Sitting here in limbo, but I know it won’t be long
Sitting here in limbo, like a bird without a song.
~~Sitting Here in Limbo, Jimmy Cliff
Most writers can relate to periods where they get little writing done. I hesitate to refer to this as writer’s block, because I’m not having difficulty writing, I simply don’t have the inclination to continue with the books I’m working on.
Don’t think I don’t know where I want to go with the stories I’m telling. I have roadways mapped out, but I lack the energy or maybe it’s the willpower to sit down and put my thoughts on paper.
I suppose I could blame my ennui (yeah, I put that word just because) on the holiday season, but I’d be lying. I just don’t want to write right now. Partly because I seem to do better when I write to some sort of schedule or under pressure. If I get moving now, it’d be for my own pleasure.
I’m twiddling my thumbs waiting to hear from a publisher on a YA novel, and have another in the care of a beta reader, but if I were the industrious sort, I’d be keeping myself occupied.
Still, I figure I’ll go with the flow because it’s only a matter of time before a sense of urgency sweeps over me and I’m writing like I missed a deadline. Until that time, I think I’ll lose myself in the P.D. James trilogy I’m supposed to be reading.
How do you pass the time when you’re not writing, but you’re really supposed to be working on something?
I read. Becoming immersed in the stories by my favorite authors seems to engergize the writer in me.
ReplyDeleteI may have to switch books to lose myself in what I'm reading. :)
ReplyDeleteIf I'm not writing then I'm doing something else -- usually something distracting enough that I'm willing to throw away my schedule. eg a good book, good friends, time with Hubby etc.
ReplyDeleteTime with friends and family is a wonderful substitute any day.
ReplyDeleteWell, I hope you hear good news from your publisher. I know that I have to keep myself busy when I'm waiting for word.
ReplyDeleteCD
Thanks, Clarissa,
ReplyDeleteI'm fairly optimistic on that book. I just need to get going at something.
My problem is that I still want to write, but I only seem to have time at the end of the day when I'm dropping from exhaustion! Its nearly lunch time now and I'm feeling guilty that I haven't done all the jobs I was meant to do today, instead I've been blogging.
ReplyDeleteNew year, new opportunities...maybe you could get up a half-hour earlier and see if you get anything written. Writing at the end of the working day will feel like more work. :)
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