Typically, I enjoy the editing a work in progress, like shaping and refining a lump of clay into a new design. But, right now, I shun either editing what’s written of my third novel and further dread plotting out the remaining storyline. The reluctance to edit and write is a remarkable 180-degree reversal for me! With my second novel, I’d systematically planned out all forty chapters before drafting and finalizing the manuscript. So, what gives? Why do I dread moving forward with the work in progress?
My approach to writing changes with each project. And I’m not really sure why. Yes, I admit to getting bored with routines. I create a juggling act of projects all vying for my attention. The same dynamic occurred when I was raising money for a nonprofit organization. I had so many capital projects to fund that I said I’d simply spin a roulette wheel for what I’d work on in a given day. And now my own projects suffer from any semblance of fully devoted attention.
Don’t get me wrong. Somehow, I manage to accomplish project goals. I can be tenacious about not giving up! But when I have competing goals, they get shuffled around. In my author world, I’m republishing my first novel, marketing the second, and writing the third. Plus, there are two more books in development to complete the five-novel series.
But what’s a writer without a routine? Well, I can tell you I’m living the non-routine writing life. I’m down to writing one day per week via an online writing group. Otherwise, I’m not sure if anything will get written, even the three blogs I commit to monthly. And I’m already behind. The blog I’m working at present is for June, and, yes, it’s July 8 Plus, there’s one more to write and publish. I post blogs on my two websites, one as an author and the other as a screenwriter/producer. My third blog is posted on my Goodreads page. So, there you have it!
But I’m not in panic mode. Not yet, at least. I’m aware of my ennui, if not fully battling it. I believe distractions or lapses can happen to any writer! We’re not robots even if we need to reboot!
How do I get out of the writing rut? I know the simple answer: Write! But I also know that it’s not that easy when life is throwing curve balls. Right now, I’m also in the middle of projects other than writing, and I’m typically getting through the day on my reserve tank, creatively speaking. I don’t want to make excuses for my lack of discipline. And to know thyself is half the battle!
Okay, writers, before I commit to a plan, I have to admit face some avowed truths. So here goes:
- Plotter vs. Pantser: I now confirm that the pantser approach to writing doesn’t work for me. I’m doing it now with novel three and the results are quite dismal. I believe if I had outlined the story and I mean thoroughly outlining it, I wouldn’t be in this mess. I’m the type of writer that needs a road map or, as I’d like to view it, a treasure map. But all is not lost, as long as I kick myself in the rear, sit down, and plot out the story! I can always change scenes, plot points, etc., but I need to change something from something. I can’t change something from nothing! ‘Nuf said on that one! Get to it, Anthea! Yes, that’s me convicting myself!
- Social engagements: Now this is a tricky one and possibly a poor excuse for not writing and/or dragging my feet for getting back to my book, blog, or any writing project. But, whether or not I’m using these engagements as an excuse, there’s no doubt they are, at times, an extreme distraction. Oh sure, reading emails, scrolling through social media, zoning out in front of a tv screen, are time sponges too! But when I socialize with family and friends in large or midsize gatherings, the shy twin surfaces and acts her way through the occurrences. These social engagements feel anything like the myriad conferences, workshops, etc. I used to attend as a fundraiser. For some reason, I could set boundaries around those work-related events and easily transitioned to my writing projects. Some sort of separation mechanism was at work. Now that I’m writing full time, or at least making attempts, I need to put some boundaries around social engagements. Does Anthea, the writer, have to justify what she’s doing with her time? Yes, that’s me talking about myself in the third person. But, hey, maybe I should have a sit-down talk with myself and work on a solution. Or, maybe I should give myself a limited segue from social time to writing time. It’s all about transition and not avoidance because that doesn’t feel good in the final analysis. But I need be kind to myself too! Transition time? The next step.
- Sprints: I need to get back to sprint-writing. I started feeling guilty with only spending a half-hour to an hour writing per day. I’ve become all or nothing, and it just doesn’t work. Ernest Hemingway wrote 5 to 6 hours every morning. I’m not that person. It won’t work for me. I may have a really productive day and achieve that level, but it won’t be every day. If I can commit to one hour at the least every day, I’ll be ahead of the game. I know that may sound lame, but it’s better than waiting for my mid-week online writing group to pick up where I left off the week before. I know writing won’t be a priority every day, although it should be, right?? But if I remain consistent, maybe something will change. Maybe my passion will return. If not, I’ll at least accomplish some writing!
Whatever your struggles as a writer, my one piece of advice will always remain: Don’t give up! Keep at it, even if weeks or months go by between writing stints. Get back to whatever you’ve abandoned. It’s never too late! Happy writing!