Finding a New Groove

Here it is my birthday once again and boy, has my life changed again!

Over the past year, I personally have had a lot of changes happen in my life. These changes have affected my writing drastically. Which, I had promised myself at one time wouldn't happen. Well, like many of us, other issues in my life had taken over. A good example of this is the starting of a new family business, then it closing. In between, I would spend time trying to find writing jobs that could help pay the bills. I felt my writing was becoming a necessity in my world and not something I truly enjoyed doing at the time. I ventured out to find writing jobs that I knew I could do and would make me a few bucks. Most of the jobs were for advertising furnishings or something similar. It at least helped to keep my writing skills up to some degree. At least that is what I told myself.

During this evolution, I feel I managed to lose some really good friends in the writing industry, I feel as if I have some how made people mad at me and now, I have to try and regain those contacts once again. The fun now begins to get my "Groove" back within the writing community that I love so much. But, now comes the over whelming feeling of not knowing how to begin.

About a week ago, I attempted to get a hold of some of my contacts, people who I wanted to help. Those who I know are here to help all of us, I wanted to begin to be a part of that once again, alas, I feel that part of my "Groove" may be failing because of the lack of attention I have been able to give to my writing and those that I have worked with in the writing community off and on for the last few years.

If you are like me, trying to find your "Groove" again, it is very difficult, it is hard because of many different issues--it could be because of schedule changes, life change and so much more. But, the point is to TRY!!!! Don't rest and let it pass by you, grab a hold and drive yourself as much as you can to find your way once again.

Some of the ways that I have been getting my "Groove" back, may help you.

1) Go back to setting yourself up with a normal writing schedule. Even if it is for only 15 minutes, grab that time and use it to your best advantage. You and your writing deserve that time!

2) Get a hold of contacts that you once worked with, apologize, let them know you are trying to find your way once again and that you truly want to help. Ask what you can help and hope they will respond. (I must admit, for me this has been extremely difficult to get responses.) I have been in tears because I have felt I neglected a bunch of people due to my "life" changes.

3) Review what you like to write about, what is your niche. Find ways to get back into it. There are still a lot of different companies out there that are very interested in many aspects and more. With the recent turns and twists with our economy, it is nice to know that reading a book is one activity many people turn to as an economical way to relax for themselves or even for their families.

4) Try and keep a notebook with you, a small one works great to keep in your car. When you get an idea, write it down. Going to the doctor, while your waiting, take the notebook in with you, and WRITE!!! It doesn't matter what its about, JUST DO IT!!!!

5) Continue to put forth effort to contact people, get reacquainted with different sites for example; right here at WOW!. Find out what is new, if you belong to the PG, see what everyone has been up to.

I realize that not only for me but for the many that have lost their way in the writing community, it will take time. As we have all heard, "Take Baby Steps" it will be easier, you don't want to take on more than you can handle. You may wind up right back where you were just left off.

For all of you out there that have received my e-mails, I know you are probably extremely busy and are working hard to keep up with everything in your lives as well, please remember that there are a few of us that are trying to help be here for you! Once again!

Happy Writing!

Carrie