When we're writing a story, and we end up in the muddy middle, we have to just continue. We have to quit talking about it, quit relying on the new and shiny to keep us going. We have to roll up our sleeves and work our way through it.It seems as though it's the same with the writing journey. Eventually we end up in a place where the shiny has gone. Like a romantic relationship, the passion and excitement sustain us for only so long, and we have to decide to commit or move on. If we choose to commit, the dynamic changes and we move into a new stage of our relationship. It's not less than, it's just different. We continue at a more stable and longer-lasting pace.
And that's what I've been thinking about lately.
Eventually we have to just continue.
And, you know, that sounds so serious! Aagh! Why do I always sound so serious when I do these posts?
What have you been thinking about lately?
For me, it's easy to commit to writing, but harder to commit to editing. But it won't get finished if you don't do the editing.
ReplyDeleteI understand completely. This year I've had trouble committing to writing. I'd make goals, and fail at them. I'd re-plot and think "Now it'll be easier," and it wasn't. I don't know. It's been a strange non-writing six-ish months for me. Add the pressure that we must produce and produce quickly, and I had to have some serious conversations with myself. Which is why I've been so introspective, I think. I'm tired of being serious, though. And talking and stressing over it all. So now, it's just a matter of continuing. Darn. This comment is what I wanted to say in the blog post! Oh well... :P
DeleteI just have to get started again! I feel that I've been stalled a while now in terms of flow.
ReplyDeleteI have gone to "just write anything." If it has to be just a sentence, I figure at least I've got a sentence more than I had the minute before I wrote it. I'm trying to re-establish the habit of writing every day, and not worrying about how much I write, because if I beat myself up for not writing a zillion words I feel bad about writing in general. And that's not good for motivation!
DeleteI needed this today, Lara. I've had a hard time making myself get back to my WIP after my shoulder surgery. I just need to continue.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it was helpful, David! We never know, do we, if the post or story or whatever is going to resonate with anyone. Thank you for letting me know it was helpful!
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