Finding your writing mojo
It’s a new year with possibilities to start anew–although I’ve never really subscribed to this thought process. Every day is a new beginning with the potential to start over, change directions, etc.
Even with that mentality, I have been struggling to get back into the swing of things since before my mother’s death on Easter of this past year. I’ve had writer’s block–perfectionist’s downfall–whatever you want to call it. I even have a finished book, fully edited with print ready cover art, and it languishes on my harddrive because . . . so many reasons that are too dark and painful to discuss in public. But I do need to let it go, release it to the wilds, er, public and let them decide.
I have a novella (about 25k) in the making. It’s light and fluffy. It’s exactly what I need to jump-start this author’s journey. There’s also an idea for a time travel series (5 books/5 heroines-heroes), which, of course, will require a great deal of research because what’s a writing project without falling down the rabbit hole? (grin)
Honestly, I don’t have any answers about how to motivate yourself to get back to writing when life has interrupted your flow and/or how do you begin a new writing challenge. Obviously, this past year and a half or more, I have failed miserably to motivate myself to do more than swim (for my sanity), edit, and just moving forward.
Some of my friends use the carrot approach. When they’ve reached a certain number of words (I don’t know if they are gibberish or not, although I imagine they will be revising at some point), they give themselves a treat. That treat could be reading a book they’ve been looking forward to diving into. (No, I can’t escape the swimming references. LOL) Or perhaps they have a show they want to binge watch.
Others set word count goals for an entire year. One decided to wanted to write 350,000 words in one year. For some, this might seem like a lot (raising hand); for others, I’m sure it’s a drop in the bucket. This might work for me if I had confidence in my ability to said goals. I can easily do it with swimming. Last year, I set a goal to swim 350 miles. Despite some setbacks and life interruptions, I crushed that goal. (424 miles and change.) But, with swimming, it’s easy to do. It doesn’t require a great deal of thought, and swimming really is my happy place. Writing is challenging–a good challenge, but I don’t always know what will come out or if I’ll be happy with it. That makes it exciting, but, also, a bit of a gamble. Where swimming is a sure thing, writing is a gamble, at least for me.
Others still set deadlines. I’ve tried that in the past. It works, as long as it’s set by someone else and it has to be with no wiggle room. Then, usually what happens is I write feverishly for two days and churn out 10-12,000 words.
Maybe that’s my answer. I’m a deadline person. I need the pressure to get me writing. Or maybe I just need to schedule time every day, like do with swimming, and do it whether I want to or not.
So, what do you do when your writing mojo has abandoned you? Maybe I can steal your ideas.
Like you, I’ve found myself treating water for the past several months. Nothing as dire as the loss of a parent but a series of events over which I had no control. I also discovered that having a hard deadline does get me moving. So let’s hope 2023 brings us exciting new reasons to reach for that mojo.
I’m sorry to hear that, Skye. Yes, let’s hope that 2023 brings us exciting new reasons for the mojo.
Marcie, my condolences on the passing of your mother. The past three years have been difficult for me also. I’m glad you find setting a mental deadline as your key to writing success.
Skye, I read your blog and enjoyed your post. However I’m unable to post or login to word press to comment 🙁
OK, Marci, here is a suggestion. Before going for a swim, ask yourself a writing-related question, like “I need my heroine to face a major difficulty,” then forget about it and swim yourself into exhaustion. See what happens.
🙂
Bob
That is a good suggestion. I do this with other challenges, and it often works. Where I’m stuck right now is with my hero, so I guess I need to ask about him. 🙂
I would lean on the “set time aside every day” and just write. Don’t set a goal of what you want to get done, just enjoy the process of writing something. Even if it’s only 100 words on a bit of 3×5 card. Until your desk is littered with 3×5 cards full of grief, wisdom, laughter, plot ideas, characters and more. Doesn’t matter if they’re connected or not. Just matters that the words are there.
I’d need to type that into my laptop. Or I can do some free form writing. Perhaps that will sweep the cobwebs away. 🙂
Because I can schedule my time, I usually aim for 9 am – 1 pm, or 10 am – 2 pm as my writing time. Then I write anything. I might open my WIP, write notes on other ideas, plan blogs. If I have a blank moment, I simply write WATCH THIS SPACE. We all have different methods, but I do believe we all get there in the end.
So sorry about the loss of your mother, Marci. Mine has been gone for 12 years, me faither for 15. There’s no good age to become an orphan–no matter how old you are, it’s crushing to realize you’re now “the old ones.” Resolve to be strong for those younger than you–show them how it can be done right!
You swim? I Jazzercise–on-line and from home, to stay safer–and for the convenience of it all.
Perspective is important also. You started writing because you enjoyed it. When it becomes just another chore to schedule into the day, maybe it’s time to take a breather–as I had to do in December, with all of the holiday events and things I had to do. Now I just need to get a day off! LOL.