Mostly.
The one thing I'm NOT doing? Working on my writing.
At the moment I'm torn. I was afraid I wouldn't be interested in Temper after taking a break, and while that's not exactly the problem, I find myself so caught up in deciding what to do, I'm not doing anything.
I haven't lost interest in Temper, but I still don't know if I can kindle enough passion to jump back into revision hell. And starting a new story is even scarier than revising an old one. And I haven't come up with any new ideas lately. That bothers me.
Usually I'm an idea fountain. And yeah, I still have plenty of old ideas. But the lack of new ideas is weird. It's like I'm missing some key component of inspiration.
Luckily, my crit partner Ina sent me a care package full of awesomeness and jellybeans and chocolate and an amazing art piece (which tells me to WRITE) that is hanging on my wall right next to me. Aaaand she sent me some Be Incredibly Creative Instantly chewing gum. So I'm gonna pop a couple pieces and get to work. This story ain't gonna revise itself.
....but wouldn't that be cool if it did?
How do you deal when you're not feeling inspired?
Road trip. Even if it's just for an hour. Getting away into the woods or mountains for awhile uncogs the gears to my creativity. (Hugs)Indigo
ReplyDeleteI read and listen to music. That's it, really. As soon as I encounter something ridiculously awesome, it sticks in my brain and makes me want to write something ridiculously awesome, too. Or maybe it'll be the opposite, and I'll read something so boring or idiotic (Pride and Prejudice*cough*), it'll inspire me to do something better
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you getting back in the swing of things!
I now it sounds dumb, but when I'm feeling uninspired I force myself to write. It's usually crap but it gets me back into the creative mindset. I don't get any new ideas unless I'm writing consistently, which is a little unfair.
ReplyDeleteSO feeling your pain right now!
Aawh, I'm so glad you got it (finally!) and that you like it!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain on the writing. I'm SO CLOSE, but I still have some major revisions I need to get through, and as you said, often end up doing nothing. I don't know if this will help you, but I always pick up one of my favorite books (like a Harry Potter one) and read a little, which helps remind me why I want this in the first place.
Failing that, walking or going to the gym works, but then again, so does chocolate and jelly beans :) And daydreaming about The Most Awesome Book Tour Ever.
Revisions are rough! No doubt about it. I'm going through them right now and I struggle everyday to sit at the computer and push through them. BUT, they are necessary and a test of your fortitude. If you believe in your story...if you believe in yourself as a writer...then finish what you started.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I motivate myself to go on. It's what WRITERS do!
It's tough. I've been having the same feelings about my WiP. I just went away for 3 days and I'm hoping to get inspired. I also listen to the music that inspired my idea in the first place. That usually helps.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
I've had the same problem lately. And trying to kick it isn't easy. Maybe I need some of that gum. :)
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with one of my novels. I always find that there is something I would rather be doing, like networking or writing something else... Then when I DO those things I think "I wish I was working on my novel." Alas, I am a fool - but luckily for you, fools are great at giving other fools advice. I personally think you should sit on The Tempest for another month. I've been hearing a lot about it from you and I think let that little novel rest. Instead, I think you should try reading to inspire you. Reading a great novel, especially if it holds elements you enjoy and characters that hold your attention, sparks your imagination. Also, films are a fantastic source for finding inspiration with less effort. You'd be amazed by what they can evoke in you.
ReplyDelete“I find myself so caught up in deciding what to do, I'm not doing anything.” This is a constant struggle of mine!!!
ReplyDeleteI just finished writing the first draft of my novel and I’m dreading the revision/editing process which awaits me! So yeah, I suppose it would be super cool if the story could just revise itself! ;)
I've been having that problem since forever. When the rarity occurs that I DO have an idea, I usually end up either not even starting to write at all. I don't even want to think about revising anything--I've never done that.
ReplyDeleteI really need to find a way to motivate myself when not feeling inspired. Especially since that is most of the time.
It would be really cool if the story revised itself, but on the other hand, you wouldn't know how it'd revise itself.
I hope you'll be inspired for Temper or a different story! *Sends virtual chocolate chip cookies.*
Uh-ooooh, I feel you on this one! I don't have any helpful advice though. I usually jump into another project (sewing, crafts, etc.) So, see? That doesn't do you one bit of good. All it does is provide me another fun outlet.
ReplyDeleteYou can DO it!! I know it's tough. I've been having a hard time getting back into the swing of revising hell, myself. I'm just trying to take it a page at a time. At least it's better than nothing and I don't have to feel so guilty for totally ignoring the damn elephant in my brain! Good luck, Kat, and I'm glad to see you back. :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome back.
ReplyDeleteHiking, running, or just simply walking alone usually gets my mind working.