myself, my problem is what, exactly, might satisfy both myself and some publisher somewhere and from what I have learned that’s a tough question.
Amen, Eric. I think if you alter or change your story to satisfy a publisher, you’re taking a bit of the passion out of the story. Best to give it all you’ve got, then hope for a publisher.
Just my theory, though.
I tend to view dry spells as thinking. I’m looking at the business end of SILVER SCAR now and it pains me to say how much it pains me.
So I’ve learned to be gentle with myself. I’m trying to give myself room to think. I’ve learned I hate writing circles around what I’m trying to say and then have to delete (!) my preciousss wordssesss. If I think it out I can write it ridiculously fast, like just about as fast as I can type…
So now I’m teaching myself to THINK.
A great deal of this newfangled process of “Thinking” is done at the pool, soaking in sun and watching my 8 year old try to drown herself.
Betsy, some stories are just heart-wrenching to end. It’s like losing some of your best friends.
And yes, I’d rather think first and delete later, too! I like your method of thinking!
Hey Eric, I wrote some erotica. NOT my forte. NOT my genre. But it sold, ridiculously easy, and it’s inspired me to write more and more of the stuff I love. I advocate writing stuff you don’t love in order to learn to write the stuff you do love, well…
Does that make sense?
Well, that’s a good point, Betsy. Even though my comment seems to be the opposite of what you say, I have to agree with you, too. LOL! (Damned Libras!)
Good for you! Though I loved my characters in my last book, the first half was hell to write. I did a ton of writing, cutting, writing again, revising. Some days unable to write because I had nothing. The last half was easier.
Though I loved my characters (I still love them), I think the genre that fits me best is women’s fiction. I’m going back to it with my next book. I think.
Edie, I hate it when books are hard to write! I’m glad the last half was easier.
Interesting, Edie! It’s hard to one’s best genre and one’s favorite genre, and combine them, LOL. I’m struggling with it now.
Ack! I repeated myself twice about loving my characters. I hate it when I do that. I was listening to a song and was distracted.
Edie, I didn’t notice your repeats until you pointed them out, and I’m not listening to anything (except thunder and rain).
I didn’t notice at all, LOL!
I enjoy my dry spell times, even though it’s difficult to return to the pages after one. Writing is like a storm raging in my head – I can write for days and never let up, and then it stops for a bit, my barometer settles down and all is shiny new again – I’m ready for another round.
And you know how I protect my work because you’re the one who taught me that valuable lesson.
LOL, Kath! Yay!
I’m working on doing the same right now.
My biggest battle is I fear they will never end.
I think when life bothers me I dry up. It’s like my mind can’t relax and write when stuff gets me upset. Sometimes I just write junk then. Like giving myself permission to write badly just so the writing doesn’t stop. Sometimes I come up with something good in the process and thats a nice surprize.
That is so true, Aimless. I can’t write at all if I’m upset about something.
I’m definitely going through a dry spell right now. I’m glad your Mojo’s back! I need to get mine. I think I saw it behind a bush in the backyard. It was peeking out at me and wiggling it’s nose enticingly. I’ll get that Mojo; I just know it.
Hah!!! I want your mojo! It sounds more fun than mine!
I think coming out on the other side of a dry spell teaches us that dry spells will come and they will go. Hopefully, next time I am in one, I’ll remember that. I think knowing that it won’t last forever helps ease the stress.
I never seem to remember that lesson! They always freak me out.
Since I’m still IN “my last dry spell” I’ll have to let you know when it’s over. Though Paul made a good point about learning that these things come and go. I need to remember that.
I struggle to remember that, too, Kate!
I think I’m in a dry spell right now. I’m just going over what I’ve already written and tweaking, hoping to get back into the groove. That sometimes works, but not always. If I’m not feeling well, its reflected in my work. Just don’t wanna do anything.
Yeah, health is important. It can change the writing.
I hope you keep climbing upward, Liz!