There's been a lot going on these past few weeks. My oldest daughter is moving out. A sixteen-year-old nephew moved in. My husband took a second job. I've been stressed, agitated and unsettled. Even during the times I would usually write, I've been distracted by negativity. As I look back over the week, I recognize some old patterns I've fallen back into, and though I didn't realize it at the time, I think I was trying to find comfort.
I re-read a favorite novel:
I listened to this beautiful song on repeat:
I've even been closing out each day with a favorite childhood bedtime snack:
I also decided to revisit a comfortable writing habit: writing flash fiction and short articles. With my lack of creative focus, I wasn't getting much accomplished on my novel anyway. So I decided to concentrate on several shorter pieces. I wrapped up some projects I had started long ago and I submitted a handful of poems, articles, and essays to magazine markets - something I haven't done since committing to my novel over a year ago. It felt good. I felt productive. And the whole process was like slipping on a comfy old pair of sneakers.
Which was just what I needed.
A big part of moving forward in life and in this writing business, is about breaking out of our comfort zones. But there's something to be said for revisiting those comfort zones as needed. So right now I'm giving myself permission to take another week off from novel writing. And hopefully I'll emerge calmer, stronger, and more focused as a result.
Nothing wrong with returning and getting recharged in our comfort zones. Are these shorter pieces for the kids' magazine market? By the way, ETHAN FROME is a favorite of mine - so sparsely written. You've inspired me to check it out and re-read it. Thanks!
Yes, Laura, a few of them are for the kids' magazine market. Do enjoy Ethan Frome. I'm in a mood for re-reading. Next I'm breaking out some Catherine Cookson.
It sounds funny to say since I've written four books already this year, but I take breaks between drafting novels. I focus on writing short stories, revising other novels, and planning new ideas. I don't like to draft one WIP and then jump right into another. This summer, I promised myself I wouldn't draft my next WIP until August 27. That's when my daughter starts school. So I've written a bunch of short stories, edited for clients, revised other manuscripts of my own, and am now planning the WIP so it's ready to be drafted at the end of August.
I do about what you did. I felt horribly guilty at first, as if I was cheating on someone or giving up on my goals. But after a couple weeks I realized I had solved the problem that stumped me. So by the time I got back to work I was ready for it.
Thanks for the insightful post, Ruth. I have taken the last week off from writing myself, since I finished my most recent revision of my WIP. Once I get ready to get going again, I usually make some kind of goal to get me started. I agree with you: it's important to take some time off for relaxation and rejuvenation. Have a great week!
I'm sorry you're going through a rough patch. Yes, shorts are great when I don't have a lot of creative energy. Also writing really bad poems! But the best is taking rest. Naps.
I'm SO in the same place as you. Getting ready for a vacation (not really a vacation, visiting my husband's family in the scorching southwest) and then a move out of state in September. I can hardly concentrate on anything writing related, so I've been reading and letting the revisions for the WIP simmer.
Keeping active physically, eating healthy food, listening to favorite music, catching up with friends, watching great movies, reading loads of good books--these are the things that help me fill up the creative well.
Wishing you all the best with that out of state move, Angelina. I know how all-consuming and exhausting moving can be. But I'll bet the added time of simmering will benefit you WIP.
I think we all have to take breaks or we'll go nuts! With all the stories and characters going on in our heads, we need to break away from them every once in awhile. I've been going through the "not feeling like writing" stage myself but am trying to work myself back into it. I've picked up some old manuscripts and begun working on them again. Sometimes doing that is just as creatively challenging and rewarding as starting something from scratch!
Know the feeling well. But loved how you dealt with it -- fun! Time to pamper. My week at the conference got me recharged -- and I've taken a break from blogging this summer so I can focus on writing. Sorry I haven't been around.
Excellent post, Ruth, thank you! You are so right, and I confess, I think I could use some comfort zone about now! Glad revisiting yours turned out to be so helpful :)
I can't decide if getting on with my craft, or getting away helps more. I do know that I love a change of pace, and a visit to a new location. I trust that things will come back around for you, Ruth...hang in there!
Well done, Ruth! You didn't sigh in defeat, you didn't succumb to stress, you went forth and made creative work. You have accomplished much in down times, and this is inspiring.
In the summer it's all about a hammock and a good book. I do like putting on my tennis shoes and going for a hike, too. That works. I've never tried Cap'n Crunch, but you've given me an idea.! Thanks.
Funny I should read this excellent post today - I've been struggling for two weeks to make a start on a magazine article that is due in 12 days. It's on a topic I know longer enjoy writing about, but I must. Guess I'll have to just tie myself in the chair and do it!
Isn't that the truth, Ruth? Didn't mean to be rhyming here. : ) Sometimes I need to stop stretching, return to the familiar and be comfy for just a little while. I love getting permission and having company - thanks for both. And thanks for visiting my blog today. I sure appreciate the company there as well.
I think what you did to recapture your creativity is perfect. I have been under a great deal of stress recently and I think I could do with rereading an old favorite, some comfort food, and maybe writing some poety (my version of your flash fiction). So glad I read this today! ~Jess
I have such sharp memories of Ethan Frome. What a memorable book. I agree with visiting your comfort zones as a respite. It's so nice!
ReplyDeleteSharp memories - well put. The word "twittering" for example - I can't hear that word without thinking of this story.
DeleteYou've got it right, Ruth - take a break. It works for me anyway. Working on those shorter pieces help, too.
ReplyDeleteIt has been good to work on the short stuff for a change. =)
DeleteI love returning to my comfort zones... especially on those days when things aren't going too well:)
ReplyDeleteI guess that's what comfort zones are for, eh?!
DeleteNothing wrong with returning and getting recharged in our comfort zones. Are these shorter pieces for the kids' magazine market? By the way, ETHAN FROME is a favorite of mine - so sparsely written. You've inspired me to check it out and re-read it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, Laura, a few of them are for the kids' magazine market. Do enjoy Ethan Frome. I'm in a mood for re-reading. Next I'm breaking out some Catherine Cookson.
DeleteIt sounds funny to say since I've written four books already this year, but I take breaks between drafting novels. I focus on writing short stories, revising other novels, and planning new ideas. I don't like to draft one WIP and then jump right into another. This summer, I promised myself I wouldn't draft my next WIP until August 27. That's when my daughter starts school. So I've written a bunch of short stories, edited for clients, revised other manuscripts of my own, and am now planning the WIP so it's ready to be drafted at the end of August.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the break, Ruth. You'll feel refreshed.
Thanks, Kelly.
DeleteI do about what you did. I felt horribly guilty at first, as if I was cheating on someone or giving up on my goals. But after a couple weeks I realized I had solved the problem that stumped me. So by the time I got back to work I was ready for it.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, it does feel a bit like cheating. Must get over that ;)
DeleteThanks for the insightful post, Ruth. I have taken the last week off from writing myself, since I finished my most recent revision of my WIP. Once I get ready to get going again, I usually make some kind of goal to get me started. I agree with you: it's important to take some time off for relaxation and rejuvenation. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria. Making a goal once you get going again sounds like a good idea.
DeleteI do take time off from my writing and then come back to it with a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm hoping for, too ;)
DeleteYou 'do stress' gracefully, Ruth.
ReplyDeleteI try to remind myself of a higher purpose, but sometimes it is what it is. We wouldn't know high if there weren't lows.
It doesn't feel graceful, but thank you, Mirka. Especially for the reminder of a higher purpose.
DeleteI'm sorry you're going through a rough patch. Yes, shorts are great when I don't have a lot of creative energy. Also writing really bad poems! But the best is taking rest. Naps.
ReplyDeleteOooo, naps?! That would just feel way too indulgent. But keep telling me how beneficial they are and I might work on reconsidering ;)
DeleteI'm SO in the same place as you. Getting ready for a vacation (not really a vacation, visiting my husband's family in the scorching southwest) and then a move out of state in September. I can hardly concentrate on anything writing related, so I've been reading and letting the revisions for the WIP simmer.
ReplyDeleteKeeping active physically, eating healthy food, listening to favorite music, catching up with friends, watching great movies, reading loads of good books--these are the things that help me fill up the creative well.
Wishing you all the best with that out of state move, Angelina. I know how all-consuming and exhausting moving can be. But I'll bet the added time of simmering will benefit you WIP.
DeleteI think we all have to take breaks or we'll go nuts! With all the stories and characters going on in our heads, we need to break away from them every once in awhile. I've been going through the "not feeling like writing" stage myself but am trying to work myself back into it. I've picked up some old manuscripts and begun working on them again. Sometimes doing that is just as creatively challenging and rewarding as starting something from scratch!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Allyn. Sometimes those unfinished pieces provide the spark we need to get writing again.
DeleteKnow the feeling well. But loved how you dealt with it -- fun! Time to pamper. My week at the conference got me recharged -- and I've taken a break from blogging this summer so I can focus on writing. Sorry I haven't been around.
ReplyDeleteThe blogging break sounds like a good idea, Pat. Glad you got recharged at the conference.
DeleteThese are all great ideas! I watched the coolest movie trailer today and I was like, wow, I need to go write now.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of watching movie trailers to get inspired. Sounds like fun!
DeleteExcellent post, Ruth, thank you! You are so right, and I confess, I think I could use some comfort zone about now! Glad revisiting yours turned out to be so helpful :)
ReplyDeleteHope you get to visit your comfort zone soon, especially after all that travelling.
DeleteI can't decide if getting on with my craft, or getting away helps more. I do know that I love a change of pace, and a visit to a new location. I trust that things will come back around for you, Ruth...hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jarm. I guess sometimes getting away is what we need and other times just getting on with it is enough. The trick is knowing which you need.
DeleteBeautiful song!
ReplyDeleteWhen I need to regain my focus I do something creative in another way--crafting is a big outlet for me!
Crafting is a big one for me too, Coleen.
DeleteWell done, Ruth! You didn't sigh in defeat, you didn't succumb to stress, you went forth and made creative work. You have accomplished much in down times, and this is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a wonderful encouragement, Claudine. Thank you for your kind words. You've lifted my spirits =)
DeleteThe Cap'n Crunch made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteReading books I love, new or old, relights my creative fires.
You laughed at Cap'n Crunch?! Clearly you have not experience their peanutbutter-y goodness ;)
DeleteIn the summer it's all about a hammock and a good book. I do like putting on my tennis shoes and going for a hike, too. That works. I've never tried Cap'n Crunch, but you've given me an idea.! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh, the hammock sounds lovely right about now. And do let me know if you decide to try the Peanut Butter Crunch cereal ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to use your checklist to find my own sanity. My son is moving out so I can relate to you there. Crazy time. Thanks for the perspective.
ReplyDeleteAll best to you and your son, Leslie. Times of adjustment ahead for all.
DeleteVery nice piece, Ruth. I empathized with your process. Love the sneaker shot and description.
ReplyDeleteFunny I should read this excellent post today - I've been struggling for two weeks to make a start on a magazine article that is due in 12 days. It's on a topic I know longer enjoy writing about, but I must. Guess I'll have to just tie myself in the chair and do it!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth, Ruth? Didn't mean to be rhyming here. : ) Sometimes I need to stop stretching, return to the familiar and be comfy for just a little while. I love getting permission and having company - thanks for both. And thanks for visiting my blog today. I sure appreciate the company there as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm still boggling at the number of people who have good memories of Ethan Frome. Must go have a lie-down, re-evaluate...
ReplyDeleteI think what you did to recapture your creativity is perfect. I have been under a great deal of stress recently and I think I could do with rereading an old favorite, some comfort food, and maybe writing some poety (my version of your flash fiction). So glad I read this today!
ReplyDelete~Jess