Ah, a couple of days off can do wonders. I made a decision. And I didn't even know I made it until someone asked me if I was still feeling blue about writing. Funny thing is, even as craptastic as my writing has been, I'm not feeling all that blue. Explaining that to her made me realize something. As long as I'm not angsting over whether my stuff is going to get published I'm better off. I'd almost dare to say I'm fine. :waits for lightning to strike:
So, understanding that, I'm taking a sabbatical from trying to get an agent, sell my stuff, get published, etc. I'm just going to focus on my writing and see how things go from there. I'm going to try to go back to the beginning when I wrote stories because I loved to write them. I'd like to go back to the time when I could write without constantly worrying about every little frickin' pronoun, adverb, adjective, dialogue tag, etc. but I'd have to totally retrain my brain and wipe out 7 years of writing advice.
Then again, maybe I need to do that. I don't know if I can. I just know I miss sitting down to write without the constant voices in the back of my head doubting every syllable I type. I think after 7 years of advice, I have too many people in my head. (And it was already crowded enough in there, thank you very much.)
Wish me luck as I venture forth into the brave old kingdom.
Good for you, B.E. - and I do wish you luck, I know you can do it (I believe writing's in your blood).
ReplyDeleteI totally understand the writing for the sake of writing - it's hard to go back to that when you are constantly thinking about proper form, GMC, revisions, etc.
Looking forward to hearing about your progress :)
This is one of the reasons why I started trying to do some "free writing" every day. To just write for the sake of writing. I haven't kept up with it, but it is great to just write for yourself and not worry about how others will react.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the words flowed more freely back in my ignorant days. Before I even knew the terms "head-hopping" and GMC. Good luck with keeping those internal editors quiet.
ReplyDeleteI've been listening to old RWA Nationals tapes recently and there have been a few talks about the joys of writing crap. Just have fun, go with the flow, no one will read it but you, and you can fix it later.
This is something I'm trying to regain, the joy of the story.
Good luck! Enjoy the craft. If you don't have that, what's the point?
ReplyDelete;)
I think this is an excellent idea. When you remember how much you love writing, your ability to tell a story will shine through the words (plus you're a good writer anyway). I bet it will be great!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading your post and nodding and saying, "Yes. Yes. Yes."
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I miss writing just for me. I miss not agonizing over whether I should use an adverb or a dialogue tag. I miss just telling stories.
Do whatever you need to do to find the love again. And I know you will!