Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Confession time

OK, here's the thing. I'm a writer, right? But for the past few months I've been a writer who doesn't, y'know, write. 


I think this little fella was partly to blame for this sad state of affairs...










But it's not exactly fair to blame a cute little pupster for me being crap. Because that's exactly what I've been: CRAP. The real reason is... I just haven't wanted to write. I got 50,000 words into the WIP and realized I had no earthly clue what should happen next. Instead of sitting down with a notepad and working it out, I decided to ignore the problem. Surprise, surprise, this wasn't the best solution. 


Every time I even thought about opening the word document I would feel vaguely sick and massively uneasy. I would rather do ANYTHING than write - anything at all. But the thing is, when I don't write, I feel horrible. I mean, really, really horrible. I feel guilty and useless and pointless and blah. I was honestly starting to wonder if I'd ever finish this book. The deadline isn't getting any further away, and I already know this book's going to need some major rewrites (something I've never done before... eek). So everything was looking a bit rubbish, really. Apart from the puppy. Thank God for the puppy.


But then... but then... Something happened. I'm not sure what, exactly. But I started writing again this weekend. I still have no idea where the story is going, but now I really want to find out. And that ain't going to happen unless I write the bloomin' thing. 


Thankfully, a few factors suddenly came together to make me want to write again...


There's this song...





And this one...




There's also a playlist that one of my very favourite people created for me (thanks, Fras!). And the encouragement and help kindly provided by another awesome friend (thank you, Lauren!). And not forgetting the sensible advice from the lovely Zoë Marriott and my favourite email buddy, Lara. All these things went into the pot and helped me serve up a big ol' bowl of writing stew this weekend. And I'm still going. I do hope I haven't jinxed it by telling you lot.


So I'd better get back to it, eh?

8 comments:

  1. Hurray, hurray, hurray! I'm very glad to have been of service! *Grins insanely*

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  2. Glad you got your writing mojo back! I feeling like that, and I can well sympathise.

    You know, when I get this way with a particular WIP it usually means there is something broken in that WIP. At this point I tend to throw away the plan (as such, those scribbled notes?), revisit whatever inspired me to start that project (film, a novel, a place) and re-read the opening chapters. If doesn't kick my backside back into gear, I'll write something totally different: freeform short story, or long entries on my blog.

    But that's me, and it's easy to say because right now I'm avoiding revisiting the edit of my last novel (groan) and pretending to plan the next one :s

    Good luck!

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  3. Yay for playlists and friends and puppies! And you. Happy writing!

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  4. So glad that your mojo is returning! Though with two awesome songs like those to inspire you it's no wonder!

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  5. Thanks, my lovelies!

    Sheru - That sounds like very sensible advice indeed... I just hope there's nothing broken in my WIP. Well, nothing unfixable anyway. Good luck with your edits!

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  6. The puppy is sooooo cute! Happy writing =]

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  7. So glad that your mojo is returning! Though with two awesome songs like those to inspire you it's no wonder!

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