For the past couple days, I haven't been enjoying my writing and I blame my lack of time for my creative work.
I seem to just churn out assignment after assignment while the querying machine is working overtime and I'm giving my Web site a badly needed overhaul. Meanwhile, my creative projects remain buried, my journal is gathering dust and I feel exhausted. But I convince myself it is okay, because I'm able to bill for my time. I'll catch up on these other projects later.
In this economy, it seems foolhardy not to keep up the marketing and the queries to stay in front of every editor possible. But during the time when I love being paid to write, I forget to spend time on the writing that gives me joy. I scurry about, working to prove that I should be hired and that I am worthy of the next assignment.
Just like making time to exercise or spend time with friends or family, creative projects (in my case creative writing) help to give me the fuel for other projects. Instead of excluding these projects as a waste of time because of the bottom line, they need to be embraced during the week and nurtured.
Obviously, we have responsibilities to handle throughout our week, but creativity and fueling our own passions will keep us healthier and happier in the long run.
Are there times when you aren't enjoying your writing? What is it that you blame? How do you get around it? What are some of the things that inspire you to write?
Elizabeth King Humphrey is a creativity coach and the moderator/main blogger for CoastalCarolinaMoms. She is also a freelance writer, columnist and blogs for wilmaville. She will be writing in her journal later today. She promises. Really. At least after she finishes this one article....
What does it take to enjoy ALL your writing?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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3 comments:
Holy moly are you reading my mind?
When I sat down to make out my goals for 2009, I included my creative projects.
What I didn't know is that the doom and gloom of the economy would weigh on my mind so much. Sometimes I am just naseaous with worry. I have lost one client, a big one, that I enjoyed.
I just feel like now is the time to ride out some rough weather, and make sure that the bills are paid PLUS SOME, just in case they're not able to be paid next month! You just never know.
So, no, I haven't worked very much on my creative pursuits. I simply can't. I'm too worried.
In times of hardships, i find myself working MORE on creative endeavors. Being a freelance artist, if I don't work, I don't get paid. But lately I have found that all work and no play can lead to a loss of oneself.
I have learned to have faith. I believe if I work hard enough...if I approach an obstacle not seeing the finish line but instead enjoying the process, I'm more productive.
My biggest inspiration to write is my family, my kids. I want to be someone and have something to share with them. I often think about how they will see me when they grow up, how I will be remembered. I want to inspire them as they inspire me.
Both are such important statements about the creative projects and commitments to ourselves.
We all just need to keep talking one step...even a small one...towards our creative goals and passions.
Thank you for commenting and keep the creative flame alive!
Elizabeth
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