TODAY I WILL…WRITE?
[image error]
Besides fiction, I read a lot of how to write fiction books.
I also read a lot of self-help and motivational books to keep me writing.
But like all writers, or anyone who does anything creative without immediate rewards or accolades or even notice, I wonder why am I doing this?
[image error]
It’s very much like a close relationship or love affair that has become mundane and dull.
There are times when the creative well is dry, the desire to create diminished. and the passion from our creative endeavors lie dormant and is practically gone.
We simply don’t get the same excited, burning quest we had when we first proclaimed to ourselves and the world whether out loud or in print that we are writers.
It might be fatigue. We’re just too darn tired.
[image error]
Photo: Pawel Grzegorz
As solitary and internal as it is, it takes enormous amounts of focus and energy to create well…anything, especially a story from scratch.
When you think about it, in our stories we are creating original worlds, people, events, conflicts, situations, resolutions, transformations, awareness, and entertainment too.
That’s a lot!
And it starts with your ideas and visions to put it all together in a well-crafted, credible and intriguing story.
For many, life is already overwhelming and we are fatigued with everything including writing.
[image error]
Photo: Gared Altmann
Or the story isn’t coming through because we are bored with the characters and the whole scenario.
It’s perfectly fine to take a break.
Take a rest from writing for a week, but no more.
You may not come back to the work, or to writing at all.
Would that be so bad?
I am not discouraging you—that would be very disingenuous on my part. I feel my role is to provide encouragement and support to everyone who wants and tries to write stories, especially literary fiction.
But again, when it’s easier to leave then come back, perhaps writing isn’t for you after all—just like a love affair or friendship that has run its course and there is nothing left to give to keep it going.
[image error]
Photo: Krzysztof Kamil
Okay. It happens.
Then let me ask you this.
How do you feel?
If you are truly happier by not writing, that’s a perfect sign to alert you that you should be doing other things.
But what if you instead are irritated? Depressed? Snapping at others for no real reason?
[image error]
Photo: Jackie Ramirez
Hmm, chances are that you miss writing after all. And need to come back.
Start again with the old work. Or start a brand new story.
Feeling better?
Now let’s say you are back to writing after a hiatus.
But now you are procrastinating—so easy to do! This happens to creative people all the time as well.
[image error]
Photo: DanaTentis
You made the commitment to write again, but somehow you are not showing up at the screen or your notebook.
Then ask yourself these questions:
Why is this story important to write? Why is it important for me?
What would happen to me if I don’t write it? Especially my well-being.
How will I feel six months from now if I don’t write? A year? The rest of my life?
[image error]
Photo: Lucia Grzeskiewicz
What can I do to show up at my writing space for X amount of time every day? What rewards can I give myself?
More to the point—what would happen if I complete this story? How would I feel? What will it do for my well-being?
What will give me more satisfaction and happiness? Writing at least a page, a chapter, or X amount of words each day? Starting another story, editing the one I am working on?
[image error]
Graphic: Myriam Zilles
Or watching television, eating high-caloric foods, or some other non-writing activity?
Certainly binge-watch the programs you enjoy, and eat desserts too all in good measure, but make those the rewards and not the excuse for avoiding to write.
You will feel less guilty and more empowered if you spent quality time writing. Maybe binge-writing too.
You alone hold the answers and you know best whether or not writing is your destiny.
You will know if you can or cannot live without it.
Writing Wisdom:
“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” —Ralph Ellison, American Fiction Writer, Literary Critic.
Cheers, Irene
[image error]P.S. Need help and inspiration in writing GREAT fiction?
Find both in my writing guidebook: THE FICTION PRESCRIPTION: HOW TO WRITE AND IMPROVE YOUR FICTION LIKE THE GREAT LITERARY MASTERS.NEW! Now in paperback: https://amzn.to/2WwRXgE
E-Book: http://amzn.to/211kQhZ
PDF: www.irenezabytko.com
Catch my new and public blog posts and AN AMERICAN WRITER IN UKRAINE BLOG SERIES at www.irenezabytko.com and irenezabytko.wordpress
SUBSCRIBE to www.irenezabytko.com for weekly WRITING WISDOM advice. You will also receive the WRITING WISDOM DAILY DIGITAL CALENDAR with great quotes by great writers coming to you every day in your email inbox.
AND THAT’S NOT ALL!
[image error]
New subscribers will get a free copy of 100 LITERARY CLICHES TO AVOID , SCORN AND DELETE (VOLUME 1). Humorous and helpful! Plus my report on “The 7 Deadly Sins of Rookie Fiction Writers.” www.irenezabytko.com
© 2020 by Irene Zabytko, all rights reserved.
