Just a quick post today regarding writing and how much it requires of a person. I’m not sure people who don’t write — for a living or for solely creative purposes — realize just how much it takes to put words to paper and flesh out an idea.
I’ve had a great week writing for and working with some very nice people. Things have been humming along nicely and I had to take a breather today and go work out other parts of my person just to get outside of my head, if you know what I mean.
The physical workout seemed easier today than my mental one and it helps — to get out and get away from the computer. Otherwise, I’m here checking emails, pacing and trying to get some ideas to flow.
I’ve heard comments from the people I’ve worked this week: Great job, this is exactly what I wanted! That makes it all worthwhile, but my creative writing as of late, hasn’t been up to my standards. It’s difficult for me to make the transition sometimes — from business writing to creative writing. From the last meeting with my writing group, I received lots of constructive criticism. Much of it I agreed with, some of it I didn’t.
What I’ve learned from creative writing is if something rings true to you, you stay with it. Unless you’re hearing the exact same thing (criticism) over and over, then I think it’s a matter of personal choice. It’s one of those things that it doesn’t matter what anyone says, you think this is right for your character.
From other writerly blogs I follow and read over the past few days, it seems as if this is a common ailment — trying to get those conversations, sights and sentiments of your character out of your head and into the flow of a story or chapter. Your brilliant mind “sees” it but it doesn’t always translate that way once you write it out. Sometimes the muse comes and sometimes it doesn’t.
I’m working on a short story and I’ve written 120 pages plus of my novel, but I just haven’t had the desire to work on either lately. This too will pass. Until then, I’ll ride this wave until my rascally little muse decides to come out to play.
Happy writing.
Brigitte's Banter 
This too will pass…..yes honey, it will 🙂
I’m feeling much more motivated today, but it took a day off yesterday for me to recharge my batteries. I’m now wondering if I should have a total day off once a week. Should we really force ourselves to write when we’re just not feeling it? 😉
Good luck xx
Posted by Vikki (The View Outside) | May 3, 2012, 2:39 amGreat! Glad you are feeling more motivated, Vikki. I’ve heard that one should (no matter if you’re feeling inspired or not) make an effort to write something every day — anything — to stay in the habit of writing. But, I think it’s like anything else, perhaps it’s best to take a day off to recharge. Thanks for your comment and stopping in. :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 3, 2012, 7:38 amI have written every single day since January the 1st so, I think I deserved a day off lol
I do agree you should write every day, but, the moment it starts feeling like a chore it’s rethink time 😉
Xx
Posted by Vikki (The View Outside) | May 3, 2012, 8:45 amAll I can say is, “I can relate!”
Posted by finally_write | May 3, 2012, 5:43 pmThank you, kindred spirit. :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 3, 2012, 6:51 pmet tu Brigitte! 🙂
Posted by finally_write | May 3, 2012, 8:57 pmI’ve always been a journal writer using a fountain pen and journals that “speak” to me when I buy them. Sometimes I write once or twice a week and others it will be every day or even twice in one day. I always write when I feel the words just need to come out and there is no difficulty in that for me at all. Creative writing is quite different. I have some ideas in my head about what I want to achieve but lack the confidence to go with them. I’m about to leave Australia today to embark on a new life in the UK leaving family behind. One of my first goals is to join up for a writing course. I love your site. It’s just so bright and full of life, buzzing with creativity and inspiration. It’s wonderful too that you share your thoughts on the more challenging parts of writing. 🙂
Posted by floatingwiththebreeze | May 3, 2012, 5:44 pmThank you so much for your lovely comments. It’s always so nice when writerly types stop by and it means so much! Get those ideas down on paper — you never know where they may lead. It’s difficult leaving loved ones — I’ve done it many times — but, I wish you much success on your journey! Be well, friend, safe travels and again, thanks so much for your kind, kind comments!
Posted by Brigitte | May 3, 2012, 7:00 pmIt’s funny how you can keep reading the same kind of idea ~ of the difficulties of writing, the true emotional effort
but still not enact it.
By you, I mean me : D
Every time I see a decent writer talk about it, it rings truer in my mind though. So, it’s helping in there.
somewhere
Posted by embryofarm | May 18, 2012, 12:59 amThanks so much. For your feedback and the “decent writer” part — that’s very nice. :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 18, 2012, 8:52 amThe foray into the blogging world I’ve recently taken is my attempt to get back to my creative writing workout. I agree, it is tough to stay focused and motivated. Looks like you’ve done a great job over the past four months of finding engaging topics and building an audience. Writing for pleasure, or for personal expression, is much different than writing as a journalist or grant writer–which is how I spend my day jobs. I need to schedule time into each day, or at least several days a week, to be a writer. For the joy of it, for the chance to share with other writers like you, for the ability to get what is in my head out! Keep writing…we’ll keep reading.
Posted by attentionanonymous | May 18, 2012, 6:01 amHi there, this blogging is very different. Mine seems to be fleshing itself out as a mixture of things, which I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not. I’ve read a blog is supposed to have a focus, but I love so many things, not sure I can hone in on just one. And you are so right about writing for work — it is way different and to me, much easier than creative writing. Scheduling and forcing one’s self to write creatively — something, anything, everyday is a good practice, but one that I’ve not done in awhile! Thanks so much for your comments — they are so greatly appreciated.
Posted by Brigitte | May 18, 2012, 8:21 amI’ve always loved to write. Your piece refreshes me. See if this one suits you. I also consider this one of my writing workouts.
Hello Bitches by Kristina Bravo
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/160584
Posted by ohgeorgina | May 19, 2012, 12:20 amHi Georgina — thank you! It’s always daunting creating a story. Will take a look soon and hopefully, others will find you here and do so as well. Good luck!
Posted by Brigitte | May 19, 2012, 7:06 amSory it took long for me to hit you back, Brigitte. Thanks, I need the luck! Regards to you!
Posted by ohgeorgina | July 16, 2012, 1:52 pmThank you for sharing this! There are times when I dont know what to write and your post reassures me that it’s okay to experience “writer’s block.” Writing is definitely “a workout” for the brain!
Posted by Silverfox | May 20, 2012, 6:58 pmYou’re very welcome and thank you for the comment. :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 21, 2012, 9:34 amMy motivation is there, but there are always so many other things competing for my time. I really need to find a better balance between online activities and creative writing.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I appreciate it. 🙂
Posted by crubin | May 29, 2012, 10:04 amI know exactly what you mean. I’ve told myself I’ll blog 3x/week and on Thursdays, I write for me (work on my never-ending, never yet finished novel.) Thank you for stopping by as well and here’s to finishing the novel, huh? :).
Posted by Brigitte | May 29, 2012, 10:08 amI’ll drink my diet dew to that. 🙂
Posted by crubin | May 29, 2012, 10:14 am