"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." - Calvin Coolidge
Do you ever have days when you just don't have another word in you? The past couple of days, I've tried to write. I even managed a few hundred words on my short story and when I didn't have new words in me, I worked on editing Liv.
But there was no spark. No joy. No excitement in the task.
I think that part of my problem is attributable to NaNo - I have a new WIP in my head, and I'm not allowed to work on it. One of the ways I get to know my characters is to write sample scenes -- usually silly things that will never find there way into an actual novel. You know, scenes of them getting dressed or cleaning the house, because those boring kind of scenes show me the kind of people my characters are. I'm wondering if writing those violate the NaNo rules.
It's just frustrating when I don't enjoy writing, because usually it's a voyage of discovery. It's almost as good as reading a book and seeing what's going to happen. Sometimes it's even better - one of those "choose your adventure" books from when we were kids.
I miss that.
I want my joy back.
Anyone out there ever feel the same way? What do you do to get your joy back?
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3 comments:
I feel this way frequently. Sometimes it's just because I'm having a really crappy day. There are times all I can manage is half a page. I just try to force myself to do it. Half a page is better than no pages at all. A paragraph is better than nothing. So is a sentence.
I'm not sure this addresses the question of joy, though. Sometimes I just have to be patient until it comes back from its vacation. :)
I think it's time for you to fill the well. Give yourself permission to take some time off, some time for yourself. It will come back.
Actually, I read. Something good. Something well-written, if I can. That reminds me of the power of language. Sometimes it also jars loose a writing idea of my own.
Good luck.
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