Here's the thing, I started writing becasue I love it. It should be the reason I'm still writing. Because writing should be fun. If you're not enjoying it anymore, is it worth it? (BTW, your answer should still be yes. You have to hope you can get back to that happiness at some point.)
So how do we do it? How do we remind ourselves that writing should be fun and that our writing will be better if we believe in it?
I don't have the perfect answer for everyone, but my first thought is that we all need to be reminded about how fun writing can be. If you're in a slump, try writing something without thinking about the technical. Go crazy, let your imagination take over and don't worry about anyone reading it, just let the story take you where it will.
You may find that your mind is a bigger place than you first thought it was and that rambling can actually help you apply creative technique to your writing. So write to enjoy, and when you're serious remember the good things and stop thinking your writing is crap!
I've read plenty of flash fiction from my followers and I know you all have real potential backing you up, so stop moping and start writing!
23 comments:
Not moping, I'm editing!
This winter I started writing a wild fantasy/sci-fi adventure mashup of all my favorite books and shows, and inserted myself as a blatant, tongue-in-cheek Mary Sue, and now whenever I get too irritated with my "real" writing, I go back and write another scene or two in that. It has no point and will never be shown to another person, so I can just have sheer fun with it and not worry about ANYTHING. It's the best stress-buster in the world.
We do have to remember that writing is fun, but also that it won't write itself (if only!) and that it's hard work. But that's something we should be proud of. I definitely walk that line sometimes and get overwhelmed, but then remember that I actually finished a book, and that is a big accomplishment. (Even if the first draft is crap, that's okay!)
Also, I tagged you for the Be Inspired Bloghop Meme! Details on my blog :)
The book I wrote for fun was the one that landed me my agent. So fun says a lot! :)
I LOVE getting lost in writing! That's what it's all about :) Fun!
Greetings!
I just signed up for the GUTGAA pitch conference and thought I would go ahead and check out some more blogs. I am now a faithful follower...nice to meet you!
Donna L Martin
www.donnalmartin.com
www.donasdays.blogspot.com
There was a time when I did 10 minutes of free-writing every day... no holds barred... just words pouring out onto a page in response to a one-word or photo prompt. I really enjoyed that.
I need to get back to it.
I thought I'd commented on this post. I can't remember what I said, but please imagine it was something really profound! :-)
Writing SHOULD be fun. I need to do more impromptu projects. I'm all work, work, work. Time to play!
When writing stops being fun, it's a sure sign the writer needs a break. Your idea of free-writing something straight from the imagination is a great one!
Well said. I have gone through many writing slumps--often to the point where I ask myself if it is still worth it. Then, after battling through the slump, I have a great writing session, and the high I feel afterword is wonderful. Glad I found your blog.
Oh, I know, writing should be fun, but sometimes it feels like so much work! I think it is important to remember why we are writing in the first place...because we enjoy it :)
How are you feeling by the way?
I'm moping, because I can't seem to get writing lately.
I totally write for enjoyment. And because my computer sends out vibes from my word processor- write Gwen, write!
Writing is the funnest thing ever. Can't stop doing it. Can't stop dreaming about it. Fewer things are as fun for me. :)
I find daydreaming can help my blahs ... and get me some new story ideas.
I found your blog from the GUTGAA event. I couldn't resist checking out a few blogs before the event started and following them as well.
Oh my goodness, your blog is a whole lot of fun. I read a few posts back to back. My timer was going off with my families dinner and I keep reading. So bravo to you for creating a fun blog. I can't wait to come back tomorroow!
Russo @ www.threegnomes.blogspot.com
Oh, the emotional journey of writing... sigh...
But you're right. It really does come down to just... doing it. "Stop moping and start writing!" <---It's true. Getting depressed over the hardships only wastes time and energy. We're each on our own journey, and regardless where we are, the journey doesn't change. It's all about BIC time. And getting it done. FAB POST. ;)
I agree. I've decided to stop obsessing over making it perfect, and get back to what I enjoy, writing.
I haven't let myself have "fun" in awhile in terms of writing. Revisions have sort of sucked a lot of that out for me. I can't wait to be done and write another book.
There's no feeling like when you're right in the middle of it and it's flowing. It's not always like that, but we need to take the rough with the smooth! When it's hard, at least it feels great when you break through it.
The collab I wrote with Kelley Lynn was for fun. Or at least it started that way. It felt freeing to write outside my genre and not care. Which is when I found my writer's voice. I recommend this whole heartily. It is the book that snagged me an agent, so ya know, it can be a good thing. ;0)
Seriously, I have to start writing more often. I feel so lazy these days! :/
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