Just Doing It
I’ll be honest. When I realized I was up for the inspirational Sven post today, I nearly had a mental breakdown. I didn’t think I could do it.
See, I had a rough week. Beyond rough. One of the worst weeks of my life. I barely got online, couldn’t concentrate on writing or promo or blogging. Heck, I couldn’t even respond to emails when I did get online. So how the heck was I supposed to blog about plugging away at your writing when I couldn’t do it myself?
Then I realized that even though I had a hard time functioning creatively, the WILL to do so was there. I had a job to do, and I needed to buck up and just do it. And lo and behold, it felt good to look through blurry eyes at something that was removed from the world around me.
So here I am. I’m writing, I’m working on galleys, and I’m doing the things I need to do because I committed to a lot of things, and one of them was TO WRITE.
Life happens. We need to take care of ourselves in order to take care of others and to take care of commitments. Thing is, sometimes writing IS a form of therapy, a way to take care of yourself. Losing yourself in another world can work wonders.
Oh, and I’m much better today. : )
I hope you’re just as well and getting lots of writing done!
March 7th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Sometimes, you just need to take a step back, do something else for a bit and then get back onto the horse. As it were.
I’ve been slowing down on my novella slightly, so yesterday I worked on an outline/ backstory for another piece. Not enough to take me out of the story I’ve got to finish, but just enough to give me a bit of a break and jiggle the brain cells with a bit of fresh air. (And, as well, fresh air generally can work wonders for clearing out the cobwebs and stimulating the brain.)
March 7th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Oh God, this is such a timely post, Larissa. Thank you for it! Thank you so much.
I’ve spent the last couple of days shilly-shallying about, doing very little, and I haven’t even got any particular ‘life’ traumas going on at the moment. It’s just me being weak and giving in to negativity.
I’m going to ‘just do it’ today, I promise you.
March 7th, 2008 at 5:13 am
ps. whatever it is that’s making your life so rough at the moment… I hope it smooths out soon.
Take care
love
Portia
March 7th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Merry, I agree wholeheartedly. There are definitely times when I back away from writing and do something else to recharge the batteries…but this wasn’t a battery recharge thing. I wanted to write, but external issues were preventing it, totally killing my ability and concentration. But yes, I truly believe that stepping back can sometimes be SO good for you! And I’ve finally gotten over the guilt of allowing myself to do that. *g*
Thank you, Portia…you kinda made me teary.
Now go do it! *g*
March 7th, 2008 at 9:31 am
I am so happy that I’m not the only one that has so much going on that writing falls to the side. Last night I had been so busy that I only wrote 200 words because I was exhausted, but the challenge made me find the energy to write even a little. Thank you all for having this challenge and making me realize that we are all in the same boat.
I hope you have smooth sailing from hear on out.
March 7th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I’m so glad to hear that others feel this way, too. But like you said, we have a job to do. And deadlines don’t care what we have going on in our lives, do they?
March 7th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Oh Larissa, I’ve been there just recently. I’m glad you’re feeling better today and I’m always so glad to know I’m not alone.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Sorry things have been so stressed lately. You know how weird my life’s been like, so I can totally relate to weird things happening. You know where I am if you need to vent. Glad you’re feeling better.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Syntax, I haz it. Doh.
March 8th, 2008 at 1:03 am
I have not felt well for the last two days. My friends teel me to let the writing alone and get better. I am afraid to stop. All day I researched, dates of events since 1987. I keep many diaries. I have had so many rrevelations while writing this true story, but you all have more experience than I and I hoped for more support. Like: What happens after 70 days? How do I write a true story? Use people’s real names? I’m making names up, but it will be obvious to all involved who I mean. Can I be sued? Court records defend me. I feel lonely.
March 8th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Diane, if you’re not feeling well, the first thing I’d do is feel better.
If you have serious concerns regarding legality, the best thing I could say is to talk it over with an attorney.
Sorry you’re so down.
March 8th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Great post Lauren! I think we’ve all been there.
And Diane, I don’t write non-ficiton so I really can’t give advice, but if you want to write a tell-all book, I would suggest consulting an entertainment attorney and see what they say about how to handle it. But first thing you need to do is take a step back and give yourself time to feel better. Hard to focus if you’re not feeling well.
March 8th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I meant Larissa, not Lauren. Duh. Need more coffee.
March 9th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Thanks, all — hope the writing is going well for you. It can be SO hard sometimes! ((((hugs))))