Wednesday, May 27, 2009

No “Write” Reason

I’ve been spending a lot of time reassessing my motivation to write. With Autumn Leaves completed and the sophomoric book looming, the term “writer’s block” has become real to me – something I never thought would happen. What used to be 10,000+ word weeks are now zero and the joy of creativity seems more akin to burden.

Disappointment hangs over me, doubt weighs me down, and guilt pulls at my feet like an undertow.
The dark waters of failure that used to appear so distant on the horizon engulf me. Faint were the sounds of crashing waves now deafening...
Perhaps a little too dramatic.

After evaluating my process, I’ve come to realize that writing is my motivator; the language, the art, the expression. Maybe the salability aspect of publishing has harmed my desire to create. Just a thought.

I hereby vow to write what I want the way I did before with Autumn Leaves. The words poured out of me. I could barely contain them. Before query letters and synopses, agent blogs and writer forums, I wrote for me. Only me.

Whatever your motivation for writing, be it the love of the craft, the potential for glory, or even the ever-elusive payment, it’s the right reason for you.

Thanks for reading and wish me luck.

7 comments:

  1. Good Luck! And I totally get you. I have an idea for a second book, but I'm just letting it simmer for a bit before putting the pen to the paper. I want the story to just pour out of me, not be pushed the same way the end of my novel seemed to happen.

    You can do it...and don't let it get you down. At least you are getting some personal rejections...Mine have all been form rejects...UGH...Not even a scrap of advice to go on! You'll get there...I just know it!

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  2. Rejections are hard. Don't stop writing :-)

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  3. Good luck! That sounds like wonderful motivation to begin writing again. Sometimes the writing can only be for you until you know you're supposed to do something different or something bigger. Keep writing and remember how much you love it!

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  4. Marybeth - Thank you! You rock. I HAVE to make a plan and stick to it. Thanks for your encouragemnent!!

    Adam - YES, they are. Thank you and I promise to keep going.

    Cindy - Thanks and I'll try. Enjoy your new guitar. ;)

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  5. Sweetie, don't let an ailing system get you down. The publishing industry is in crisis; your rejections are surely a reflection of what's going on today. The odds have always been stacked against new authors, but more so now than ever.

    Why not consider self-publishing? Your destiny is then in your own hands. And maybe when this craziness is over you can pursue the traditional route. If you want to.

    Best of luck. I mean it.

    XOXO

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  6. Good perspective, but I have to offer that there are more small-to-medium size presses than there are "big" publishers. Don't be afraid to do a little bit of legwork and research a different business model.

    Good luck with your writing!

    http://www.twitter.com/mlvalentine

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  7. H - Be brave. Yes, it might mean a re-write and yes, it may mean more time. Remember why you love to write. Julia Cameron's book, The Right to Write, is filled the basic concept of loving to write. Go for it - M

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