Drawing from the Well
Queries: 49 (+0)
Rejections: 34 (+0)
First Eighth
Chapter 2 of 89
Scene 5 of 498
Word Count: 1590 (+0)
Yeah, nothing going on here. Even with some dedicated time, I did nothing. I lost my drive for a moment. I’m not entirely sure why either. I definitely got sucked into a couple of novels, but that doesn’t account for it wholly either. Ever felt just downright glum? Yeah, that’s been me. But this morning, I woke up with purpose (hence why I’m here first). I’m going to force my muse into submission and get some stuff done. And that starts with a little vulnerability and honesty below.
Filling the Well
The Bible: 76%
The Handmaid’s Tale: 25%
Blue Lily, Lily Blue: 24%
Like I said, I got enthralled with Tunnel of Bones (which I already gushed over) and then Handmaid’s Tale. The bleak world Margaret Atwood paints in this future is really terrifying. For those who’ve watched the show or read this book, I’m about to get to the first Ceremony and knowing it is coming casts a dark, foreboding shadow on every word I’m reading right now. THAT is engaging.
Polishing the Well
I’ve spent a lot of time this week learning some new things through work. I’m feeling much more equipped for the road ahead as a manager and I’m beyond grateful for it. I’m excited to use these new tools to serve my team to the best of my ability.
Well Chat
Forcing My Gears into Drive
As I said above, I’ve had a massive lack of drive lately. I don’t know why, but I’ve lacked the motivation to put words to page. Looking back on it, I can identify a couple of misconceptions that I built up in my head that loomed like a mountain that I just didn’t have the energy to climb. Taking a hard look at things this morning, the mountain is a myth altogether. Rather than talk about that specifically, though, let’s talk about how to get past these moments in general.
I’ve read and even said many times that if you want to be a writer, you have to write. It doesn’t matter how much, but you have to write. If you can put words to page every day, that is ideal. That doesn’t work for everyone, but I find myself the most productive when I can stick to that.
I have not stuck to that lately.
So what do you do when you’re in a slump? First off, take the time to refill your creative well. There are a couple of things I’ve done this round that have fed into that. I’ve read (as I said above). This helps inspire you by exploring stories others have written. I’ve watch a bunch of YouTube videos…that has done nothing for me, but if you watch videos about writing, it can help dispel the myths, the lies, you’re telling yourself.
The thing that really got me going was meeting another writer. It was totally unexpected. I met a guy who reads and writes fantasy novels JUST LIKE ME! We talked about books we like, the books we’ve written, and our writing habits. The whole engagement served to put some serious wind in my sails.
For you, some of these things may not work. Finding a new writer friend isn’t something you can manufacture but you can find local writer groups and meet with them. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals does a lot to bolster your confidence. Beyond that, read and dabble. Even if you’re not getting words down for your current work, just write something. It could serve as the spark to reignite your passion and get you back to work.
On that note, I’m back into yWriter to get some work done. Happy Friday Eve!
May the tide carry you to safer shores.
BSG