Argh! I'm so frustrated right now!
I finished my second novel-length work of fiction, "Anniversary" just over a month ago. It was quite an achievement - 90,682 words, to be precise - and I'm actually really proud of it. I don't say that often. I mean, there's always someone more talented than you, who's just better at things than you are, isn't there? It doesn't pay to blow one's own trumpet too loud, so I've kept this achievement quiet - just something for me to smile about in the wee small hours.
It's a lot shorter than my previous story, "Tides of Change", which was 184,000 words, or thereabouts. And unlike "Tides of Change", I didn't have the instant urge to spend the next three weeks going back over the first half of the story and re-reading and changing it. In fact, since I finished "Anniversary", I have re-read it only once (last week) and didn't have the urge to change a single thing - unheard of, for me.
So, the problem isn't lack of achievement.
I guess it's lack of inspiration.
Ever since I finished writing it, I've basically thrown myself into my beading, in the hope that some down time would free up my muse and allow me to deal with other thoughts and ideas that may pop into my head. In theory, that was a great idea - and I've had a ball playing with beads while allowing my brain some time to chill out :)
The only problem is, it's been a month now and I got nothin'. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Not one spark of inspiration has ignited.
I'm wondering if this is all I had in me - two stories? It's maddening as hell! Whereas I went right into "Anniversary" within a few weeks of finishing "Tides of Change", this time it's like the well is dry.
I've watched movies, I've read a book (and half read a couple of others), I've beaded till my eyes nearly fell out of my head - it's not for lack of trying! I've had and discarded several scenarios but nothing really fires me up.
In the past, when I've had writers block, something has always come to me. It never lasted long. I can't even write a short one-shot relating to either of my finished stories! Now that is serious. I've written, in some form or another, since I was about 11 years old. I used to hide excercise books full of stories under my mattress.
I'm really not sure what else to do. I guess I'll just have to wait *sigh*.
It's so frustrating! So in the meantime, I'll just continue to throw myself into my beading, watch movies, listen to music, get a few early nights...and wait.
What do you do when you get blocked, creatively? Anyone have any suggestions?
~A
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12 comments:
Hmmm... tricky. Is it possible to clear your mind? I often find sitting on my deck with a coffee/wine (depending on the time of day!)and gazing at the greenery surrounding me with a completely clear head often gives great inspiration for a jewellery design. Have you got a hammock? Rocking/swinging is apparently good for writers block I read somewhere - something to do with the repetitive movement! Good luck :)
I think the more you think about your block, the longer it will last. Don't try to replace writing with other things, because you will still be thinking subconsciously that you are doing this other thing because you have writer's block. Clear your mind sista and set yourself free..... Do you publish your stories? I didn't know you wrote. Where do you find time to do all this? My goodness you amaze me.
Thanks Mel - I might just have to try the swinging thing...although I don't have a hammock so that could be tricky LOL! I usually find that sitting in front of the laptop in the absolute silence helps. But even that hasn't worked recently :( It's weird cos my inspiration for jewellery design comes from somewhere completely different inside my brain, so I need different triggers. Trust me to be high maintenance eh?! I'm just so darn impatient when it comes to this kind of thing LOL! Maybe this blockage is sent to teach me new ways (very Zen!).
Bobbie, you are so right...the longer the blockage has lasted, the more it's annoying me! And you might be onto something re the subconscious replacement thing too...never really thought about it like that before. As to when I find time to do this? Did I mention I survive on about 4hrs sleep per night LOL! Now you know why :) And yes, I have published them - only online though. Not brave enough to submit to a publisher (yet!). I shall PM you with the link :)
Yes please Amanda, I would love to read your writing :) I totally understand the 4 hours sleep. I work afternoons, nights, or long days and nights on the weekends (at work now and its 3.25 am), so average 3-4 hours a day. I get 5-6 if I'm having a holiday. The rest of my time is taken up with kids, animals, study, beads, beads, beads, beads ::lol
I PM'd you with the link late last night, but you're at work so I know you haven't received it (LOL!!). I somehow knew you'd be like me with the sleep dept...it takes one to know one, I guess ;) People often say to me "How do you do it? Survive with that little sleep?" but I always say the same thing - it's a matter of priorities. There are simply other things I need/want to do LOL! I wager you're the same ;)
Have you tried long walks on the beach alone? Usually work for me, somehow totally clears the head and relaxes me then ideas just appear. The more you think about it as being a block the worse it gets, as you know! Can you tell yourself that you are taking a break from writing, rather than waiting for inspiration to strike, and are not allowed to think about it for a week?!
I also don't know how you fit it all in, or survive on such little sleep! Are you superwoman?!
I know I might be using a swear word but walking along the beach helps. Allows you to clear your mind and process any thoughts (best done childless) Also the removing yourself from your current place helps...study tip - when you are refreshed, writing somewhere different. Different room or completely different place. Yoga or pilates might help :)
Good luck.
With me I know that walking helps my study blocks and sometimes even spending the day away from the books etc helps.
Pam, I like the walk along the beach idea - gonna try that this weekend (not possible during the week unfortunately, with the kids in tow LOL!). Hope this weather holds - and really lucky we're only 5 mins drive from our lovely beach :) And no - I'm not Superwoman - at least I don't think I am...I still wear my undies UNDERNEATH my clothes anyway so that's probably a clue :p
Thanks Tarn :) I'm not sure studying and freelance fiction writing are similar, but I will take that on board :) I'm a creature of habit - I have certain places I love to take my laptop to, to write, and that's where I'm the most comfortable and do my best work. Once I'm immersed, I don't usually have a problem. I don't often get writers block once I've started a story. This is different though - this is searching for inspiration - a word, a phrase, a general idea to set me on the path. Usually the rest comes to me rather easily - it's the initial spark I need to get me going :) And yes, as Pam suggested, the beach idea is definately going to be trialled :)
Dearest Amanda, Gosh we have soo much in common, although I don't do jewelry, ( I tried, worked for the bead hold for about a week and gave it up, hated packing shelves of endless beads) but both very creative and write!! I understand totally the writers block thing. Have you ever read Julia Cameron's books , "The Right to Write" I find them very helpful. I find that when I write I want to write "perfectly" because i think that in the back of my mind I'm afraid to fail!
Sontaneous writing without really thinking will help you unblock, as yourself I have been writing since I was 11. Just write without thinking, and also try writing with your other hand, this releases a different side and creativity. On my blog, the first couple of posts are my book, which is being edited professionally at the mo, and been considered for publication internationally. You may well read it and think, Gosh Im better than this, i have a chance if she does, but mine is a biography not fiction.
Sending love and would love to be more in contact with you especially re the writing it often helps to bounce ideas off others who are doing the same thing. xx
Melanie, you're amazing...you're my hero! I'm far too shy to submit anything to a publisher so my hat is off to you, m'luv! Amazing :D Thanks so much for your advice too - I am definately going to try some writing exercises to see if something presents itself, ideas-wise...wish me luck! I have also PM'd you on FB too ;) Speak soon x
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