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So I am trying to make the transition back from blogging to “real” writing.
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Anyway, here are a few tips that have helped me trick more writing out of myself.
1 Sometimes, when I think I am mentally tired, I am not really. My conscious has worked as much as it can on what I am writing. I am bored, or have hit a wall. I need to put it aside now for an hour or two, to let my unconscious mull over it.
However, taking up a new piece of work will give me fresh energy and passion.
2 When I don’t feel like writing, feel sleepy, tired, lethargic, sluggish, then putting a timer for just 15 minutes, or just 5, gets me going. The timer goes off and feels like an intrusion. I want to continue writing.
3 After a few days of serious work, my spirit protests. I feel as if I want a break. It really, really helps to just declare a Sabbath. I garden, I exercise, I tidy up, I pray. I shop online. The wells fill up. Thoughts clarify. And then, after an hour or two, I am delighted to get back to work.
If on the whole, you love writing, and occasionally really don’t want to, don’t. Do other things, be physical, wait until the underground springs bubble up like a geyser.
What are your favourite tricks for tricking writing out of yourself?
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Thanks, Jen, and Nancy.
@Jen, keep a draft of ideas from the days you have too many.
Also, if one used Ann Voskamp's 1001 gifts idea, one will never run out of blog posts, I think 🙂
Timer, good–I should do that but never have. When the day comes when I get to really give attention to writing, I will remember this!
One thing I naturally do when I feel empty of ideas (similar to your Sabbath) is to turn to someone else/something else that is full of great thoughts. Like classic or simply excellent writers, my garden, prayer/time with the Word, observing my children, listening and looking for connections, etc.
Once in a while, when I feel like I should post something, (anything!), I just start writing, nonsense even, and eventually something takes form and I work it from there.
Happy Writing, Anita!! love Jen
I haven't written a book, but when I was writing up my MA thesis while also working full time, I found the timer method helpful – setting aside short blocks of time when I must write something even if it was rubbish – working on the 'how do you eat an elephant?' principle (one bite at a time).