Perhaps it’s a sign of momentary weakness on my part, but I’ve hit a lull in my literary motivation. The story is there and the characters are talking, but my gas tank is running a bit low.
And by low, I mean vapors.
I hit a similar state every time I complete a new manuscript, but, at those times, it’s simply a matter of indulging in the creative efforts of others (movies, books, music) for five or six days before I’m revved and ready to get to the next project.
But what do I do when the story is there—simply begging to be told—and I can’t find the time motivation to sit myself down in a chair and get it done? Especially when I’m just five weeks away from transitioning to full-time hours at the bookstore and two months away from adding a nighttime teaching gig to my list of current jobs?
I know I need to take advantage of every spare second I have at the moment to make some serious headway on my suspense novel, but knowing and doing seem to be two very different things lately. And from what I can see, my built-in whip appears to have gotten lost somewhere in the fray. Which, ahem, is where all of you can come in handy (translation: save my sorry little butt)…
When you find yourself making time for everything under the sun except your dream, what do you do to turn it around? Is there a motivational trick you use or a well of inspiration you tend to visit? Do you allow yourself some time off regardless of the ever ticking clock in your head? Or do you simply force yourself along no matter what it takes?
I’m all ears. And trust me, they’re really quite desperate at the moment.
Hugs,
~Laura
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I’m listening too, Laura. I’m kind of in the same place. Like Pari and JT have talked about on Murderatti, I’ve been focusing on marketing and it’s pulled me away from writing. Now I’m struggling to get back.
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Laura, I think you need a break — just a small one. Maybe an afternoon off to do whatever you want or nothing at all. I suggest an afternoon of movies and chocolate.
by Sara
on December 4th, 2007 at 8:20 am
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Hey Laura–I agree with Sara. Give into it for a short time. Get a facial, eat some chocolate, don’t think about the writing, don’t beat yourself up. Then, after you’ve had your break, dive back in. But, maybe from a different direction. Or by writing a scene you’re excited about even if it’s not the next one. I got excited again about writing by going straight to the ending–I wrote that, then was excited to fill in the rest.
And hey, where and what are you teaching?
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Will and Judy, perhaps we need a small gathering of the St. Louis crew sometime soon…
Sara, an afternoon off sounds like a dream. But you had to toss in the chocolate, didn’t you? I’m trying so hard to be good. 
Then again, it’s fitting my fellow chocolate buffet crasher would cut to the front of the line, er, I mean chase. 
Judy, I teach a writing lab to middle school kids once a week now. One section of sixth graders and one section of seventh graders. Come February, I’ll add another form of teaching–an adult fiction writing class at SCCCC. Between that, upping to full time and the freelance business writing I do and this lack of motivation I have right now is driving me NUTS cuz I don’t have time to be blah.
Oh, and btw, a facial sounds like 30 minutes of heaven right about now. Ahhhhh.
by Laura
on December 4th, 2007 at 8:42 am
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Yes, let’s get together (do you think Will would be up for a facial?). Hey, if you want to look at my notes from a fiction class I taught this past summer, just holler.
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I’m not a facial kind of guy. God knows I probably need one. But talking shop is another story.
Laura, I have an idea. I’ll give you a scene I’m struggling with and you give me a scene you’re struggling with. We write each other’s scenes and see how that works out.
You’re Cozy or Romance might get a kick up hard-boiled ladder and you may lend some sensitivity to my Thirller.
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When I hit a point like this with programs I am developing, I start up the sporty motorcycle and chase it out in the country around some back roads, seeing what all hardware (pipes, sidestand, pegs) I can drag on the road.
Or, I take a couple hours at the pistol range.
Either takes my focus and concentration over totally for the duration, and leaves me ready to go after things from a different direction when I am done.
Your results may vary.
by Bob Rudolph
on December 4th, 2007 at 10:48 am
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Now Bob’s got an idea, Laura. A trip to the pistol range might help. I know two places and I have to admit, it will clear your head.
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More peyote?
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I get like this when I tell myself I have to write because I won’t have the time later. It’s like my subconscious torpedos my need to work. If I forget about the need and just work, it goes away most times, though.
:hugs: Just give yourself permission to write when you can, and don’t worry about the whens. (Unless you’re under a deadline, and then you have double the hugs and loads of sympathy.)
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“I’m trying so hard to be good.”
Liar.
Here’s the thing, it’s going to happen when it happens. Yes, I understand the whole thing about deadlines and just doing the work, but sometimes things need to bubble. If you try to force it too soon you’re going to look at it when you’re done and realize that it wasn’t what you wanted.
Just because the story’s ready to be told, the characters are ready to talk, doesn’t mean you’re ready to listen.
Take a break. If only for a day. Go do something fun that takes your mind off it and recharges you creatively.
Try painting something. Or writing a short story. Or a poem. Or an opera. I mean, really, how tough could a libretto be? Toss in a few arias, a flautist, some mystical crap and you’ve got The Magic Flute.
That or H.R. Puff-n-Stuff. I’m not sure which.
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I agree with the take-awhile-off approach. You’ve been working so hard lately, maybe your muse needs a little vacation… And maybe a massage to go with that facial. 
by Heather
on December 4th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
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Will, I’ll pass on the switching for now. The thought of writing something that doesn’t belong to me at this time made me groan. Sorry. 
Bob, you have no idea how awesome a long ride on a bike sounds (and I’ve never been on one before).
Theo, huh?
B.E., your comment on your subconscious torpedoing your work couldn’t be more perfect. Ay yi yi!
by Laura
on December 4th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
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Stephen, I think you’re right on my not wanting to listen even though the story is talking. I almost feel as if I’m covering my ears and yelling “La-La-La” over my characters. As for the libretto, LOL!!!!
Truth be told, I’d prefer H.R. Puff-n-Stuff…
Heather, a vacation?!?!? Now THAT is exactly what I need! Anyone have a spare plane ticket lying around? I’m a great traveling companion. Really.
by Laura
on December 4th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
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I don’t know.
(Funny how I’d typed two more paragraphs, but, um, ‘I don’t know’ about sums it up.)
When I’ve got no deadline, I’m so darned lazy. I want to read, read, read!
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Ok, if theres facials in the picture make sure to invite me! I’m only across the river.
I hear you on lack of motivation. I always try to fit just one more thing onto my list, then beat myself up for wanting to veg. It sounds like you have your plate a little full.
But you wanted tips to be more productive? I’m not the source here, but I think the writers strike will finally help me stop the TV kick. I hope…
by Lynn
on December 4th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
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Spyscribbler, ‘I don’t know’ about sums it up.
Lynn, I spent some time in a hot tub at a writer’s conference with Patricia Sprinkle one year and she told me to always put my writing at the TOP of the list, then get everything else done. That advice really turned things around for me until now. I HAVE to have these jobs (health insurance and basic survival the two main reasons) so I need to find something else that works. I’m sure I will…I think I’m just desperate for a little veg time as you so aptly put it.
As for hopping across the river, the more the merrier. Though I’m thinking facials are out if Will is involved. Might chocolate tempt you?
by Laura
on December 4th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
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Hey Laura ~
No great words of wisdom here but it looks like it’s unanimous that you need to chill for awhile!
Oh, & Bob, you’re *such* a GUY! 
by Lynn in TX
on December 5th, 2007 at 2:54 am
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Lynn, I think you’re all right. I’ll give it a whirl with a little evening snatch here and there after the girls are down…see if it helps.
Hope you’re having some warm weather in TX.
by Laura
on December 5th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
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Well, nowwww I’m warm, since I opened up my Land’s End and LL Bean pkgs I ordered last week! HEH! I’m busy trying on new stuff! We had a COLD spell here, and had to bring in my plants, etc.
Ck email, Missy L!
by Lynn in TX
on December 5th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
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Laura,
Chocolate always tempts me.
giggle….
by Lynn
on December 5th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
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Lynn In TX… A cold spell in Texas just doesn’t sound right. But the warm clothes sound great!
Lynn NOT in TX…email me at laura@laurabradford.com. We’re gonna try and set up a little meeting of the minds in the next week if you’re interested.
by Laura
on December 5th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
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