Can I blame my sluggish writing habits these last few months on the tryptophan? I think not.
I need to get back into the habit of writing on a regular basis. My blog (I'm sure) feels abandoned. I've stopped submitting my manuscript because I'm holding my breath, waiting. (A third publisher requested a full manuscript. If you read this aloud, whisper it. I don't want to jinx it.)
I've been searching for some morsel of advice to nudge me into writing again. I read an article that advised me to find a trigger that will intiate my writing. The premise is a particular song or light or action (like sitting down in a particular spot) will cause my brain to begin a behavior.... which in this case is writing.
I'm thinking of making Brandi Carlile's song "The Story" my trigger.
Another article advised (among other things) to cultivate a team. I should surround myself with people who will help me move forward as a writer.
Fortunately, I already have a couple of teams surrounding me.
I belong to a writing group. Once a month or so these writing friends and I sit down, share, and critique. If I haven't written anything all month, I'll writing something just so I don't have to come empty-handed.
I also belong to a writing accountability group... although my fellow members might beg to differ.
"Sioux? I don't recall anybody in our group by that name."
"A writer named Sioux? Hmmm. I don't recall seeing any of her progress reports in months."
"Sioux's AWOL. Fuhgeddabout her."
Surprisingly, they haven't. They haven't forgotten about me, despite my "disappearance" for the last few months.
One of the Butt-Kickers has emailed me several times, asking if I'm okay. Another writer in our accountability group emailed me yesterday to let me know about a publisher that might be interested in my manuscript. And just today one of the Butt-Kickers helped me register for an online WOW class.
So later this week, when I'm eating turkey and sweet potatoes and flash-fried spinach and giving thanks for my health and family and the two new grandkids I will be getting this next year (whoot whoot!)... I will also be giving thanks for my writing friends--friends who aren't giving up on me, even when I (temporarily) have given up on myself.
Sioux is a middle-school teacher, a dog rescuer and a teacher-consultant for the Gateway Writing Project. In her spare time she makes excuses about why she doesn't have time to write. You can check out her blog (Sioux's Page) and hopefully, it will have been updated by the time you follow the link.
Sioux, right there with you. Except you have a much more entertaining way of expressing this side of the writing life than I do. Which is why I love reading your posts. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteMeh. Ups and downs writing times, Sioux. When you have something important to say, you'll write. Your brain's working even if you're not so much. :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you got registered. Which class did you decide on?
ReplyDeleteYoung readers need your stories. You know that. But it is also a matter of energy. When the energy vampires are out of your life, things will change.
--SueBE
I've definitely been in a slump these past few months. So I totally get where you are coming from! Now the holidays are here, so at least we have an excuse :)
ReplyDeleteJoanne--Thanks. You as well--have a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteCathy--Are you sure you're not overestimating my brain? ;)
Sue--Building an Author's Platform. Karen has her work cut out for her. (And the energy vampires. I like that. Not what they do, but the name you've given them.)
Nicole--If you've been in a slump, I've been in a coma. And I loove your way of thinking. Today I'll blame it on Thanksgiving. Beginning tomorrow and for the next month, I'm blaming Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Sioux--I've been feeling sluggish because I haven't written any new fiction or creative non-fiction in eons. But then I finally told myself that I'm writing articles each month for the magazine I work for, and I've started writing more posts on my writing blog again to get that revamped. Now I have an idea for a short story that's been rolling around in my head and I may actually try to get some of it out on paper. I don't believe you've been in a coma, but I do believe that the anticipation of waiting to hear back from one of those three publishers (dang, woman!) may be giving you a mental block--a block that's paralyzing your creativity. Push on past it and work on something that gives you joy. It doesn't have to be fancy, just do it. I'm going to follow my own advice and go do that right now myself.
ReplyDeleteRenee--You're doing work on demand. I think that kind of writing work garners bonus points.
ReplyDeleteYeah. I did some organizational work on my newest project, but didn't finish the "Save the Cat" outline yet, so I'm letting it marinate. I did get an idea for a picture book--one that I'm super passionate about.
Just do it, huh? That sounds familiar...