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Monday, June 20, 2016

Stuck

If you've talked about writing on your blogs in the last couple months, you may have gotten a whiny comment from me about how my writing is not going. I may have mentioned chapter 20. Or I may have said something about "if I ever finish..."

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I've been stuck. Since around the beginning of April. And now it's time to get unstuck.

One of my big problems has been time, or rather, lack of it. I get home from work, and the time I could be writing vanishes before I even realize it, rather like the cookies I'm munching on as I write this. Blogs. Technical issues (I will not bore you with my internet woes). Family favors (my niece needed a bit of help with her algebra--usually at the worst time). I'm sure you're familiar with the story.

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So, what to do? When can I squeeze in time to write?

I could schedule a time to write. A time that is my writing time, kind of like an appointment I make with myself. Block out the world.

I used to be able to do this pretty well. But lately... Life happens. I can learn to be flexible. And forgive myself for not being able to keep these appointments with myself. For now. Things will change again, and my writing appointment time will become easier and easier to do.

I could carve out some extra time, by waking up an hour early or going to bed an hour later. Make that my writing time.

For me, the waking up early never worked out. I'll go so far as to set the alarm, but when it goes off, I convince myself that I don't want to write that badly. I'm more of a stay-up-an-hour-later gal. Which wasn't working out when I was so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open. Those pages end up getting tossed later due to incoherence.

I could try to find little bits of time to write during the day.

I used to do this all the time. I could find odd down times at work where I could jot a few ideas down. But lately... It just wasn't working out for me.

So, I whine. I know perfectly well that if I really wanted to, I should be able to find a way. But perhaps now isn't the time. And it's time to stop shoulding all over myself. Because the time is coming when I will get back to writing, and this time stuck will be a terrible memory.

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6 comments:

Bish Denham said...

Even though I'm *retired* and don't have kids or grandkids to distract, life still happens and I find myself doing lots of others things besides writing. Still, eventually, things get written!

Huntress said...

Time to put on the tire chains and power out of your malaise. And while your at it, pull me out too. *g*
Live your giphys btw.

jabblog said...

Oh yes, I can relate to this. I worry though, that 'later' may be too late - I haven't infinite time left although I feel as though I have. Still, whoever has infinite time?

Liza said...

I've been finding reasons not to write on my current project, because I am stuck on the story too. I make myself think about it though, because soon, I'm going to sit down and resolve what I don't like about it. I know I'll find the time to write when I have the answer. Just remember, thinking is writing too, and cut yourself some slack.

Liz A. said...

Bish--so true.

Huntress--Power out? I think we put too much stock in the idea that we can power through anything. Sometimes we need a bit of help. Well, most times.

jabblog--I figured I wasn't the only one feeling this, which is what made it my topic for the week. I can't pretend to have any solutions, but I can put out what could work. Maybe something will help.

Liza--I may have some tricks you can try. Check back later this week.

Nicola said...

You can do it Liz!!!! Rooting for you - but one thing: don't forget to enjoy your writing time. I find when I get stuck, talking to somebody about it helps to clear the mind. My 'go to' person is my mom who always manages to offer points that veer off into a Nicola direction. Good luck and let us know if we can help.