by Samantha Fenton
It happens often enough: A writer taking a day or two break, which turns into a week of not writing, then two, and pretty soon your manuscript has been pushed off the table and into a drawer. Not good. Now you’ve lost all drive to work on the thing. You’re procrastinating, and have no desire to start on it again. Let me repeat: This is not good, and you know it.
It started off innocently enough. You did actually want to work on the book, but you had a lot going on. Or maybe you had hit a rut. Still, you had other things you needed to get done. You wanted to read that new book. You were to work on that hard scene tomorrow. You just took of one night because you were so tired, and you deserved one night off after all you’ve done.
But then what’s one more? Surly you could miss one more day. You really need to study, or work, or you just got a new computer you’re trying to figure out. And you’re really tired. One more day. You’ll work on it tomorrow. You want to work on it tomorrow.
But that meeting ran late. You’ve got to study. There was a band concert. Tomorrow.
And – surely – you’ve seen the rest of this picture. Working on your novel had been prioritized with all the other slush (if even important slush) you move through everyday. It was just another thing to do, and eventually you weren’t even excited about it. You didn’t even want to do it anymore. It’s just so much work write a novel. And now you’ve got no more forward momentum to get it done.
Snap out of it. You know where this train is headed. That’s right, failure. Failure in something you cared about. Failure to finish the thing you started. Procrastination and cowardice. A sad amount of grit and determined attitude.
I went through this phase in my first novel, and I believe it cost me a whole year. But that revise draft seemed like it would never end, you were in a really tough writing spot. So you stopped for awhile… and the rest is history.
Shame on you. We all have our highs and lows, but dig deep and find your grit. You already know it takes discipline and determination to write a novel. You knew this going into it. Are you a writer or not? If so, write the book.
Alternately titled Loosing Momentum: Snap Out of It.
Guest post contributed by Samantha Fenton. Samantha lives in Ridgefield, Washington on a beautiful ten acres filled with many beloved pets. Samantha is currently striving to traditionally publish, as well as enjoying her passion for golf.
Thank you for the inspirational message. I needed to hear that right about now so that I get back to work.
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Thanks for reading.
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Reblogged this on Cynthia Hilston – Author & Blogger.
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thanks for sharing!
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Oh, how I have been there… Much to my shame, but I have my focus back now. I just wish that life would stop trying to control my life!
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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This is a really good post. I know I’ve been sick for a week and it’s put my book on hold which drives me bloody crazy! I am very glad to read this. It’s very encouraging!
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I’m a bit conflicted because I might’ve finished the first draft, so I logically need to let it rest before going onto the next draft, but I didn’t read it over to make sure I wrote down every scene.
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I needed this today. Thanks!
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Oops. I, heading down this path right now. Timely reminder!
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Reblogged this on Felicia Denise, Author.
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Uh huh. I’m hiding in the genre jungle with a couple writing projects.
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Reblogged this on Creative Soul.
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio.
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Thank you for a nice, quick, kick in the butt! I am hopefully on the final edit of my book, and I know I procrastinate. With blogging, and building an online platform, I’ve been slipping. Thanks again.
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A year? Wow! I can’t afford that. I’d better get back to work!
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A year! I hear that and raise you two years…maybe even three. But that hardly matters. What matters is we are “snapped out” now! Thanks for the pep talk.
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Good post, Ryan. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Wow! Needed to read this loud and clear. Thank you for this post.
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