Tuesday, May 22, 2012

WRITING BLUES

You know that feeling when you finish writing a piece and you think, 'Wow, that's good! Did I write that?' Well, I haven't felt that in a while. It has been a long time between short story sales for me. So today I've decided to hang up the pen and go for a walk. I need to shake out the old cobwebs and be inspired by the world around me. I have been writing .... starting stories and then hitting a brick wall - very frustrating. I have submitted lots of stories and am a firm believer that while one plays the waiting game one must keep writing. In this extremely competitive writing world of ours I think we have to create something that stands out from the rest - something special. So my plan today is to take a break and venture outdoors in the hope that the fresh air and exercise energises and inspires me.

Mmmmm I think it is going to be a long, long walk!

Keep writing.... but take a break too :-)

32 comments:

  1. You are doing exactly thr right thing, Diane - I always find getting out and about inspires me to get on with writing again. Good luck with your next projects. I have a few things away at the moment but it's so frustrating waiting to hear anything!

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    1. Thanks Rosemary. I really needed to distance myself from my writing just for a little while. My head was swimming and the more I pushed myself to write the more down I was getting. One short story acceptance right now would be a great boost for me. I have to admit the walk did clear my head and took the panic away. Feeling much better now :-)

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  2. Good for you, Diane - you can't beat a good walk in the fresh air :-) x

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    1. So true Teresa. I returned home with a clearer head and new what to do. I stopped struggling with the end of the short story I'm drafting and focused on tightening up the material I had to work with. At the end of the day I felt I much better for it. x

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  3. Good idea, Diane. You're certain to see a number of things to inspire, but just getting out into the fresh air is good too.

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    1. It is amazing how a walk outside is good both physically and mentally. I'll have to do it more often Carol. :-)

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  4. It's such a beautiful day today that I think I'm going to do the same. That is after I have submitted yet another story to one of the woman's mags. I send two or three things off each month, but they keep winging their way back to me. I get great feedback from my writers' group, so I'll just keep trying. I enjoy it anyway, so an acceptance would be a bonus.

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    1. You are so right Maggie May we do have to keep on trying and just as well we do enjoy it! Good luck with your stories and hopefully some time soon we both hear of an acceptance. Now, that would be a great confidence booster and motivator! :-)

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  5. A walk in the fresh air is nearly always a good idea. Hope you're back writing good stuff soon!

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  6. I know that feeling well, Diane. I hope you find the inspiration.

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    1. I will keep walking until I do, lol. Thank you Dream It :-)

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  7. Great idea! Getting out and living always helps life.

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  8. I'm sending clouds of creativity over there to rain ideas down upon you. May their droplets of inspiration cling to you, their lightning electrify your prose and their breeze bring brilliance to the next sell you're about to write.

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    1. Wow! You trying to tease me with your creativity which sounds like it's on fire at the moment? That was awesome Jeff. Thank you so much :-)

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    2. You're quite welcome, Diane. Just trying to send a deluge to douse a drought.

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    3. It's working thanks Jeff. Actually got some writing done last night which I am happy with :-)

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  9. Hugs, Diane. We all need to take a break sometimes and I hope the walk does the trick for you.

    Fingers firmly crossed for happy news for you soon.

    XX

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  10. I think you are right, a break can have so many benefits! Sometimes my breaks include a bit of chocolate. :)

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    1. Hello Karen - I was hunting around for chocolate last night, but no such luck. I did buy a block of cadbury chocolate (my favourite) this morning which will come in handy. :-)

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  11. Really good advice, Diane. I bet your 'muse' will come visiting soon, though. Or perhaps join you on the walk!

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    1. Hi Biddy - your prediction was quite correct. My muse visited last night and sorted the mess I was in drafting my short story. I am a much happier writer today :-)

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  12. Diane,

    Sometimes, its difficult to constantly keep motivating yourself. Writing isn't easy, and we all have times when we feel like putting the pen down for a while.

    Happily, it looks like you're feeling creative again. A change of scene, or pastime can often do the trick, and I'm a big fan of striding out...

    Have a good weekend.

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    1. You are so right Maria. Thank you. You have a good weekend too. x

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  13. Always good to take a break - recharges the batteries, so to speak. And as you say, inspiration can be found anywhere - even on VERY long walks! Good luck!

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    1. Thank you Pat - so far so good. I definitely will be taking breaks more often :-)

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  14. Taking a break is a great idea. We need to get out in the fresh air to refill the creative well at times. Whenever my writing feels a bit flat, I take the dog for a good long walk and usually come back refreshed and inspired. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks Shirley - exactly right 'refreshed and inspired' now :-)

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  15. Nature has a great way to rejuvenate. I hope you get inspired and re-motivated. Look forward to following you and your journey.

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    1. Hi Tasha. Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I did get inspired and motivated. I ended up finishing that short story I was stuck on. One more final read and I will be submitting it. :-)

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