I've heard it said you are only as good a writer as the work and effort you put into your stories. Basically, you are a writer or merely a person who claims to be. And lately (I'm ashamed to say) I have been more of the latter. . .
I thought by now I might have had the first draft of my WIP, Noya, completed---or at the very least, quite close to it. REALITY: I haven't touched it since December. TT_TT
Why?
Two words:
Yes, it's a thing.
I can see you nodding with me.
Writer Procrastination is this condition many writers suffer through and endure. It could include everything from a prolonged writer's block to self-doubt, frustration, boredom in uninteresting (but necessary) scenes, difficulty of any kind, or unstructured outlines.
However, it's up to the writers whether or not they stay in that diagnosis, or be INTENTIONAL and push to fix it---not simply treat the symptoms. Make sense? *nods*
Regarding this very subject, I read an amazing article that sums this up nicely and has a simple four-step plan for overcoming this nasty thing.
For me, I struggle with all of the above-mentioned negative traits: doubts, boredom, plot difficulties, and unstructured EVERYTHING. But my biggest problem is most likely the most common---TIME. I procrastinate, because I don't make time to write. And my stories and poor characters suffer for it. Aaaannnddd I tend to blame it all on reality.
So.
What am I going to do?
First, make a check list. (Cuz I love to make lists and then actively cross 'em off) :]
- Make time. Time is a gift. One I wish to use wisely and on things I enjoy. My goal is to set TEN minutes of my time aside every day to write a minimum word count for my current WIP.
- Be intentional. Goals literally DO NOT complete themselves. Ever since reading a dear blogger-friend's inspirational 2018 post, that word [intentional] has stuck with me. I've realized over at least the past two years, I have not been deliberate in the many things I've wished to be diligent and intentional in. Writing is certainly one of them. As a result, those hobbies/goals have gotten nowhere fast. I've said I wanted to change that, but have I? Sadly, no. Change, I must!
- Find joy! Have fun! Writing, blogging, painting, reading---these are all things I so enjoy in my wonderful life. But if I don't make time, be intentional, or actively find the joy in the midst of it all (which includes accomplishing goals) nothing of what I've shared will be true. Writing is a passion, and that makes it enjoyable to me. :]
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With all that said. . . I NEED ACCOUNTABILITY!! Which is why I've shared this long spiel with all you dears. No one understands us writers better than other writers in the bloggy world. *nods vigorously* Thanks for hanging in there, y'all. I think I needed to share this. Motivation spurs intentionality. (Is that a word??)
So now, I'm off to follow my own simple advise. I'm gonna log out, pulled up my Noya docs, and see how far I can get before my soft, warm bed calls me. :] Good evening to you!
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What of you, me lovelies?
Do you suffer from the dreaded Writers Procrastination? You're not alone! I could betcha cookies every author and writer has endured the same. So, how do YOU overcome? Do share!
Awwww, this was beautiful and so, SO relatable. I firmly believe procrastination is the biggest enemy of all writers. It's so easy to just...not write. To answer that email instead or pickup that book you're reading or turn on the TV. To actually make time to sit down and WRITE? It takes sooo much self-discipline, and I fail at it daily. Which is definitely why I've been focusing on being more intentional this year (thanks for the shout-out, by the way! ^_^). I find it beautiful and inspiring how we're both working toward some of the same goals. Nothing like having a writing buddy with the same mentality and pursuits as yourself. It's the BEST!
ReplyDeleteYour list of things rings with me so deeply. Because I've been thinking about those EXACT things. Literally the other day I was thinking about how I need to focus on the JOY of writing. So often I see it as a chore, but that's silly. I write because I love it! I should enjoy my writing sessions. And I also have been really honing in on managing my time. I fail at that so, so bad. But that's what I have my dear buddies for--to write posts like this and motivate me!
Thank you for being open and sharing all of this. You have such a beautiful heart. Keep being amazing! I know you're gonna get that story written and it's going to be AWESOME. You've got this! *sends motivational cookies*
Exactly! Isn't it nice to know you're not alone in practically anything? :] Same with me! Your posts are ALWAYS amazing, I find myself laughing every time I visit, and I always come away motivated and inspired to press on.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! All too often I focus on the mundane and forget why I love to write. It's so easy to lose focus. Aww, thanks! The posts I share are usually preaching to myself, but I am so glad to hear they motivate you and others! Thanks, girlie. *^ - ^* <3
Amen to all the above words, including the comments. Good heavens, I suffer from this a lot - its one of the many lumps I gotta get over....
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, Sarah!
Catherine
catherinesrebellingmuse.blogspot.com
Oh, yes. Writer's Procrastination is definitely one my biggest struggles! Unfortunately, I'm not as diligent in combating as I should be, but sometimes there are just scenes and character struggles that really make so many other tasks seem instantly more appealing!:P
ReplyDeleteI've been working on time management, and I think the last year or so has seen the most improvement, though I definitely need to keep working on it. I'm also trying to remind myself that changing up the writing routine can be a good way to find inspiration again, though sometimes I get stuck and just have to step away until I can look at it with fresh eyes again.
"Motivation spurs intentionality." - SO TRUE!
I'm wishing you all the best with your goals and I know you can accomplish them!
Catherine: Thank you! :]
ReplyDeleteJameson: Neither am I, it's so nice to have understanding peeps around! ^_^ Yes, I feel like I've been working on time management my WHOLE LIFE. But I suppose it's something we must strive toward every day. And I totally agree! It seems so refreshing to take a break from something (as long as you return to it). :] Thank you, my friend! You ladies are always so encouraging. <3