There is the writing I love...the writing that wakes me up at night whispering ideas. Then there is the writing that helps pay the bills. Certainly, until I get the novel finished, the two will likely remain quite separate.
The writing I love is so all encompassing that I scribble notes at stop lights, jots reminders on my arm with Sharpie, and chant bits of dialogue for fear of losing the idea before I can memorialize it.
The "other writing" can be a...chore. At times I feel like a rebellious ten year old, whining in her messy room, spending the day doing anything other than what needs to be done.
I had no idea that procrastination was so exhausting.
What do you do when there are thing to be done, but you can't quite make yourself do them?
A life is comprised of stories--some big, some small, but all important. I just happen to make some of the stories up...and the people in the stories...and the worlds in which the stories are set. Then I write the stories down.
Worry! Then let myself feel guilty for not getting everything done. Then let it go and get back to work. :)
ReplyDeleteI sit down and have a private pep talk with myself then get to work. If that doesn't I try doing something OI enjoy then go back with a refreshed mind.
ReplyDeleteI write about it. Looks like we have one of the same coping mechanisms! :)
ReplyDeleteLauren
I've decided to tell myself that if I'm going to goof off, I'm going to goof off productively. So if I can't make myself do the 'writing that pays the bills,' I just go back to working on my novel. Then at least a few hours later I won't hate myself for how much youtube or how many webcomics I've read. In fact, a few hours later I'll have something to be proud of, and I'll say, "okay, time to work."
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm trying to do, anyway. Goof off productively!
I love the idea of goofing off productively. I did end up working on the novel, and then the next day I was able to work on articles, so I guess it really does help. I think that sometimes the reason I can't focus on paying work is that the work of my heart is screaming to be heard and written down. Once I give it some attention, my brain lets me get back to the paying gig.
ReplyDelete