There comes a time in every writing push when it feels like you’re failing.
Whatever goal you set, you’re not meeting it.
You’re imperfect. And your best intentions, it turns out, aren’t enough.
If this is you, you are not alone…and I have a fix: Instead of hoping to find time for writing, you must take concrete steps to make sure writing happens.
Startitis
We start projects (stories, a novel, a challenge) with the best of intentions.
This time, we say…This time I’ll do it perfectly. If I just work harder, I won’t have bad days.
Yeah…that’s not a thing.
When It Gets Tough
Writers aren’t machines.
We do have to keep showing up even when it doesn’t feel easy, but to do that and stay productive, you must show up with a boatload of compassion and joy.
That is easier to do a, when there are fewer decisions to make and b, when you’re around other people who get it.
Not “Will I Write?” But “When Will I Write?”
I’m as allergic to being told what to do and when to do it, as the next neurodiverse/creative person.
And yet.
Writing time doesn’t just appear because we want it to.
If you’re having trouble showing up for your writing right now (looks in the mirror. Nods.) you might need to take a look at your schedule and see if you have planned time where the writing can happen.
Without a plan, it won’t happen.
Even if you plan to write on Friday afternoon but get suddenly inspired as soon as you wake up, that’s fine. Flexibility is good.
But having a plan–even one you react against–is a powerful way to limit the number of decision you have to make in the moment, and hoard your creativity for the actual writing..
Making time for your writing a gift
… to yourself and the world.
It’s not about creating a rigid conveyor-belt-of-words you must staff at all times.
It is about making your writing a priority, before other people’s priorities steal all your time away from you.
So. I’m off to put some potential writing times on my calendar. How about you?
Inspiration Corner
Here are some prompts that you might have missed, this month, to get your creative wheels turning.
Day 10 – Darkness to Light, from Renan Bernardo
Day 11 – Inhumanity, from Julie Duffy
Day 12 – The Visitor, from Debbie Ohi Ridpath
Day 13 – Here’s a Quarter…, from Michele Reisinger
Day 14 – Mine your Emotions, from Jluie Duffy
Day 15 – Anarchic Archetype, from Julie Duffy
Day 16 – I Think I Can, from Somto Ihueze
Keep writing,
Julie
