Those who pursue creative interests are more than aware of the role motivation plays in the process. We love it when our brains and bodies want to throw themselves full force into the work-in-progress. It means inspiration and all-out forward progress.
But what about those times when motivation disappears? For writers, this can mean silence when you seriously need to rack up words on the page. A few of the tactics I turn to are:
1. Music ~ Each of my characters have a theme song, and I can often connect with them by playing it over and over on repeat.
2. A walk ~ Okay, I'll admit this is usually my last choice, but it works really well. Fresh air rejuvenates and clears the head, leaving room for creativity to enter.
3. Brain Drain ~ Sitting down with blank pages and just getting everything on my mind onto those pages helps me move past the clutter. Once I have it written down, I can ignore it for a while and move on to the important stuff.
But I've found there are dozens of ways to help writers move past their lack of motivation, and they've been compiled in the post Is Your Motivation to Write Lagging? by Penny Rader. I hope you find it as inspiring as I do!
http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2012/10/is-your-motivation-to-write-lagging.html
3. Brain Drain ~ Sitting down with blank pages and just getting everything on my mind onto those pages helps me move past the clutter. Once I have it written down, I can ignore it for a while and move on to the important stuff.
But I've found there are dozens of ways to help writers move past their lack of motivation, and they've been compiled in the post Is Your Motivation to Write Lagging? by Penny Rader. I hope you find it as inspiring as I do!
http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2012/10/is-your-motivation-to-write-lagging.html
During the month of October, I've seen more than my share of pumpkins, hay rides, and scarecrows. But I haven't really delved into the heart of Halloween: spooky, scary, and screaming!
Now, I have to admit, I was raised a little too puritanical to get into the ghosts and goblins. My children will go neighborhood Trick or Treating as Trigger Happy (Skylanders) and an Eskimo princess (though I suspect we are almost to the end of Book Worm’s trips). But when it comes to adult Halloween indulgences, I absolutely love SCARY MOVIES!!! This time of the year, I'm reminded of all my faves when they start playing the 100 Scariest Movies on Bravo. Love that show! I could watch it over and over again (as long as the kids aren't up).
[caption id="attachment_180" align="aligncenter" width="209"]
Oldie but Goodie[/caption]
I know, I know. What is a sweet, innocent thing like me doing watching scary movies? I mean, really, I'm honestly scared of just about everything else! It is a true paradox. What amazes me is that none of my friends or family seem to like them, except my husband. He has the joy of being able to brag to his friends that I don’t drag him to see chick flicks – oh, no, he gets to go see horror and suspense/action flicks instead! My hubby knows that he turn any horror movie from Netflix, no matter how cheesy, and I'll watch it. Pack the kids off to bed, turn off the lights, put on the headphones, and check frequently over my shoulder in case the boogey man shows up.
Here are some of my faves:
Favorite slasher film: As a whole, straight slasher flicks aren't my first choice of watching material. I only like a select few and they have to be really well done for me to watch them again. Of course, the original HALLOWEEN must get a nod. Scary stuff. But my favorite is SCREAM, Wes Craven's clever spoof on slasher films. Intelligent and funny, this one gets my vote. The sequels weren’t bad either.
Favorite zombie movie: RESIDENT EVIL!!! Evil corporations, underground cities, zombie attack dogs, and walking dead people.... What's not to love? Milla Jovovich kicks serious butt! She has to, or she couldn't go on to make three sequels. The second was even better than the first, especially since it featured one of my favorite hotties, Oded Fehr. *fans self* I suggest you wait to rent the third if you must see it. I was disappointed. Maybe I’ll get to see the fourth in the theaters?
Favorite horror comedy: Want a little laugh with your horror? Try SHAUN OF THE DEAD. This movie cracked me up with its off-the-wall jokes, dumb zombies, romance, and great acting, all pulled off with cool English accents.
Favorite ghosts: ROSE RED, a made-for-tv movie written by Stephen King about a house haunted by Ellen Rimbauer and her servant Sukeena. A team of paranormal investigators spend the weekend trapped in the house, where they are killed off one by one. I have this one on DVD and have watched it many times.
Favorite Stephen King: ROSE RED, since it won in two different categories, see description above. Another one of King's I love is IT. I first watched this mini-series as a teenager in my future husband's basement bedroom, no lights, with seven other teens. Every little noise had us screaming bloody murder!
But my favorite part of the Stephen King movies is to watch and see if King will make an appearance. He usually does, except in 1408, I believe. But I've only seen that once, so I may have missed it.
Favorite Old School: Anything Vincent Price, but the one I always have time for is PIT AND THE PENDULUM. We have a movie collection of his on DVD.
Favorite psychological thriller: IDENTITY with John Cusack. I love him!!! This movie features a group of people trapped at a run down motel, and they have to figure out how they are connected. This one had me guessing until the end.
Favorite television series: THE WALKING DEAD. A group of survivors trying to live through a zombie apocalypse and have some sort of normal existence. Ups, downs, and lots of slaughter.
Show that scared me the most: Dark Castle's remake of HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL. It took me a really long time to rewatch this movie about people invited to an abandoned insane asylum, where they must survive the night to win a million dollars. Geoffrey Rush revises Vincent Price's role (and looks a lot like him, too). There are lots of flashbacks to the time when the asylum was open and experiments conducted on its patients. Just too freaky for me. Although, I find THE RING freakier, but since I haven’t actually been able to make myself watch it, it doesn’t count.
Well, I hope I've inspired you to go rent a scary movie for Halloween night and pile up on the couch with the hubby and some popcorn to watch it. In the dark. Even if it is only SCOOBY DOO AND THE LOCH NESS MONSTER...
Tell us your favorite spooky movie or scary movie story!
Dani
Oldie but Goodie[/caption]
I know, I know. What is a sweet, innocent thing like me doing watching scary movies? I mean, really, I'm honestly scared of just about everything else! It is a true paradox. What amazes me is that none of my friends or family seem to like them, except my husband. He has the joy of being able to brag to his friends that I don’t drag him to see chick flicks – oh, no, he gets to go see horror and suspense/action flicks instead! My hubby knows that he turn any horror movie from Netflix, no matter how cheesy, and I'll watch it. Pack the kids off to bed, turn off the lights, put on the headphones, and check frequently over my shoulder in case the boogey man shows up.
Here are some of my faves:
Favorite slasher film: As a whole, straight slasher flicks aren't my first choice of watching material. I only like a select few and they have to be really well done for me to watch them again. Of course, the original HALLOWEEN must get a nod. Scary stuff. But my favorite is SCREAM, Wes Craven's clever spoof on slasher films. Intelligent and funny, this one gets my vote. The sequels weren’t bad either.
Favorite zombie movie: RESIDENT EVIL!!! Evil corporations, underground cities, zombie attack dogs, and walking dead people.... What's not to love? Milla Jovovich kicks serious butt! She has to, or she couldn't go on to make three sequels. The second was even better than the first, especially since it featured one of my favorite hotties, Oded Fehr. *fans self* I suggest you wait to rent the third if you must see it. I was disappointed. Maybe I’ll get to see the fourth in the theaters?
Favorite horror comedy: Want a little laugh with your horror? Try SHAUN OF THE DEAD. This movie cracked me up with its off-the-wall jokes, dumb zombies, romance, and great acting, all pulled off with cool English accents.
Favorite ghosts: ROSE RED, a made-for-tv movie written by Stephen King about a house haunted by Ellen Rimbauer and her servant Sukeena. A team of paranormal investigators spend the weekend trapped in the house, where they are killed off one by one. I have this one on DVD and have watched it many times.
Favorite Stephen King: ROSE RED, since it won in two different categories, see description above. Another one of King's I love is IT. I first watched this mini-series as a teenager in my future husband's basement bedroom, no lights, with seven other teens. Every little noise had us screaming bloody murder!
But my favorite part of the Stephen King movies is to watch and see if King will make an appearance. He usually does, except in 1408, I believe. But I've only seen that once, so I may have missed it.
Favorite Old School: Anything Vincent Price, but the one I always have time for is PIT AND THE PENDULUM. We have a movie collection of his on DVD.
Favorite psychological thriller: IDENTITY with John Cusack. I love him!!! This movie features a group of people trapped at a run down motel, and they have to figure out how they are connected. This one had me guessing until the end.
Favorite television series: THE WALKING DEAD. A group of survivors trying to live through a zombie apocalypse and have some sort of normal existence. Ups, downs, and lots of slaughter.
Show that scared me the most: Dark Castle's remake of HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL. It took me a really long time to rewatch this movie about people invited to an abandoned insane asylum, where they must survive the night to win a million dollars. Geoffrey Rush revises Vincent Price's role (and looks a lot like him, too). There are lots of flashbacks to the time when the asylum was open and experiments conducted on its patients. Just too freaky for me. Although, I find THE RING freakier, but since I haven’t actually been able to make myself watch it, it doesn’t count.
Well, I hope I've inspired you to go rent a scary movie for Halloween night and pile up on the couch with the hubby and some popcorn to watch it. In the dark. Even if it is only SCOOBY DOO AND THE LOCH NESS MONSTER...
Tell us your favorite spooky movie or scary movie story!
Dani
Ah, we all have them, those rushed weeknights full of Cub Scout meetings, music lessons, sporting practices, and church activities. We rush, rush, rush to get there, then wait while our beautiful children do their thing. Often twiddling our thumbs when, as writers, we could be accomplishing a whole lot in the span of an hour.
[caption id="attachment_188" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Game Time![/caption]
Now I might as well admit up front that I was never one of those women glued to the viewing window when my daughter took gymnastics. I'd glance out once in a while during class to see what they were up to, but otherwise I had better things to do than critique her every tumble and roll. That’s what the teacher is there for. I know that sounds judgmental of me, but its totally true. I don't need to watch every second, especially if I can sit where I can see the action just by looking up. I don't need to spend the whole time critiquing team performance (though I may mentally be cataloguing the coach's performance and making sure my child is safe). And I don't need to talk ad nauseum about the season, upcoming events, other teams, etc.
I need to be writing.
You know how these types of weeknights go: get home, snack, homework, barely enough time to breathe before starting dinner, chow down quick enough to get ready and go. By the time you get home that night, you're exhausted and creativity has disappeared beneath the tidal wave of To Dos. But my schedule doesn't wait for me to have time, its there for me to MAKE time.
Here are some of my options for writing (or writing related activities) during these little pockets of kid activities:
1. Be Prepared
I've found this is easier if I'm prepared. I keep a tote bag packed with a notebook, headphones, pens...just waiting for me to drop in my iPod, plotting notes, and alphie. What's that, you ask? When writing on the go, I find an Alpha Smart to be really helpful. This is a portable, almost indestructible word processing unit (I bought the basic Neo with no option for connecting to the internet) that saves immediately and can download directly into a Word document. Lite enough for me to carry it everywhere and it has 8 different files that I can work on. I also carry a small notebook in my purse, so if I'm caught out I can at least make notes or hand write scenes on that and transcribe it later.
[caption id="attachment_189" align="aligncenter" width="267"]
Music Lessons, Anyone?[/caption]
2. Actually Write
I have to start writing immediately, before I get sucked into conversations or daydream away the whole hour. I find a comfortable chair (or spot on the basketball court sidelines -- I'm not above sitting on the floor) and pull out the alphie and notes. No piddling! If I'm not in the mood to dip into my story, I can easily write up a blog post, article, or notes during that time.
3. Editing Anyone?
Some people can't write with people or noise around, and I totally understand that. But even if you can't write, you can try editing. I have to have my (old and heavy) laptop for this, but I can get a lot of editing done in this space of time. And the screen on my laptop does even more to deter conversations than the flat alphie.
4. Antisocial Much?
For some, this approach is a little too antisocial for them. I get it. But you could still get something accomplished during "bleacher time". Don't start off talking -- its too hard to rein that puppy in once it gets started. But give yourself 45 minutes to write, then pack up and spend the last 15 minutes connecting with the parents around you.
[caption id="attachment_190" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Even More Game Time[/caption]
5. Non-writing Options
If you aren't prepared to write, then there are a few other things you can do to make this downtime worthwhile:
-People watch: Gain some insight into people's actions, how they move, gestures, how they talk to each other, etc., to make your characters come to life.
-Read a craft book: Keep a craft book or Kindle with you and spend some time brushing up on techniques that will deepen your skills.
How do you fit what you need to do into the "bleacher time"?
Dani
Game Time![/caption]
Now I might as well admit up front that I was never one of those women glued to the viewing window when my daughter took gymnastics. I'd glance out once in a while during class to see what they were up to, but otherwise I had better things to do than critique her every tumble and roll. That’s what the teacher is there for. I know that sounds judgmental of me, but its totally true. I don't need to watch every second, especially if I can sit where I can see the action just by looking up. I don't need to spend the whole time critiquing team performance (though I may mentally be cataloguing the coach's performance and making sure my child is safe). And I don't need to talk ad nauseum about the season, upcoming events, other teams, etc.
I need to be writing.
You know how these types of weeknights go: get home, snack, homework, barely enough time to breathe before starting dinner, chow down quick enough to get ready and go. By the time you get home that night, you're exhausted and creativity has disappeared beneath the tidal wave of To Dos. But my schedule doesn't wait for me to have time, its there for me to MAKE time.
Here are some of my options for writing (or writing related activities) during these little pockets of kid activities:
1. Be Prepared
I've found this is easier if I'm prepared. I keep a tote bag packed with a notebook, headphones, pens...just waiting for me to drop in my iPod, plotting notes, and alphie. What's that, you ask? When writing on the go, I find an Alpha Smart to be really helpful. This is a portable, almost indestructible word processing unit (I bought the basic Neo with no option for connecting to the internet) that saves immediately and can download directly into a Word document. Lite enough for me to carry it everywhere and it has 8 different files that I can work on. I also carry a small notebook in my purse, so if I'm caught out I can at least make notes or hand write scenes on that and transcribe it later.
[caption id="attachment_189" align="aligncenter" width="267"]
Music Lessons, Anyone?[/caption]
2. Actually Write
I have to start writing immediately, before I get sucked into conversations or daydream away the whole hour. I find a comfortable chair (or spot on the basketball court sidelines -- I'm not above sitting on the floor) and pull out the alphie and notes. No piddling! If I'm not in the mood to dip into my story, I can easily write up a blog post, article, or notes during that time.
3. Editing Anyone?
Some people can't write with people or noise around, and I totally understand that. But even if you can't write, you can try editing. I have to have my (old and heavy) laptop for this, but I can get a lot of editing done in this space of time. And the screen on my laptop does even more to deter conversations than the flat alphie.
4. Antisocial Much?
For some, this approach is a little too antisocial for them. I get it. But you could still get something accomplished during "bleacher time". Don't start off talking -- its too hard to rein that puppy in once it gets started. But give yourself 45 minutes to write, then pack up and spend the last 15 minutes connecting with the parents around you.
[caption id="attachment_190" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Even More Game Time[/caption]
5. Non-writing Options
If you aren't prepared to write, then there are a few other things you can do to make this downtime worthwhile:
-People watch: Gain some insight into people's actions, how they move, gestures, how they talk to each other, etc., to make your characters come to life.
-Read a craft book: Keep a craft book or Kindle with you and spend some time brushing up on techniques that will deepen your skills.
How do you fit what you need to do into the "bleacher time"?
Dani
Hmmm… blogging on my own has been quite a scary venture. I know you're probably thinking doing something alone is a strange fear for someone my age, but the truth is, I've rarely been on my own in life. As a twin, I grew up with my sister by my side – never having to go into a social situation or new class on my own. We went to the same school, even had the same major in college. Then I married hubby and had someone else to go places with me or at least talk to about it when I came home. The kids were with me for school events and church. The Playfriends have been with me through a long list of personal and professional events, including national conferences, submissions, rejections, and my first sale.
I've only taken a few steps in my life all by my lonesome. Two of them have made dramatic changes in my personal and professional lives. The first was when I decided to write my very first story. I vividly remember the sick feeling of excitement in my stomach as I told my husband what I wanted to do. Imagine my surprise when he simply replied, "Okay," as if this were a normal, perfectly natural revelation. Others weren't as supportive, but my family has remained an incredible cheer squad throughout my journey.
More recently, I took another step alone. At least, the first step, the decision part. Along the way I've had some wonderful people join me, teach me, and assist me. It's become one of the most enjoyable steps I've taken in a long time.
I decided to self-publish some of my work.
I chose a novella that has a wonderful origin. A few years ago, when I was struggling mightily with rejection and writers block, I sought the counsel of one of my mentors and beloved friend, Maven Linda Winstead Jones. Her suggestion? Write something you love and enjoy, focusing simply on bringing those characters to life. Taking her advice, I wrote Snow Bound. I love this story about a burnt out military hero and the good girl of Cadence, TN, fending off a convict bent on revenge while snowed into her isolated farmhouse. So I've decided to bring it to readers in my own way and my own time.
My incredible (and incredibly patient) cover artist Scott Carpenter created the cover for me:
[caption id="attachment_175" align="aligncenter" width="200"]
My Very First Cover![/caption]
I love it! My awesome sister, Ella Sheridan, is helping out by lending me her professional editing skills so this baby goes into the world in tip top shape. I’m very excited.
My debut release will hit the electronic shelves this November. I'm putting together a blog tour and will be sharing milestones along this journey with my friends and readers here on my blog and at the Writing Playground.
This decision has been nerve-wracking, exciting, fun, and scary, but it’s the most rewarding thing I've done in a long time. While I’m just as excited about my print debut with Harlequin Desire in August 2013, I look forward to releasing more of my work myself, because it is a very rewarding creative process that feeds the writer within.
Often, it is those steps we make alone that define us, that reward us, whether through courage gained, new experiences, positive feedback, or strength built. I look forward to sharing more of this journey with you.
What solitary step have you taken that's turned into one of the most rewarding adventures of your life?
Dani
My Very First Cover![/caption]
I love it! My awesome sister, Ella Sheridan, is helping out by lending me her professional editing skills so this baby goes into the world in tip top shape. I’m very excited.
My debut release will hit the electronic shelves this November. I'm putting together a blog tour and will be sharing milestones along this journey with my friends and readers here on my blog and at the Writing Playground.
This decision has been nerve-wracking, exciting, fun, and scary, but it’s the most rewarding thing I've done in a long time. While I’m just as excited about my print debut with Harlequin Desire in August 2013, I look forward to releasing more of my work myself, because it is a very rewarding creative process that feeds the writer within.
Often, it is those steps we make alone that define us, that reward us, whether through courage gained, new experiences, positive feedback, or strength built. I look forward to sharing more of this journey with you.
What solitary step have you taken that's turned into one of the most rewarding adventures of your life?
Dani
Life gets crazy bad sometimes and the past 2 weeks were definitely there for us. In the midst of finishing my edits, I lost my day job unexpectedly. This meant a week of prepping my resume, getting medications and doctors' appointments for everyone before we lost our insurance, etc. Lots of fear, frustration, and family support.
In the midst of the chaos, I remembered something...
Stress of any kind affects the creative process. For some, they hunker down and use the work to block out what's happening around them. I'm not one of these lucky artists.
Most often, stress blocks my creativity. Tuning into my characters and focusing on the story becomes very difficult for me. Through previous experience with writer's block, I know there are times I can push it and times I can't.
This week, I knew the distraction was just the emotional chaos around and inside of me, not the writing itself, so I was able to push forward. Not easily, but I could. I had someone double check my work, because I didn't trust that some of my distraction wasn't leaking onto the page, but I got the work done. Now I'm down to just a final readthru before turning in a round of edits to my editor at Harlequin Desire. And I gained the satisfaction of knowing I could go on and complete that work despite the panic and upset of the last 2 weeks.
I'd like to share a couple of things I've learned, so if you find yourself in similar chaos, this might work for you:
1. Return to the Page
When true lack of focus hits hard, it can be difficult to even show up at the page, much less write anything. But I've found that the best solution IS to show up, write for however long you can, and accept that the time on the page may be short. I literally spent 5 hours in bed with my computer the day after I was fired. Did I get a lot accomplished? No. Maybe 10 pages of easy edits. I would read for a little while, then realize that I'd drifted away for 30 minutes, staring into nothing or watching television without really seeing it. But instead of punishing myself, I just brought my focus back to the page for however long I could. This routine was repeated on and off throughout the day. I didn't accomplish an astonishing amount, but I had the satisfaction of having done something without psychologically whipping myself over things I really couldn't control.
The next day was better, and the next. I'll never work at top speed when my life is stressful, but that's okay. I can still write.
2. Cut Yourself Some Slack
Hi, I'm Dani Wade, and I have anger management issues>>I constantly beat myself up.
This is something I'm also working on, but progress can be slow at times. I'm highly self-critical, and expect close to perfection in many areas of my life (yes, I do realize this is unrealistic, and I'm working on that). One major area of progress is in cutting myself some slack -- when I know its just one of those days when pushing through isn't going to help, I give in, back off, and rest. I know when I can push, but when I can't, I don't make it worse by continuing to pile on the pressure. Take a day off, or at least a couple of hours, and give the brain a rest. Taking care of my brain through rest, exercise, (mostly) nutritious eating means it will reward me by letting me reconnect with my story.
I'll continue to repeat this process until the distractions pass, looking forward to the day when the connection is completely open.
So how do you get through the tough writing times?
Dani
Women have lots of frustrations – wash clothes and someone puts more in the dirty clothes hamper, wash dishes and someone uses a glass! Even at work, I put in a round of account payments and more show up.
So today I've decided to talk about why I'm addicted to writing. I know my family must often wonder why I'd prefer to fritter away my time putting words on paper rather than doing their dirty laundry. Well, they'll find the answer in the following (if they were allowed to read it):
**Caveat: These same reasons could also be applied to reading, scrapbooking, knitting, acting, or any hobby or career a person decided to invest themselves in!
#1: Writing stays done.
Once those words are on the page, they stay there. When I turn my back, they don't disappear. No one messes them up. No one erases them. I don't have to rewrite them every 5, 15, or 30 minutes. It's permanent (as long as I backed them up on disk). I may have to revise, but that’s MY choice!
#2: It never complains.
My writing doesn't turn its nose up at what I cook for dinner. Doesn't turn into a prima donna when it doesn't get its way. Doesn't collapse to the floor in a tantrum of tears. Doesn't make seemingly innocent comments about being neglected.
#3: It shows up for an appointment.
Writing is always there. It never stands me up when I'm ready to work. Sure, I've suffered from writer's block plenty of times. But that's not the writing's fault, that's mine. I never have to worry that I'll set aside time to work and end up with no characters, plot, or ideas to work with.
#4: Writing Friends are willing to help.
I've never had a fellow author refuse to answer a question. Never had a brainstorming or critique partner tell me it was too much trouble to work on my book. Never had a Playfriend look exasperated when I asked for help or advice.
#5: Writing never makes me feel guilty.
It doesn't have a "poor pitiful me" look. Doesn't beg, whine, or tear up. Doesn't give me the cold shoulder. And is its own reward for hard work. I’ve felt guilty FOR writing, but again, that hang-up is mine.
#6: Which brings us back to #1: Writing stays done.
It doesn't disappear like my nice, neat flower beds after I've spent weeks digging grass out of them—only to have it grow back in two days.
People wonder why I want to use my free time writing, besides getting another contract? Because it makes the frustrations in life easier to deal with; it shows me the hope beyond the pain; it celebrates the love of friends and family (despite the dirty laundry); it takes me on a journey away from the mundane. Life wouldn't be life without it.
How does writing/reading help you cope with everyday life?
Dani
So today I've decided to talk about why I'm addicted to writing. I know my family must often wonder why I'd prefer to fritter away my time putting words on paper rather than doing their dirty laundry. Well, they'll find the answer in the following (if they were allowed to read it):
**Caveat: These same reasons could also be applied to reading, scrapbooking, knitting, acting, or any hobby or career a person decided to invest themselves in!
#1: Writing stays done.
Once those words are on the page, they stay there. When I turn my back, they don't disappear. No one messes them up. No one erases them. I don't have to rewrite them every 5, 15, or 30 minutes. It's permanent (as long as I backed them up on disk). I may have to revise, but that’s MY choice!
#2: It never complains.
My writing doesn't turn its nose up at what I cook for dinner. Doesn't turn into a prima donna when it doesn't get its way. Doesn't collapse to the floor in a tantrum of tears. Doesn't make seemingly innocent comments about being neglected.
#3: It shows up for an appointment.
Writing is always there. It never stands me up when I'm ready to work. Sure, I've suffered from writer's block plenty of times. But that's not the writing's fault, that's mine. I never have to worry that I'll set aside time to work and end up with no characters, plot, or ideas to work with.
#4: Writing Friends are willing to help.
I've never had a fellow author refuse to answer a question. Never had a brainstorming or critique partner tell me it was too much trouble to work on my book. Never had a Playfriend look exasperated when I asked for help or advice.
#5: Writing never makes me feel guilty.
It doesn't have a "poor pitiful me" look. Doesn't beg, whine, or tear up. Doesn't give me the cold shoulder. And is its own reward for hard work. I’ve felt guilty FOR writing, but again, that hang-up is mine.
#6: Which brings us back to #1: Writing stays done.
It doesn't disappear like my nice, neat flower beds after I've spent weeks digging grass out of them—only to have it grow back in two days.
People wonder why I want to use my free time writing, besides getting another contract? Because it makes the frustrations in life easier to deal with; it shows me the hope beyond the pain; it celebrates the love of friends and family (despite the dirty laundry); it takes me on a journey away from the mundane. Life wouldn't be life without it.
How does writing/reading help you cope with everyday life?
Dani
This week I read a blog that served as a huge wake-up call for me as a writer. There are so many things that become a distraction to the joy of writing once you decide to pursue publication -- critiques, pressure, questions, rejections, other people's opinions, deadlines. It can get really hard to retain that connection with the process of creating, especially when combined with internal worries and self-doubt.
[caption id="attachment_154" align="aligncenter" width="214"] Why do YOU write?[/caption]
Cynthia's very simple solution is a great reminder to writers to "check in" when the joy gets lost in the seas of chaos.
Check it out!
http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/why-do-you-write/
Dani
Why do YOU write?[/caption]
Cynthia's very simple solution is a great reminder to writers to "check in" when the joy gets lost in the seas of chaos.
Check it out!
http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/why-do-you-write/
Dani
In keeping with this month’s inadvertent theme (how’d that happen?), my sister and I went on a mini-writers’ retreat to have some space and quiet to focus with our writing. For me, to reconnect with my creativity in general.
Things have been crazy lately (translation: chaos) and I don’t know about normal people, but for me that usually translates into SLOW writing—like pouring molasses slow. We both needed to get away, and a state park within reasonable driving distance was a quiet and economical solution.
[caption id="attachment_164" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Our Cabin[/caption]
The nature, quiet, and lack of pressure worked wonders! I used to feel very selfish taking time away like that (ok, so I still do sometimes), but I’ve learned that I just work better with quiet and solitude. Of course, that doesn’t actually mean no people at all—I often write in restaurants and coffee shops—but the general public isn’t stopping me every 15 minutes to ask for a snack or can they play on the Xbox.
[caption id="attachment_163" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
L-Dani Wade, R-Ella Sheridan[/caption]
But I digress. Even though I can work with munchkin interruptions, it often stalls momentum. On our retreat, I could chug a little faster with each writing session. We also went on a walk on the trail near our cabin while we brainstormed on Saturday morning (great ideas!). The drive was good for that too.
I came home refreshed and energized about my stories, ready to tackle revisions on my contracted book. Retreats can be used for all kinds of things—scrapbooking, quilting, crafting, sleeping. My local RWA chapter goes on an annual retreat that involves lots of plotting, talking, singing, booze, but not as much actual writing as you’d think. But its still rejuvenating, emotionally and creatively.
[caption id="attachment_165" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Nearby Waterfall[/caption]
So go forth and rejuvenate! Seriously, if you could retreat anywhere, where would it be?
Dani
Our Cabin[/caption]
The nature, quiet, and lack of pressure worked wonders! I used to feel very selfish taking time away like that (ok, so I still do sometimes), but I’ve learned that I just work better with quiet and solitude. Of course, that doesn’t actually mean no people at all—I often write in restaurants and coffee shops—but the general public isn’t stopping me every 15 minutes to ask for a snack or can they play on the Xbox.
[caption id="attachment_163" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
L-Dani Wade, R-Ella Sheridan[/caption]
But I digress. Even though I can work with munchkin interruptions, it often stalls momentum. On our retreat, I could chug a little faster with each writing session. We also went on a walk on the trail near our cabin while we brainstormed on Saturday morning (great ideas!). The drive was good for that too.
I came home refreshed and energized about my stories, ready to tackle revisions on my contracted book. Retreats can be used for all kinds of things—scrapbooking, quilting, crafting, sleeping. My local RWA chapter goes on an annual retreat that involves lots of plotting, talking, singing, booze, but not as much actual writing as you’d think. But its still rejuvenating, emotionally and creatively.
[caption id="attachment_165" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Nearby Waterfall[/caption]
So go forth and rejuvenate! Seriously, if you could retreat anywhere, where would it be?
Dani
Have you ever driven all week in your car, rushing through all the To Dos on your schedule, only to have your car stop on Friday, right in the middle of the road?
Out of gas.
Sometimes our bodies and minds are like that. We go and do, because our family needs us, friends need us, employers demand us, and the muse is running on high. Before we know it, our tank is on empty and we want to do nothing more than collapse.
Because the car can’t keep going if we don’t fuel it up.
Commonly called “refilling the well”, the idea is to replenish your energy and Can Do spirit by giving back to yourself in a way that energizes your mind and body.
Unfortunately, I don’t read my energy meter very well, so I often find myself on E. I’m trying to be more mindful of this. As a mother… as a writer… as a wife… I need to reward my body and mind for all the hard work it does for me. And be gentle with myself.
So how do we refill the well? Some ideas:
1. Artist’s Date -- Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way recommends Artists Dates. This is the chance to go somewhere new and different – a museum, antique store, model home – anything that you’ve wanted to do but put off because its silly, unnecessary, or no one else wants to go. It is supposed to be done alone, and I can see why. If I take someone else with me, then I worry about whether they are having a good time, ready to leave, etc. Instead, immerse yourself in YOUR enjoyment of the experience.
2. Reward Day – My sister and I came up with this concept. Before I get so overwhelmed that I crash, I schedule a day to do only what I want to do. I read all day if I want. Eat (or order out) what I want to eat. Claim the big screen TV for myself. What defines your Ideal Day? Do it! No excuses! (and I don't want to hear how you don't have time. I REALLY don't have time. If I can do this once a month, so can you!)
3. Go to the movies – There’s nothing like vegging out with a great movie and popcorn. Check the local theaters and make seeing something YOU want to see a priority. Low on cash? See if you have a Dollar Theater in your area. I can go see a movie I missed in the regular theater at our local discount theater for about $5, including snacks.
4. Girls Night Out – Actually, it doesn’t have to be at night. Try lunch, coffee, shopping. You could even meet at Walmart – you have to get groceries sometime. I have a friend that I have “tea” with occasionally. Any girl time is refreshing and rewarding.
5. Share a movie or game night with your family or some friends once every couple of weeks. This helps you reconnect with those around you and remember what living is all about – laughter, companionship, and fun! Not just work, work, work.
6. I know we don’t all have large chunks of time to rejuvenate our spirits, so here are a few Minute Saviors – ideas that can take as little as 1 minute, or as much as 60.
So tell me, what do you do (or want to do) to refill your well?
Dani
**Next week we’ll talk about the ultimate way to refill your well: Retreat!
Unfortunately, I don’t read my energy meter very well, so I often find myself on E. I’m trying to be more mindful of this. As a mother… as a writer… as a wife… I need to reward my body and mind for all the hard work it does for me. And be gentle with myself.
So how do we refill the well? Some ideas:
1. Artist’s Date -- Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way recommends Artists Dates. This is the chance to go somewhere new and different – a museum, antique store, model home – anything that you’ve wanted to do but put off because its silly, unnecessary, or no one else wants to go. It is supposed to be done alone, and I can see why. If I take someone else with me, then I worry about whether they are having a good time, ready to leave, etc. Instead, immerse yourself in YOUR enjoyment of the experience.
2. Reward Day – My sister and I came up with this concept. Before I get so overwhelmed that I crash, I schedule a day to do only what I want to do. I read all day if I want. Eat (or order out) what I want to eat. Claim the big screen TV for myself. What defines your Ideal Day? Do it! No excuses! (and I don't want to hear how you don't have time. I REALLY don't have time. If I can do this once a month, so can you!)
3. Go to the movies – There’s nothing like vegging out with a great movie and popcorn. Check the local theaters and make seeing something YOU want to see a priority. Low on cash? See if you have a Dollar Theater in your area. I can go see a movie I missed in the regular theater at our local discount theater for about $5, including snacks.
4. Girls Night Out – Actually, it doesn’t have to be at night. Try lunch, coffee, shopping. You could even meet at Walmart – you have to get groceries sometime. I have a friend that I have “tea” with occasionally. Any girl time is refreshing and rewarding.
5. Share a movie or game night with your family or some friends once every couple of weeks. This helps you reconnect with those around you and remember what living is all about – laughter, companionship, and fun! Not just work, work, work.
6. I know we don’t all have large chunks of time to rejuvenate our spirits, so here are a few Minute Saviors – ideas that can take as little as 1 minute, or as much as 60.
- Put on headphones and listen to a few songs with your eyes closed.
- Utilize a personalized meditation app on your smart phone or iPod. I use a Simply Being meditation app that allows me to personalize the time and background music. It works great for me, and even my teenage daughter will use it sometimes.
- Lock the door and watch “your” show, even if you have to turn out the lights and pretend you aren’t home when your family knocks.
- Take a 30 minute reading break to help transition between “work” time and “home” time (if you can limit yourself – I can’t).
- Let yourself nap, even if its only laying in a dark room with your eyes closed for a mere 20 minutes.
So tell me, what do you do (or want to do) to refill your well?
Dani
**Next week we’ll talk about the ultimate way to refill your well: Retreat!
I've had the privilege of being a part of the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood since my Golden Heart (R) final in 2009. These wonderful ladies shared that same excitement and honor with me that year, and have created an outstanding blog that encourages, teaches, and empathizes with fellow writers and women.
Today's post is an incredible account of how 1 Ruby Sister helped heal herself emotionally and physically during her battle with Ovarian Cancer through writing. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and her story is 1 of the most inspiring I've read in a long time. This is a must read for all woman and writers!
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Author Heather McCollum[/caption]
http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/saving-myself/
Author Heather McCollum[/caption]
http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/saving-myself/