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I wish I was writing, but I don't really see this as a bad thing. I clearly needed the break from it, and I've been exhausted for a long time due to other things. It's not really something I want to force until it feels right. It's definitely frustrating that it's been so long since I've really written anything, but if I have absolutely no desire to do it, then it's ok to take a break.
I know I'm defnitely not done with writing forever. I don't know if I need to change my routine, wait until the inspiration strikes on its own, or maybe I just need a really long vacation (I haven't had more than 3 days off work since last September). Work definitely leaves me feeling exhausted, but I know that's not the only reason I can't motivate myself to write. So, for now, I'm just going to let things be and wait for those ideas to come naturally.
Waiting for the ideas/inspiration/whatever to come naturally sounds like a good idea to me. Going on a much-needed writing hiatus when we need to is never a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I say this knowing how truly terrible I am at accepting this when I'm in that situation. :)
I think it's okay to take a really long vacation from writing when you need it. I had to for a number of years after my husband died. And when he was alive, I was forced to take breaks when I was too busy with my full-time job as an attorney, caregiver to my husband, and mom. I'm not sorry at all about my breaks from writing.
ReplyDeleteDon't stress it. Writing does come back. Maybe you do need a vacation and for more reasons than not writing.
ReplyDeleteTaking a needed break is never a bad idea. Exhaustion and burn out take a lot of recovery. Be good to you!
ReplyDeleteI know it doesn't feel like it will, but the writing comes back. Why these bouts happen, I've no idea. But I haven't met too many writers that haven't experienced this. Let yourself rest, Sarah.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you. I'm hoping that May through July, when I have no events scheduled, I'll be able to get back to my own writing.
ReplyDeleteIt's frustrating when the inspiration and words don't come. I hope you get rest and it revitalizes your ideas.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone who says your writing will come back. In the meantime...daydreaming is huge for my creativity. I let my mind run wild and most of the time it finds its way to writing. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you need a rest, and when you are rested your mind will open up to new ideas. When I have no ideas but still want to make myself write, I scene storm using a word or a phrase. It's fun to write and not care what comes out...often something surprising does.
ReplyDeleteHow about switching gears and trying flash fiction for a change? They are so short (up to 1000 words) that it is much easier than a short story or a novel. And it still allows you to play with words and stories.
ReplyDeleteI have been participating in a flash fiction WEP blog post for several years now, and I love it. Do you want to try? Maybe it will spark your creative juices again. Take a look: https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/
The next challenge stories should be posted on the writers' blogs on Apr 20-22. Then we would all add our links to the list (it will appear on Apr 20 on the WEP website) and visit each other. It is fun. Come, join us.
We go through different phases in our lives, and sometimes that includes a break from writing. Here's hoping you feel recharged and ready to tackle writing again soon, Sarah. This has been such a crazy and darkening time. We're all exhausted and half crazy. Be kind to yourself!
ReplyDeleteIt helps me to do something mindless and repetitive, like dusting knick knacks or sorting socks. The boringness of the task always makes my brain look for entertainment. That's when stories start to speak to me.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely sound like you need a vacation. Acknowledging burnout and letting yourself rest and recharge are important steps to self-healing. Taking a break is okay. I know if I try to force the words to come and write anyway when they're not there, I end scrapping everything I wrote. The words will come back when you're ready.
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