Well, a bad writing day is thinking I'm entering an on-ramp and discovering it is a round-about. After finding I'm writing in circles, I have to pull over and ask my writer self, "Where, exactly, am I going?"
If I "don't feel" like writing, I'll journal about how I would like to feel about and during writing and imagining that in my body while I'm writing. That helps me move into the "mood" for writing.
If I'm feeling stuck, I'll do my time writing about why I'm feeling stuck, my doubts about where I am, and getting out mt "what-if's" for alternatives.
In the podcast episode I mentioned, Angela Duckworth says she uses Morning Pages (which is pretty similar to journalling) as her way in/slip road to writing when she's not feeling it. These are great approaches thanks so much for sharing.
This has been very helpful! I have succumbed to the temptation to go large, and then berated myself for doing so; which was not healthy. It really helped to know I am not alone in my ambition, and that I am not the only writer who has been overwhelmed by dread. Embracing the 'go slow, steady as she goes' mentality is critical for writing and writer mental health.
I agree Annette - getting a few small wins under your belt is far better for mental health and happiness than having a large, overwhelming goal that never goes anywhere. Thanks for your comment.
Well, a bad writing day is thinking I'm entering an on-ramp and discovering it is a round-about. After finding I'm writing in circles, I have to pull over and ask my writer self, "Where, exactly, am I going?"
Well, I did start with all the driving analogies Nancy! I hope you didn't have a bad day today :)
If I "don't feel" like writing, I'll journal about how I would like to feel about and during writing and imagining that in my body while I'm writing. That helps me move into the "mood" for writing.
If I'm feeling stuck, I'll do my time writing about why I'm feeling stuck, my doubts about where I am, and getting out mt "what-if's" for alternatives.
In the podcast episode I mentioned, Angela Duckworth says she uses Morning Pages (which is pretty similar to journalling) as her way in/slip road to writing when she's not feeling it. These are great approaches thanks so much for sharing.
Morning pages don't work for me. I need a quite targeted approach to how I want to feel in my body. For me, AM pages are more nattering in my head.
Kind of like gaining speed on the ramp vs driving around the neighbourhood. ;-)
Not sure I can cope with any more driving metaphors :) Do what works - thanks again for your comment.
This has been very helpful! I have succumbed to the temptation to go large, and then berated myself for doing so; which was not healthy. It really helped to know I am not alone in my ambition, and that I am not the only writer who has been overwhelmed by dread. Embracing the 'go slow, steady as she goes' mentality is critical for writing and writer mental health.
I agree Annette - getting a few small wins under your belt is far better for mental health and happiness than having a large, overwhelming goal that never goes anywhere. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you! I need these reminders from you. They always come as a top-up just when my glass is nearing empty.
Good! Thanks for your comment Emma - pleased the tip helped :)
I’ve experienced Spanish motorways in a hire car myself! Not having a slip road is very scary indeed…
Ha! Yes it was terrifying 😬