Friday, November 06, 2009

Are You Writing?

Are you writing? Are you working on your novel, short story, article?

My answer: No. *gulp*

I admit it. I haven't been writing this week. I've been reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield that I won from Jenna's contest (thanks, Jenna!) and it's a very direct call to get off your tush and just do it. It specifically talks about Resistance and how that derails us at every opportunity possible.

Well, it's been derailing me this week. I've allowed my personal life to interfere with my writing instead of using my writing as an escape, a relief, a chance to get my mind off what's going on in my world and focus on something else.

I hope to get back on track this weekend so that next time I ask this question, I can answer with a resounding, "YES!"

What about you? Are you writing?

18 comments:

  1. I'm writing every chance I get. I am totally consumed. NaNo has awakened my passion even more! I love this stuff.

    Come join me...

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  2. Finally, yes! And it feels good. Didn't think I'd get that motivation again.

    Good luck to you, Melissa! Maybe it'll happen this weekend.

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  3. Yes, everyday, moving back and forth between a few projects - my nf proposal and a manuscript. Have a nice weekend, hope you're writing soon!

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  4. Reading is considered research ;)

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  5. I'm only writing on my blog, which I used to feel SO guilty about because I thought I wasn't doing "real" writing. But then it occurred to me that it can be real if I want it to. What a liberation! Now if I could only find a way to make money with it...

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  6. So do you like the book?

    I was very off track and needed some kind of kick in the pants. The interview with Steven helped and then his Writing Wednesday this week really gave me the push I needed.

    So I am writing, but it's only been flowing for the past few days...let's see if I can keep it up :).

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  7. Just finished a first draft and giving it a couple of days to settle. Been doing some research. Life sometimes gets in the way. Don't beat yourself up too much :)

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  8. I'm writing something a little each day, but it's after my first job, being a mom, which means it's between making oatmeal for breakfast, running the kids up to the school bus stop, and then writing between diapering our baby and everything else conceiveable. But I do write. Just not as much as I'd ever like (whine). Or at least I blog. That counts, right?

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  9. I'm taking part in NaNo this year for the first time and loving it. Only 37,000 words to go until the end of the month. Gulp.

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  10. Tamika - Hurray! I'm so happy for you! And today, I am joining you. I started writing this morning and it's been wonderful.

    Rebecca - I bow to anyone who can do NaNo in November!

    Janna - So glad you got your motivation. I hate it when it disappears and takes forever to return!

    Joanne - How great to work on lots of different projects at once. Keeps things fresh.

    T.Anne - Good point. ;-)

    Laurie - I think posts on your blog are definitely real writing. You put a lot of heart and soul into them. :-)

    Jenna - I DO like the book. It is so easy to read. I love the way it's formatted - not a big hunk of text staring you down. And boy, doe he ever make a lot of sense. I love his take on Resistance.

    Toni, finishing a first draft is a huge deal. You deserve a few days off!

    Terresa - As a mother, I know where you're coming from. Whenever you can squeeze in writing, it's a victory. Thanks for stopping by!

    Debs - You can DO it. You're off to a fabulous start!

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  11. Reading is good! You need to do that to write better:)) But no, I've only taken notes this week. Was going to put them into my manuscript today and got sidetracked but it is scheduled!

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  12. Don't feel guilty if you shrugged off writing for reading...it's all good. I've been writing enough for two people, I think.

    I had a story all set for NaNo and had a feverish spell of writing that has me nearing the 20k mark. But all of a sudden this other story just highjacked my brain. This has never happened to me before so I'm just going to go with it. I guess it doesn't matter what I write, just as long as I write, right? LOL

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  13. Terri, I agree. I think reading is imperative to write better. And taking notes to still keep you in the manuscript is a good thing!

    Hi Karen - Wow, 20k is awesome! And don't you just love it when a new story idea takes hold? Sheer happiness. :-) Thanks for stopping by!

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  14. The last couple of weeks have been intense -- two grants due last weekend AND two short story deadlines. I have three short stories to finish in the next two weeks and a novella to start and a few other projects on the burner -- along with a trip to DC and another one to Maine.

    But I'm loving it!

    And I'm loving the royalty checks that arrived this week even more!

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  15. Anonymous8:35 PM

    I admit that my writing hasn't been it's best this weekend. I traveled a lot so I'm just chilling tonight.
    Congrats on winning the book. Hope it helps to steam you on your way to writing more. =]

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  16. Devon, you always amaze me with your boundless writing energy. :-)

    L.T. - Traveling takes a lot of energy, even if you're just sitting in a car and driving. Chilling is called for!

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  17. What wonderful responses from everyone! Love hearing everyone's enthusiasm and passion.

    Yes, I'm writing. Set aside the WIP that wasn't working and starting something new. So far, so good. (fingers crossed)

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