Working Writer Wednesday
is a weekly meme based on the Wannabe Writer meme hosted by Sarah at Confessions of the Un-Published.
This meme is what prompted me to start Writer Quirk, so I am
thankful to Sarah for creating it and allowing ANYONE (even a
quirkster like me) to join up. So go visit her site and the others who
participate. Do it.Where I am in the writing process: Still not much of anywhere. Life is getting in the way. >.<
My current problem(s): I haven't felt like writing. I've been thinking about, planning stuff out in my head, but with so much going on, I honestly just don't want to. I think I'm scared to go back and look at the mess I left for myself and I'm so zapped I just don't have the brain power to deal. I've been coming up with a lot of great scenes/conversations for the next book in the series, like that helps me any right now.
Sarah's ???: How do I get back my motivation?
My answer: I understand this dilemma all too well. The only thing I can think, if you are really wanting to push yourself on through this slump, is to set goals and give yourself rewards. The National Novel Writing Month spinoff, Camp NaNoWriMo, is finally open. So now you can have the same benefits of NaNoWriMo any month you want. Part of that is the knowledge you have a deadline to meet. Also, have rewards mapped out for yourself for when you reach certain goals. If it is buying a new book, going shopping, taking a nap, watching TV, whatever, just give yourself something for all the effort.
Word wars are another great thing you can do. Find someone, whether in person or online, you can compete with to see who can write the most words in a given amount of time. Set up a word war session and get typing, even if it is against your own personal best record. Once you are doing these things, the true motivation should return. I found NaNoWriMo to be exhilarating and word wars super-productive, and getting so much accomplished made me just want to do more.
My ???: Have you ever thought about entering into National Novel Writing Month? Have you participated in the past?
That's it for this time!
Thanks for
visiting!
I tried the challenge last year, but I couldn't stay motivated to finish it. I did, however finish the book later. I believe everyone is motivated differently.
ReplyDeleteI have participated but didn't get beyond 11,000 words. I'll try again I think.
ReplyDeleteHi Shalena,
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower. I found you over at Southern Book Bloggers. I just wanted to let you know that I have organized a group for Tennessee book bloggers. We have been established for almost two years now and our membership is growing. My ultimate goal is that we will eventually have periodic meet ups. I'm actually hoping I can organize something at the Southern Festival of Books in October. Anyway, I wanted to invite you to join the group on Goodreads. I saw that you are on Goodreads and have sent you a friend request. We also recently started read alongs every 2 to 3 of works by Tennessee authors. Our current read is The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks. So, just wanted to let you know that our group exists. We would love to have you as a member. If you would like to check out the group, here's the link: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/35604.Tennessee_Book_Bloggers
I am also a writer and I have a writing blog in addition to my book blog. I am currently signed up and am doing (attempting) Camp NaNoWriMo. I'm crazy, I know...and I'm already behind. But I'm hoping to catch up. *fingers crossed* I'm also a part of a writing challenge that you might want to check out. It's called ROW80 and it's a lot more laid back then NaNo, but still a great challenge. Here's the link to their dedicated site: http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/
Hope to hear from you.
Best,
Michelle
in Nashville
@Miranda: It is a very different kind of challenge. And I agree; I was just one of those that needs a giant deadline and a good kick in the pants. ^_^
ReplyDelete@Summer: That's great! Yes, definitely try it again. I literally carried my laptop or paper and pen anywhere I thought I might get a bit of time to write and I set aside time to write as well, which for me, meant getting out of the house. Just find what works for you. You can do it!
@Michelle: Hello neighbor! Thank you so much for stopping by! I checked out the group and joined (Why wouldn't I? It's awesome!) and would totally be game for a meetup. That would be so cool! I've taken a look at Camp NaNoWriMo (I was planning on using it because I originally was getting married in November, but not anymore, so I probably won't utilize it until after this year's NaNoWriMo) and I will need to look more into ROW80. I've seen the badges everywhere, but again, it won't be until after the wedding in August. Thanks again for all the info and good luck on your Camp NaNo project!