Life drops leaves on all writers sometimes. You gotta shake them off and keep at it!
I have a writer’s confession to make: I’m in a slump. Stuck in writer’s quicksand. I’m an author who can’t write.
Yep. I talk about “writing every day” as a writer’s goal, and the joys of being a writer, and I dish out hard-earned knowledge from ten years of writing, while I have no drive to write lately.
That happens to all of us from time to time, I think, but I’ve never had a period of time before where writing–all writing–was so tough.
- I’m really struggling to find the energy and dedication to edit Writing for You: A Writer’s Guide to the Craft of Fiction. And that worries me, because I am honestly thrilled about the project and stoked for the upcoming release (July 31).
- I haven’t worked on fiction in a month. Seriously. A month. I have a first draft of a NaNoWriMo novel that I have no clue what to do with or how to change (though I know it needs some serious work) and I have no ideas for any other project.
- Coming up with ideas for blog posts is a struggle. A horrible struggle. Normally, my writing of the moment furnishes me inspiration, but since writing comes so difficult…. I’m running dry in the blog department too.
I don’t mean this post to sound like I’m complaining. Such periods of frustration happen to everyone. When you happen to be a writer, they afflict your writing from time to time. That’s life, and you deal with it.
I know, for one thing, I have Jess Baverstock’s fabulous advice for jump-starting and maintaining creativity to help me out. She wrote a fabulous guest post for my blog earlier this year.
I am a writer, and I will barrel through
I know what’s at the root of my writing malaise: the stresses of real life interfering. Being unemployed is not fun. Job hunting–while it has taught me a lot and shown me what my skills and weaknesses are, which is a wonderful thing–is stressful, especially for an introvert like me.
But hey: again, that’s life. I can tell I’m growing as a result of this period of my life, and I know I will find a job (hopefully soon). In the meantime, when I’m not job hunting, I will focus on my writing, because I know that my writing will fall into place as well.
- When I get working on the writer’s handbook, I will get pumped again. After all, I really am excited to turn the blog into a book for you guys who requested it! I’m hoping it will sell well.
- Getting a promotion plan–maybe a blog tour, planning a giveaway–for the handbook will be a great spur for me.
- I can concentrate on that, and the fiction will come in its time. I figure out how to fix my NaNoWriMo novel. (I hope so, if nothing so!) If not, I’ll figure out an idea for a different novel or novel series.
I am super, super patient with other people. For some reason, I am not patient with myself. Being patient with my own flaws, problems, and pace of development is agonizingly difficult. I need to learn how to do that, though, and this is a great opportunity to develop that patience through practice.
You see, I will put in the grunt work.
I will keep after those job opportunities.
I will edit my heart out for “Writing for You.”
I will consider the issues with my fiction. Take time to really pick apart what needs fixing in that novel, and hope that identifying the problems will lead to solutions.
This is all I can do, and I have to understand that doing all I can do is enough. I can’t force inspiration to hit. I can’t force someone to offer me employment. I can do my part and let the other pieces fall into place in their good time.
My question, then, for you: Have you experienced a writer’s slump? How did you respond? Do you have tips on working through it for me and for anyone else experiencing decreased productivity?
Thanks for dropping by and reading this far. I really intended this post to have a hopeful and inspirational tone when all was said and done, because I know the future is full of nothing but possibility and opportunities for every one of us. I hope that hope came across to you. I’m sorry if it didn’t!
Creative Writing with the Crimson League 
I feel your pain! I’ve had the flu for over a week now and I don’t feel like writing anything at all! Blah.
Perhaps you need a little creative holiday to get some of your pep back… 😉
You may be right. And the flu is the PITS. Feel better!!! 😦
Victoria, if your brain is balking at something you love to do, it may be trying to tell you something. I know a lot of the experts give the advice for writers to write every day, but sometimes the brain needs to recharge. When you’re writing on a fiction project, don’t you occasionally need to distance yourself from it and come back to it later with a fresh perspective? You don’t even think about your project during your break, but your subconscious doesn’t stop working on it.
I think the same thing can apply on a broader spectrum. Taking a break from all writing will let your subconscious have a chance to mull over everything you’ve been doing and come up with more cool, new but related ideas.
Since you’re using WordPress for your blog, you can always write two articles on one day and schedule the second one to appear the next day. So what if you don’t answer comments immediately? When you come back the next day, it will be exciting to see what new ideas your subconscious has stirred up for you.
Just a thought.
dear Michael, thanks! you’re right: that’s a fabulous idea. I hadn’t considered this as a burnout but that’s likely what it is. I might have to take that advice and take a day off sometime soon.
Reblogged this on chloelillegard and commented:
I’m glad I am not the only one that feels this way. . .
I think Michael has a great idea. You have been working extra hard to get the last book of your trilogy out, working on your writer’s handbook and blogging everyday! That is a lot of work for anyone. It sounds like you have some temporary burnout. Maybe taking a step back and taking time to breathe is just what you need. Take one complete day to do nothing but pamper yourself. No writing, job hunting..just a “me” day. Read something you have been dying to read for a long time but never took the time. Go to a spa, get your nails done..whatever makes you feel indulgent. You’ve earned it. 🙂
thanks, Rebecca! I just might have to do that 🙂 For sure. Not today, as I have an interview (YEA!) but soon. 🙂 I have a few posts in reserve so I won’t even have to miss a day on the blog to do it.
I hope your interview went well and you get the job! They are so hard to come by these days! Well, since you have those drafts ready to go, there is no reason not to spoil yourself! 🙂
thanks, Rebecca!!! I feel the interview did go well 🙂
Reblogged this on HODGEPODGEJELLYBRAIN and commented:
I’m suffering from this but I feel a little better after learning that somebody else, a published author to boot, is going through the same thing.
I hope I get over it soon enough.
“Write one true sentence…” Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast.
Ellespeth
such wonderful advice from one of the masters 🙂 one true sentence. that’s really all we need, isn’t it???
It’s difficult to come up with even that, some days…I know because I’m there now. Seeing people churn out a poem a day 😦 I’m lucky if I get out a poem a week!
*whispering: one thing that calms me and opens my spirit is coloring. there are some nice printable adult coloring pages all over the web*
I hope your interview goes well. That’s never easy, either. Nothing dampens creativity – or joy – like stress. Have you considered working through a temporary agency while you look for something full time?
You’ll be in my thoughts…
Ellespeth
thanks, Ellespeth! I have considered a temp agency and reached out to a few. I also have an interview or two in the works so I’m chasing some great leads 🙂 Also, I LOVED coloring as a kid 🙂 One of my favorite things to do!
Somebody already mentioned the recharge. Writers can have momentary burnouts since our minds are always running with ideas. It’s annoying, but it passes.
It always passes, for sure. Luckily, haha! 😛 In addition to recharging, I think it might be time to stop trying to fix that draft I’m working on and come up with an idea for something completely new.
New stuff is always fun and exciting. Really gets the imagination running if you let it.
Victoria, you’re right: we’ve all been there. And will be there again 🙂
I try to “walk away” and not force it to come. I guess it’s the same as others are saying; take a mini vacation from writing. In your case, you’ve been doing a lot of work to get a lot of things done, so I’m sure that adds up.
But I will note this: you didn’t have any writer’s block in writing this post! That probably helps too.
Ed
hahaha! you’re so right! I thought: why not write about where I am right now? It’s just a bit of burnout but it does happen to all of us so I figured it made sense to write about
I vote for ‘possible burnout – take a mini-vacation’ , too!
🙂
thanks! mini-vacation sounds perfect 🙂
Victoria, I’m having the same problems these days! Whenever I can’t work on my book, I know it’s my anxiety over not having a full-time job. These thoughts creep into my head as I try to write, “You should be applying for jobs instead!” It’s irritating but nearly impossible to block out. I can understand how stay-at-home moms are the ones pumping out the ebooks, or so it seems. No pressure to be perpetually job-hunting! My solution has been plain self-discipline. This doesn’t always work, but some days it does. I tell myself that in this moment, writing is more important and more productive than sending out resumes. I don’t know if that’s true, but given the lack of response I received from companies, it can work.
Job hunting is such a difficult and discouraging thing. Every rejection kind of eats at it, which makes it hard to keep trying, even though you know you need to keep trying. I hear you, Natasha! Best of luck to us both!!! We can find those jobs AND get great writing accomplished. You’re right: it’s about compartmentalizing. While job hunting is important there’s nothing wrong about putting it aside for an hour or two a day to get some writing done!
I completely agree. It’s tough to do but at certain times, like after hours of job searching, it’s best to focus on writing for awhile. Therapeutic, even. Especially after I’ve had a job rejection!
I hear ya!!! 🙂 writing is definitely therapy and very important to those of us with the bug!
I think we’ve all been in a writers slump, but it sounds like a lot of your slump is coming from life stressors as well, which is even harder to combat. I think you’re doing great just writing blog posts and recognizing that it’s been tough!
Reading an author that inspires me always makes me want to write. Or a really good book. Actually, movie trailers inspire me, so sometimes I’ll go to the movies 🙂
that’s a fantastic point. I’ve been watching Dr. Who: it’s incredibly smart. brilliant, even.
Oh Victoria, it tugged at my heart to read your post. Believe me, I’ve been there (most of us have). When my writer juices run out, I look for inspiration. As Katie noted above, sometimes it comes from rereading one of my favorite, amazingly written books. Good quality writing can spark an idea for a change in a scene or a new chapter. Also, I love Elizabeth Gilbert’s superb TED talk “Your Creative Genius.” http://youtu.be/86x-u-tz0MA . It never fails to inspire me. Finally, the best inspirational book for writers and anyone struggling with life is Tama Kieves “Inspired & Unstoppable, Wildly Succeeding in Your Life’s Work!” It’s definitely worth a look. Good luck to you. Remember “this too shall pass.”
oh, most definitely! thanks so much for your support and advice, and for the link! I can’t wait to check it out!!!
Not surprised you’re in a slump, following a big book release! I usually use these times to read a lot of the books I’ve been putting off reading due to my writing deadlines. That, and watching any TV shows or movies I’ve been dying to see. That usually perks my creativity right back up — sometimes in a matter of days, but sometimes it takes longer. Hang in there, my friend!
thanks, Lisa! Everything’s really okay, it’s just a frustrating place where we’ve all been as a writer 🙂 I am definitely watching lots of Dr Who. So creative and SO many ideas from that!
“I am super, super patient with other people. For some reason, I am not patient with myself.”
Boy! You just nailed me. I can forgive anyone anything, but rarely to I cut myself any slack.
I am new to the writing game. I mean, I have written my whole life: songs, poems, short stories, academic essays, but I am working on my first novel. I have the whole thing mapped out, but when it comes to the grunt work (detail, descriptive scenes, or even dialogue), I get frustrated and stuck.
But like you say, just keep pushing through it. I try to write every day even if it’s jibberish, and then fix it later. I used to have a lofty goal of 2,000 words a day, but now I’m happy if I can just get 350.
I wish I had a real hard deadline, then I would get it done. Always helped me in college.
Deadlines help me too. Nothing like a bit of panic to get the work done! 😛 there’s nothing wrong with 350 words a day, I promise. You are on the right track and doing things the right way. Best of luck with your novel!!! Thanks for your input and support 🙂
In a roundabout way I can relate to this! I had to admit to my readers recently that I hadn’t done any spirit communication experiments & no paranormal investigations for a few months. The reason? Real life, plus I sometimes get burned out by it all. It’s a paranormal blog on paranormal/spiritual topics. But I like to read on these topics and write reviews or discuss the books, something I’ve done a lot of lately, but for the most part my readers don’t get excited about book discussions. Grrr… 🙂 To make it worse, it’s my summer break (I’m a teacher) and the inspiration to put the time into experiments is just not happening. 🙂 Rough life. 🙂
I definitely understand trying to make the most of summer as a teacher!
I know exactly how that feels and I also know you will pull through this writer’s “dip” not block. I’m my own worst critic too and when I get locked up, if I try to force the words, it gets worse. What works for me is a break from a particular project. It’s funny that you posted this today, because I posted a very similar item on my blog too. http://bit.ly/115cOH4. I look forward to your next post to find out what worked for you…we’ll add that to our toolkit. And remember to breathe.
thanks so much!!! I have some posts lined up but I’ll make sure to put an update soon. I wrote this post a few days in advance and I even got a lot of editing done yesterday on my writer’s handbook in the morning and early afternoon. I was excited.
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I needed to read this today, because I’m going through the same thing. I was laid off months ago and have been job hunting while writing a novel. There are days when I feel so stressed, I can’t produce a clever sentence. And when my beta reader suggests that I revise a scene, I snap. Because I feel like a failure and I doubt that I have it in me.
But you know what? The belief that I’m a failure is a lie—one I so easily believe. I can do this. Just like you. Yes, there are dry times. But the river is coming for both of us!
Yes indeed that river is coming! Life stress can definitely interfere with creativity and productivity, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. Best of luck to you, L. Marie!!! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. It always helps to know you’re not alone, doesn’t it?
I can’t offer any helpful advice, but I just wanted to let you know that I sympathise and empathise. I am also unemployed and only hitting solid walls on the job market, despite a cum laude MA and a summa cum laude BA. Nonetheless, I work 3 days a week for free, just to get more work experience. And then I work another 1-2 days doing unskilled labour just to pay my most essential bills. So things like writing and art are what matters most to me. As I have so little time for it, it is very frustrating when I can’t produce anything in that limited time. So yes, I know how you feel. And I agree with the people above that a little break is just fine. Sometimes you need that time. Concentrate on something else. Read. Watch Doctor Who. Love David Tennant. 🙂
I do miss the 9th doctor but David Tennant is WONDERFUL. 🙂 Really enjoying Dr. Who. Best of luck on the job front for you as well!!! I had no idea so many of us are in this boat…. Crazy!!!
Hi Victoria. Here’s my advice on your writing slump – for what it’s worth! If you have nothing fiction-wise that you want to write – don’t. Do something else that you enjoy, one or more of the things that you don’t have the space to do when you’re writing. You can’t force inspiration. If the novel that you’ve begun doesn’t work, let it go. I’ve done that plenty of times. And when you do have an idea worthy of developing again you’ll soon start writing.
Or… you could try my ‘twin-pronged approach’ (see my blog), so that you have a spare project on the go, ready for when you run out of steam with your current one. It’s worked for me so far.
Good luck with the job-hunting. I don’t think it’s easy to find work anywhere in the Western world at the moment, but I’m sure that something will turn up.
thanks, Paul. I usually have two WIPs in progress, and in fact, I do. I just don’t know what to do with my finished first draft…. might have to let it go.
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Life throwing challenges at you in combination with over-extending your writing projects both will throw up blocks along the way. I wrote very little during my last job search, since I was worried about paying the bills. Now that things are steady, I still have some days my brain decides not to come out and play, but generally, I am able to write more and at a higher quality.
I really believe I write better when I have more to do outside of writing – it creates an urgency to get the story down before running off to my next responsibility.
thanks for your support and your thoughts! I definitely get what you’re saying about a sense of urgency. It does wonders to get the creative juices flowing!!! 🙂 A lot of people work very well under pressure, when they know their time is limited.
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