This is my first month participating in the Insecure Writer's Support Group, and I'm pretty excited. Thanks to Deniz Bevan for the link!
Today I'm going to talk about writer's guilt. Maybe I'm the only one who does this (thank you, Catholic school), but when I don't get to write every day I feel guilty, like I'm letting down my WIP. For the past several days, I haven't been able to write as much as I would like. I'm getting antsy, but it's looking like I won't be able to sit down and really focus until this weekend.
I know it's important to rest and recharge every so often, but sometimes it's hard to do that without feeling like I'm slacking. I really want to be able to write for a living, and I know I have to pay my dues first. At the same time, I know that breaks are not bad things, because otherwise, my brain turns to mush and I can't write anything at all. I just need to get to a place where I don't beat myself up over resting.
Does anyone else feel this way? Did you ever feel this way? Any hints or tips on how you are getting through it/have dealt with it before? Please share in the comments!
YES! If I don't write, I feel guilty. Actually, I'm afraid if I don't write something then (like exercise lol) I won't continue to do it. So, I have my manuscript open (printed) in front of me at all times when I'm watching tv (my husband hates it... I tell him that it's nothing personal but I can't just sit and watch TV any more. I have to at least have the option of writing).
ReplyDeleteSo yeah, totally feel your pain.
Found you through IWSG
Kelly
www.kellymartinstories.com :)
Good idea Kelly! I usually have the computer open when I'm sitting down, just because I like to jot things down if the muse suddenly strikes.
DeleteIWSG first timer here - absolutely sharing your guilt! Breaks are important though. Sometimes during those breaks we're actually thinking about our story and sorting out a problem! So really it's still working on it;)
ReplyDeleteVery true... I know I think about my stories a lot while I'm at work and bored. I can't write at work, but I definitely daydream! :)
DeleteHi! Visiting from IWSG. I'm from Texas, too. :)) Writer's guilt, oh yeah. The only way I beat it, is to keep a spiral with me. I drag it in the car, too. I think about my wip all day, every day, and every chance I get, I freehand a scene here and there. I later transfer to computer.
ReplyDeleteHi fellow Texan! :)
DeleteI usually write on scraps of paper--a notebook would be much more organized. :)
Welcome to the IWSG!
ReplyDeleteI get frustrated when I'm in the middle of a book but don't have time to write that day. I try use that time to envision the next scene so that when I do have time to write again, I know exactly where the story is going next.
Thanks for the welcome, Alex!
DeleteI know what you mean--I definitely try to use the writing 'down time' for something story related, even if it's just random snippets of detail. If I'm lucky, I'll think of a whole scene to write when I get back to the computer.
"Oy vey' do I know guilt. Fun post. It's nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you too--thanks for commenting!
DeleteSometimes guilt is a good thing. Keeping "butt in chair" is one of the hardest things about being a writer, but maybe you can use your guilt to help you. Whatever works. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteToo true! There have been days where I've forced myself to write just because I didn't want to deal with the guilt of not writing.
DeleteThanks for commenting!
It happens to me all the time and I have to constantly remind me that I'm dedicating time to other worthy endeavors, or that watching Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries is a break I deserve... besides, I'm powerless against the Winchester's charm and evilness of Damon Salvatore.
ReplyDeleteBut, back to the point, we do need to have a balanced life where there's time for work, family, and fun, otherwise you will look back one day and regret you did nothing but write awesome books. Repeat it to yourself like a mantra and it will eventually sink. I think. =)
Good luck!
From Diary of a Writer in Progress
Thanks Gina! You're right--breaks are a necessary part of the process.
DeleteNever feel guilty, Lara. Never beat yourself up. It doesn't make getting back to the writing easier.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to accept that there will be little or no writing. Life is important and there are things to be dealt with. And sometimes that includes not feeling well or dealing with family members or other issues we'd rather not.
Sometimes it's your body or mind's way of saying it needs a break. Refresh the muse with TV, books, music, or movies. Or go outside and feel the sun on your face. Play with a baby for the sheer joy of it.
Then use that experience (or feelings evoked by the experience) in the writing. :)
You are so right, Jen! Guilt is such a useless emotion sometimes, isn't it?
DeleteThanks for your thoughtful comment! :)
Oh, I definitely have that guilt! Thanks to Zan Marie and morning pages, though, I've found a way to save myself, especially because I haven't been setting a word limit on my morning pages. As long as I fill up one side of one sheet of my notebook (a sheet is about the size of two hands), that's the minimum. Any more is a bonus!
ReplyDeleteMorning pages are such a great idea--makes me wish I was a morning person. Alas, I do my best work at night, so my process is more like 'evening pages' :)
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