I'm lying in bed as I write this, struggling to overcome a nasty cold I got while in Ireland. Being awake for 27 straight hours yesterday didn't help, I'm sure.
I stepped away from editing WIP #1 for my trip to Ireland. While I was encouraged and inspired by my surroundings for another WIP (#4) I have in mind, I find I'm feeling jaded about WIP #1.
worn out or wearied, as by overwork or overuse.I recently received a critique that had some great suggestions but also discouraged me, and I'm not quite sure why. I love my tale. I love my characters. I want my little story to be like that old Army commercial--be the best you can be. But I'm wearied. And discouraged. I'm not sure I can ever be the writer I want to be. I've had the inclination several times over the last few days just to walk away.
So as I sit in my sickbed, having a pity party, I wonder what all of you do to bolster your confidence and your energy to persevere. How do you keep yourself from feeling jaded?
I think your reaction is perfectly normal. Even published authors will feel less than enthusiastic about their books--especially when they're engrossed by the new-shiny WIP.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that, until you sign a contract, no one can force you to work on a project you're not feeling at the moment. If you want to give it a break to stew in your subconscious while you work on something else, YOU CAN! Maybe by the time you come back, you'll have figured out exactly what was bugging you and how to fix it.
Sorry you're not feeling well!
I think when I get to feeling like that, the best thing I can do is take a couple of steps backwards and just rest. I was feeling very, very jaded a couple of weeks ago, and I decided to take a reading break. I've been (for the most part) not thinking about my current projects and just relaxing and absorbing some good books for the sake of just enjoying them. I've been starting to feel the itch to get back to my projects, but I'm still ignoring it because I know I'm not ready yet. I was so worn out and just ready to throw my manuscripts against the wall. It's hard to write when feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you feel better soon (from being sick) and that you're able to have your mind refreshed on your writing.
*waves* Hi, Donna! I didn't know you're participating in the A-Z challenge. Cool! I've got your blog on my sidebar now, so I can keep up with you that way.
ReplyDeleteI've read your writing, and you are very, very good. I think we all go through periods where we look at our work and think it's all crap. Time, distance, and persistence help me through the slump.
Hope you feel better soon! And I hope your trip to Ireland was wonderful.
I hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteAnd don't be discouraged! This has happened to me so many times and sometimes, I've even 'said' I quit, but I just can't.
What I realized, is that I needed a little break from writing. So maybe take a break and then before you know it, you'll be itching to get back at it.
The other thing you can do is start on the new idea and let the other one simmer for awhile if you don't feel like a break.
When I start feeling like that, I set it aside for a time, knowing I will come back with fresh eyes and an open mind. It will work out! :)
ReplyDeleteI take a step back and take a break. I read. I watch tv. I try to do something to grow as a writer until the discouragement fades. I know, it's not easy. I hope the swing upward happens soon!
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to work through the feeling. I wish I could say differently, but I feel like this a lot.
ReplyDeleteI believe that if you have a spark in your heart to write you'll always write. If you are discourage then take a break because eventually that spark will flare and you will find joy again. If that doesn't work, PERSEVERE, PERSEVERE, PERSEVERE.
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