Joseph Heller
So good to know that I'm not alone in this. See, after weeks of doing almost nothing writing related, I feel the need to come back to it, except for when I have the notebook or document open in front of me.
It just feels as if the words don't want to come.
Needless to say, it's frustrating, but I guess that's what happens if you want to take some lazy time.
It's just so annoying, because for the most of a year, I never struggled. But that's the way it goes. I had my break. Now it's time to ease into my routine again. Gently.
What do you do when you're out of your writing/editing groove?
I was out of it for several months. Just took mulling over several ideas before one hit hard enough that I wanted to write it.
ReplyDeletePoetry works for me :) One thing is for sure, no matter how long you stare at that blank page, the right words can not be forced.
ReplyDeleteI have so been there!
ReplyDeleteI've been there too! It usually takes me a while to get back into the groove if I've been out of it for a while. It helps me to go through notes and drafts and try to get the balance and pace back to where I was. Best of luck Misha - have a great week! :)
ReplyDeleteI exercise and then read, read, read. And clean stuff.
ReplyDeleteI was out of it for quite a while. I set myself a very simple routine. Before I did anything else (except get a cup of faux coffee)I meditated for about 5 minutes and then journalled for a little while. Stream of conscious stuff, nothing held back. It really helped to get the juices going again. Also, I did not allow myself any on-line time until I had accomplished something, even if it was only a 1000 words towards a new story or my WIP.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning to be more spiritual about the whole thing and trust my muse. It's pushing in the business part of writing that is my problem.
ReplyDeleteIf it's just a short loss of groove, I do the washing up. Works every time. If it's a longer one, I just live life. I know it'll return, probably as unexpectedly as it went, but I try not to fret about it too much.
ReplyDeleteCan I just repeat what Angeline just said? Because that's pretty much it...Only add cooking to the washing up, and that's me. I think it's really important not to fret over it, but to just stick with your schedule, knowing that some days will be better than others.
ReplyDeleteI make myself write even if I know its all going to be cut later. what can I say, I'm a little OCD.
ReplyDeleteI step away from it for a day or two - never more than that.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we get blocked because other things are in the back of our mind. We must take care of ourselves, and our life beyond writing if our writing is to be at its best.
I reread what I wrote and then start writing again.
ReplyDeleteI find something else to frustrate me, like playing guitar.
ReplyDeleteI re-read a favorite book, color, and watch a favorite movie. It's relaxing but at the same time it stimulates my creativity. Two good combos to get back into the writing groove!
ReplyDeleteI blog!
ReplyDeleteSooner or later, I find that the words will come back to me!
I feel similarly right now.
ReplyDeleteMy writing mojo has been depleted by research "serious" writing, endless perky emails at work and the drain that is a four hour commute. Not a lot left in the barrel for witty sarcasm. I figure when this story is ready it'll scream at me on the ferry and I'll write till the boat pulls up to the docks. If my story isn't screaming at me it must not be ready to be written yet and needs more digesting.
ReplyDeleteThat's when I take the time to add more to the outline, figure out what is flat in a character, and even though I may not be adding to the word count itself, I feel like I can still make something resembling progress.
ReplyDeletei wish i had something constructive to say buti don't. :( :( :(
ReplyDeleteIt happens a lot for me. I'm in awe - and slightly suspicious - of writer who can bang out a novel in a fortnight, 26 novels a year (I follow a blogger who likes to write a novel in a week).
ReplyDeleteAlthough the words aren't coming, I'm sure your subconcious is in overdrive. You'll just sit down one day and not be able to stop writing. Relaxing and not fretting is key! Be happy.
Have you tried writing exercises? Just writing whatever comes to mind to a ten-minute timer? That sometimes works. Or going back to read the chap you're working on, so you refresh yourself and go on. Or sometimes doing something else that inspires you so that you're motivated upon your return.
ReplyDeleteI was in a writing dump for several weeks. I caught up with many non-writing related activities and with plotting a trilogy. Now my writing mood has returned big time. You will get over this slump or lethargy, Misha.
ReplyDeleteI find that getting a good night's rest does a lot as far as balancing the things in my life.
ReplyDeleteI tend to start playing around with a few different ideas until one finally sticks.
ReplyDeleteThis can be super frustrating, and we've all been there! Hang in there and maybe allow yourself a few "daydreaming" hours to just let your imagination wander before you try to jump into writing. That's helped me in the past.
ReplyDeleteWhen you get out of that groove, I think the best thing to do is read. Your choice, it could be magazines, books or whatever. You'll find something in your reads that will help you later.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for "Doorways".