September will be my month of learning.
What, just one month?
Think of it as back to school, metaphorically. I've finished my manuscript (and I say that with crossed fingers and many wishes). Okay, I've finished my manuscript for the time being. Round one. Version one. Draft one. But it's done. And now I realize that I've forgotten how to write.
What? How does writing a book make you forget how to write?
I've been so focused on this one project for long, that I no longer know how to work outside of it. Previously, I talked about living the writer's life, and recently I realized that I was distilling that experience into the context of this one project (plus a bunch of short little postcards for August, and that's now done). Now I need to get back to the whole world, spread my writing wings, start from scratch.
Or I could just work on submissions.
I need to get going again, start with baby steps, crawl, walk, run. It starts with one word and then another word. One image. Ah, that's the trick: I've been looking at images through one filter. I need to broaden my view, open my eyes. Taking a deep breath or two might also help.
What about you? Do you ever feel like you've forgotten what to do, how to start? Does it feel like you've forgotten, in a way, who you are? (Please excuse the melodrama.) How do you get going again?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
What about you? Do you ever feel like you've forgotten what to do, how to start? Does it feel like you've forgotten, in a way, who you are? (Please excuse the melodrama.) How do you get going again?
*** I cannot tell you how many times a year I feel this way. I constantly have to regroup and rebalance myself.
I don't know how to get going again except to get going. Just keep showing up.
A lot this has to do with seasons for me, I tend to believe it will always return in the fall.
Hello. Stumbled accross your blog randomly; would like to link exchange links with you! Please add me to your links (if you want, scroll down to the bottom of my blog and find the "GRAB THIS ANIMATOR" link, it'll link you to some code that you can put on your page).
Now for my post. I know what you mean about starting all over again; I just self-published a collection of poetry, and realized that I don't know or remember how to write poetry creatively and with passion, the way I did a few years ago. Of course, i'm only 28 so I have time to figure things out. Still; creativity is like that. If you stop using it, you end up losing it, in most cases.
Well, be well and keep writing! If nothing else, we can exchange manuscripts and pat each other on the back!
Stephen
blog.writersdigest.ca
Well, Kelli, welcome to fall--in your new writing barn!
Stephen, your comment about having plenty of time reminds me of my husband's concern about years; he's learning to make wine and realizes that he'll have only so many vintages to perfect that craft. I'll check out your blog.
Post a Comment