Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:
To everything, there is a season,
and a time to every purpose
under the heavens.
There is a Season to Write, all right. And there's a season to not write (sometimes).
I know, I know. Some writers don't have slumps or bumps or maybe it's just they're more focused on
handling burdens and problems in their lives.
But I'm not talking about those people. I'm talking about those who don't handle writing and other obligations coinciding, very well. I'm talking about
me during those times. How to get through it all.
Since I began my writing journey (what I mean is, seriously because I've written all my life), and becoming an actual published author, I've written at least one, sometimes more novels a year. So when 2019 popped up, and I found myself unable to write, to barely get through one scene before reaching another "block," I knew something had to give.
I struggled for three quarters of the year, setting writing goals and failing at achieving them. I struggled with creating plots, knowing where to go from one scene to another, to even write!
It was only in the autumn of 2019 that I finally gave up. Meaning, I knew it wasn't going to happen, for me, that year. And I realized what my body, mind, and probably God was trying to tell me: I needed to REST!
So...when 2020 entered, I was ready! Excited and determined to begin writing again. My hopes were high, my purpose was exact on what I needed to do, and I began. So far, for this year, I should have completed the first draft, and probably some edits of one of the books I wanted to finish. All going well, it should be in the hands of my editor by the first part of April, and I get to begin on another novel, I'm hoping to complete this year.
What am I saying?
- Recognize and accept, as I had to finally do, that sometimes (not always!) your body and mind need a rest, a period of relaxing, reviving and renewing.
- Your time of rest may be a period that is different than another person's. Just because I needed a year, doesn't mean YOU need that. It may be a few days, weeks, months or even longer than a year, but your body and mind will tell you what you need. Accept it!
- Don't be idle! You might be able to do some interesting research or take a prospective trip with time to take notes and pictures that can possibly be used at another time. Or you might need to work on other neglected projects or family and friends as a total rest from writing. It could be problems, illness, and burdens that need to be taken care of before you can focus again on your writing. Whatever, whichever it is, don't beat yourself up over it. Because...
- When you pick up your pen (or open your laptop) again, I suspect your fingers and mind will be geared up to write once again. New ideas, fresh inspiration, and a fiery determination will light up the days to fulfill and succeed where you stumbled before.
Embrace the rest period! You'll be glad you did!
Here's to a new and revived writing spirit!
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