This is my August contribution to Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group, a blog hop all about writers helping writers. To read more posts, click here.
When I started this blog six years ago, the goal was to hold
myself accountable to writing regularly.
It was an easy objective really, because I was recently (and
traumatically) unemployed and had the time, as well as a whole lot of emotion needing release. A personal essay
five days a week turned out to be the way to heal myself. Over the years, writing took on another spin
as I set my goal to completing a novel, then another, and one more. I have yet to get one published, but I wrote
them, and that’s a lot more than I thought I could do, pre-Middle Passages.
I took another job, then a different one after that. Now I work regular hours and write too. At this point, I’m a third of the way through
my fourth novel and stuck…mostly due to life circumstances, and because there
is research I need to complete. But, after
all this time, I also understand there is a rhythm to my work, and the right pace for me
includes a summer slowdown. When
September arrives, I gear up, which will happen again, I know. But for now, while I pause on this novel, I’m
holding myself to blogging once a week.
Sometimes, it feels like homework.
Oh, God, I have to write another blog post? But in truth, blogging has saved my
writing so many times. When I get stuck,
there’s Middle Passages, reminding me. If I choose, I can turn into one more
wanna be writer.
Or, I can write.
15 comments:
Sorry you're stuck, but only one more month until September.
Ironically, many writers say the IWSG keeps them motivated to keep up with their blog. Yet another bonus of the group.
Knowing there's a rhythm to our writing is so important. It helps us to not beat ourselves up if we can recognize where we are in the process.
You've found your stride which should be a good thing. Even on a long walk stopping to look around or enjoy a rest is not a bad thing. Somehow I think it makes the trip that much sweeter. :-)
Anna from Elements of Writing
Just sitting down and writing anything at all is a good trigger for me to be more creative and inspired. Sounds like your rhythm is part of the process for you.
My pace slows in summer also, mainly because I have so much work to do on my property outside. I've back my blogging off to two days per week and it's helped it stay fresh for me.
Susan Says
Wishing you luck in getting out of your rut! Summer has sorta boosted my writing, to a point. I feel ya on the blog bit. Mine has helped me tremendously even though I haven't had it for that long.
I'm not consistent with my blog, but it does tend to trigger stuff and make me accountable. I can see after your winter how anytime you could be outdoors, you should. And working a full day makes me not want to look at a computer. I think your pacing has been good, and books go in spurts. Keep plugging and it will flow.
Love this. There is a mountain and there are many paths up it. Some might be easier than others, some more challenging. Some suit the person who likes the trees and the shade, and some those who like the sun and the long vistas. Getting to the top is wonderful, whatever path you take. Me, I'll take the short-cut but I'll take a good long time on it.
You are writing and that counts.
It's good to take time and recognize your pattern of writing. God luck with getting unstuck.
Hi, Liza,
We all have an ebb and flow in our writing. At least you are aware of your cycles and rhythms... FOUR novels is an amazing accomplishment. Enjoy your summer and the lovely warmth it brings.
I think it's common to slow down during summer. We all have rhythms and we would burn out if we went full tilt all the time. Putting my thoughts out via blogging does help with my creative side, too, even if I'm not writing much.
I am filled with admiration at the writing a blog for six years and I understand the "homework" thing. Though I've been only been at this blogging thing for about six months, it still happens. Thanks for your thoughts.
Everybody deserves a vacation! Enjoy the slow time for now and watch yourself come back refreshed, with great ideas, when crisp fall weather settles in.
I find blogging keeps the creative juices flowing and is an ever constant practice for me. For this reason, I've finally started to return to an older story I wrote and have been rewriting it. I just wish I had more time for writing.
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