As writers, it's easy to think that we need to write every single day. I mean, that's what everyone says, right? You can't publish what you don't write.
A lazy writer is a starving writer.
Right? *nods* Yes, most definitely right, but...
As you continue to progress through your writing career, as you hone your craft and get pretty darned good, you get a feel for when you should be writing, when you could be writing and when writing is a really bad idea. For example:
Writing on cold medicine: VERY bad idea. Just take your cold medicine and GO TO BED!
Writing when burnt out: BAAAAAAAD idea. Now, granted, if you're in a long burn out period, writing might be a good way to get you out, but don't try and FORCE it when you're burnt!
Writing when super stressed: We all have our own super stressed limits and levels. We do. My super stressed levels might be out of control for some, but easy-peasy for others. Know your stress limit and unless the writing is a stress reliever, don't do it. Know thyself and thy limitations.
Writing on cold medicine: Did I mention this already? Dang. Let me repeat. Do NOT write on cold medicine...even if you're feeling GREAT! Remember that "I wrote crap" sticker I offered through November? Yeah, on cold medicine, you write the kind of crap you don't GET a gold sticker for. It's BAD!
Writing should be fun. *nods* And most times it is. Writing is kind of therapeutic. I can tell when I'm not writing on a regular basis...and Boss can, too, though I don't think he's made that connection yet. *cringe* It's kinda like any other hobby you've got out there, or any other job out there, or any other task out there. There are times when writing is great and fun and wonderful and glorious.
But then there are those days, those moments, those weeks or months, when things in your life are adversely affecting your writing and that's when you get frustrated beyond belief.
So...take it from an experienced (though still not published though I AM good enough to be) writer. It's okay to take a break every once in a while.
Just make sure you get back on that horse soon so that you don't forget how to ride. Have you tried riding a bike after years of not? You nearly DIE! *hands up* Just saying.
I also want to add to not write when you haven't slept for 48 hours. It produces trippy scenes that will cause readers to think you were on drugs or drunk when you wrote it. Seriously. It's very scary.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yes. I should have added that one, but it's been so long since I TRIED that, I forgot that some people don't SLEEP! LOL!
ReplyDeleteBy the way... writing on cold medicine? Lousy idea. >-)
ReplyDeleteWriting when you're stressed/tired/angry are huge no-no's for me. It comes out crappy and is just a waist of time. Instead, I THINK about writing. I think about my characters and the plot and where the heck it's all going. That actual helps relieve stress for me. But actually writing it down? Not as much. Also, I'm very slowly learning not to be so hard on myself during the first draft. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteIt's seriously okay for the first draft to suck. LOL!
ReplyDeletehaha!! Frankie, you are so funny :)
ReplyDeleteI tried riding a bike after more years than I care to remember. I actually nearly did die haha!!