I was out of town last week. I didn't take muc with me--just my ideas and thoughts. Slumpville isn't a very pretty place to visit and I'm glad I'm back. But I did meet a lot of other writers there--seems it's a popular place.
Ever get a week when your brain just doesn't connect with the paper? I went through one of those times last week. I started an article and halfway through decided it was going the wrong direction but I couldn't find a new route. I picked up my second manuscript only once and did a few edits and didn't touch it again.Then I finally looked at my notebook of submissions and wished I had more on the horizon.
Not a week I can be proud of in terms of being self-employed as a writer.
How do I motivate myself into action?
Today I attend my writers group. Being surrounded by other writers always increases my desire to write. I also try to read other writers blogs and see what they do to move forward. I plan to thumb through my market guide and pick a new place to write for--that seems to get my brain working in a new direction. And finally I have some uninterrupted time this week during which I won't be cleaning the house.
After you've been in a slump--what methods do you use to pull yourself back into the writer's routine?
8 comments:
Writing groups always give me lots of ideas and direction for writing. I believe there is an energy in writing groups that aids the writing process. I attended a writing workshop this past weekend and the lady leading it recommended the daily e-letter from Writer's Almanac at http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/. I am going to subscribe for a time and see how I like it. There is apparently one for inspirational writers in the list that they give to subscribe to. Maybe you already know about this, but I had not heard of it.
But I think, every once in awhile, we have to allow ourselves these slumps. They're a kind of rejuvenation, a way for our minds to kick it into gear, maybe in a different way. Maybe you just needed a break! Good luck getting back into the swing of things this week.
I think that would be really hard to have something you have to write and a deadline.
I always can think better after yoga, a trip to the park or a long car drive. A writers group sounds like great fun.
I read writers' blogs - I think the best source of inspiration and support comes from other writers. And I pray. And I try not to beat myself up for being in a slump, but rather accept it for a "break" that I didn't really want, but got anyway. :-)
Unfortunately I am just starting out. I cannot find a writer's group or writer's conference in my area; but still searching. I registered about six months ago for an online writing course (Long Ridge Writer's Group) and that keeps me motivated with deadlines for lessons. We are just now getting to the lesson on chosing magazines for submissions. I find that reading other writer's blogs and researching on the Internet keeps me motivated. I have alot of distractions at home and therefore find it very difficult to "make" myself sit down and write. I also keep a writer's journal and a personal journal. There is much for me to learn. I have also entered NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) which begins November 1st. I figure this will help me learn discipline considering I have to write 50,000 in 30 days.
Just wanted to let you know that I marked your site to follow and find it very interesting.
I'm such a beginner in my writing, when January rolls around, it will complete my second year of WRITING FOR GOD, by God.
So when the slump comes, I simply have to wait on God. Because for me, it only comes from God.
Love to you!
I write a lot of poetry and sometimes in a few weeks I have written a poem each day.
However I find that when I am in a slump, it's usually when I am just reading the word and not really studying it. Whenever I am constantly studying the word there are always lots of ideas for poems and devotionals running around in my head.
I also spend a lot of time.....probably too much....reading other writer's blogs and that gives me inspiration.
Blessings,
Vickie
Ah, the dreaded slump.
For me, it's a time to catch up on the pleasure reading I've been meaning to do. Usually, that also happens to kickstart my imagination, so it serves both purposes.
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