Monday, August 14, 2017

#IWSG -- Sometimes writing sucks.


Sometimes writing sucks


Why do I say that? Cause it’s absolutely true. I’d even dare to say that there are more days that suck being a writer than there are days that are truly amazing or noteworthy.

There are times when the 'writing well' is just empty.

And I don’t mean writer’s block. It’s more like, writer’s complete shutdown OR writer’s out-of-gas OR writer’s screeching halt.

You don’t feel like writing.
You don’t feel like editing.
You don’t feel like marketing.
It all just sucks.
 




You know what? That’s okay, because there are times when EVERY job out there sucks.
Being a ditch digger isn’t always glamorous.
Being a celebrity certainly has its ups and downs.
Try being a proctologist and tell me that every day is rainbows and unicorns.

So, it’s all good to have some down days because they will have to swing back up.

It’s true. Science says so.




It’s what you do when you’re down that can make the difference in your well-being, and for that matter, your career.

Don’t wallow. Don’t sit on your couch and pine for the good ol’ days.

Feed yourself.

Go where the people are. Watch. Listen. Maybe even join in. It doesn’t have to cost anything, except maybe some of your time.

Do stuff with family and/or friends. Lots of writers are introverts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t socialize with people you trust and understand you. Your family will appreciate it.

Read / Watch / Listen to entertainment. It’s okay. You’re not cheating on your writing. It will only help you become a better writer.




Meditate / exercise. I mean, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Learn a new skill to make your brain do something completely different. Check out YouTube for how-to videos on just about everything.

Fill up on all the good things around you and once you’re back in the upswing you will have TONS of new material to work with.

The life of a writer isn’t for wimps, so go kick some ass.




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22 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm all inspired now!

Christine Rains said...

Awesome pep talk! :)

Pat Hatt said...

haha going to kick some ass is the way. Yep, no matter the job, there are always days it sucks. Unless one is independently wealthy, then it may be iffy.

Sandee said...

Sometimes writing just flows and other times it doesn't. Great advice here.

Have a fabulous day. ☺

cleemckenzie said...

Yep! You are so right. I'm at that point where I either rejuvenate or toss my computer. Time for a break and different way to spend my time for a while.

Roland Clarke said...

Thanks, Heather, for making me feel better when I junk the writing and go kill something...in a game. Writing is an escape from my wheelchair and so is gaming.

Juneta key said...

Wonderfully encouraging post, especially since I am feeling guilty of that very thing today. Great post.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

Heather M. Gardner said...

L. Diane – Excellent! That was my plan all along!

Christine – Thank you!

Pat – I wish I knew!

Sandee – Thank you! You, too!

CLee – Yes! Exactly! It’s good for us.

Roland – I’m so glad I can help! : )

Juneta – We are too hard on ourselves! Good for you!

HMG

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Yay, you! A great attitude. What is that old saying? It's always darkest before the dawn. Here's to sunshiny days ahead.

klahanie said...

Hi Heather,

I have never experienced having the thought that sometimes writing sucks. Then again, my writing is purely a cathartic, verbalising endeavour that I share.

However, you utilising the resources that help you are a most positive writing tonic. A very thoughtful post. Thank you.

Gary 😃

Fundy Blue said...

Wise post, Heather! The life of a writer definitely isn't for wimps. Thanks for some great strategies for when the well is sucking air!

nashvillecats2 said...

This was great to read Heathers, thanks.

Yvonne.

Vicki said...

This was awesome! Totally needed this right now! Thank you 💖

Toi Thomas said...

Great post. I needed that.

Donna B. McNicol said...

Sooooo very true!! I had two years where the only thing I wrote was blog posts...and even that was hard at times. LOL!

DMS said...

I can totally relate! Wise words and great strategies. Very inspiring. :)
~Jess

H.R. Bennett said...

Good post. One of the things often forget about is that sometimes your brain just needs time to process. You don't necessarily need to be actively thinking...it's still chewing on stuff in the background. If you're not at a good place, let yourself get there.

Anonymous said...

I'm a firm believer that writing is like other jobs and you need days off just as much as you need to write consistently. We're not machines, after all. Our bodies and brains need veg time.

Michelle Wallace said...

Thank you for the pep talk and dose of reality...

Debra Renée Byrd said...

Great advice! I do find stepping away for a while makes it easier to write when you come back.

The Yum List said...

This happens to me frequently, especially when I write about topics that are so similar. Unless I've had a truly memorable experience, it's tricky to make each piece sounds unique and interesting.

Jemi Fraser said...

Love it!! Off to go kick some ass now! :)