Sometimes writing is so HARD! I can't think of anything to blog, working on the novel is like pulling teeth, and yet all I want to do is write. So I find myself blogging about why I can't write. Why does it have to be so difficult? I know a lot of writers struggle, but then I read about the persistent writers who make the words come out and I want to know HOW. Could someone please tell me the secret?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
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10 comments:
Sorry to hear you're frustrated. Every writing day I get up and I think of 100 things else to do. It's just so daunting...what motivates me is having a deadline, a large dose of guilt - that I will regret it if I don't get the novel finished, and I'll have to face a ton of people if I don't finish it - and I also have to remind myself that I enjoy writing too (sometimes!) Good luck I'm rooting for you!
Keep going. Just force yourself to write another paragraph. By the time you've done that you might find you are flowing. If not you have just written another 100 words. Get up, stretch, make a coffee, then sit down and write another one. Do it!
It can be like pulling teeth, but you have to fight the urge to not bother. An english writer used to tie herself to the chair leg to force herself to do it. Good luck.x
Something that has worked for me recently is a conversation with a guy who's always been supportive of my writing. I was bemoaning (obviously) and he was saying 'I want to come to your launch. You so want to do it' and something made me realise how much, how so much and I said 'You're right. I am going to do this. I am.' Now the bit that gets me going again, is to think back to that feeling I had when I determined I was going to do it. And I start again.
I think what I'm trying to say is find a feeling in your memory when you were really determined and positive: and find your way back there. It seems to be working for me at the moment.
But Angie, you're not alone, and it is hard. But it is worth it too.
JJx
Hellojed, Helen, JJ: Thank you for the sweet comments and advice, which are helpful and much appreciated. I'm printing these comments for support the next time I get low. (Helen, which author was that? It's a great image. :)
Carole Matthews (think I've spelt her name right).
I sound quite bossy in my last comment. Sorry about that. x
I've been struggling too... but it comes along in peaks and troughs and I'm slowly learning not to beat myself up when I've lurched into a trough.
I've taken to typing, in huge caps stuff like AND THEN SOMETHING REALLY FAB WILL HAPPEN before just carrying on with a bit that doesn't seem so hard to do.
It's be boring if we just sat down and churned out 5,000 words a day like zombies.
Helen, don't worry, it made me laugh. I like it when writer friends crack the whip.
Jen, I like that idea, I tend to leave blank spaces but that's not nearly as helpful as the ALL CAP idea.
Good point. Writers would be much more boring if the words flowed that easily - where's the tortured soul? 'Course, they'd probably publish more books, but hey who's counting. ;)
Your engine's hot. Take a walk in a green environment. Then you'll see how ideas flow.
Just. Keep. Writing.
Alfaking, I really should keep up the afternoon walks - they refresh the mind (and body).
Rebecca, it's so hard sometimes, but I know you're right. Knuckling down...
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