Sometimes, when I carry something heavy, my arms hurt the next day. If I do situps, my stomach hurts later. I can do other things, such as typing, and that doesn't bother me.
Why do I get sore muscles? It's because I'm using ones I don't ordinarily use and they're protesting.
I confess I've let things slide. I've allowed winter weather to interfere with getting to Fitness classes, and my body isn't happy about it. I didn't used to have this problem, and I hope to get to more classes, weather permitting, so I won't have it any more. If weather's not permitting, I'll exert discipline and exercise at home.
The same thing happens with writing. I can blog every day because I've kept up that exercise, but I'm having a harder time finishing my work in progress. Lately, my brain hasn't exercised in that direction. No, I don't get headaches after doing so, thank goodness, but it's harder for me to focus. I fumble around trying to find the right words to say. I have a difficult time coming up with plot points and descriptions. My characters' thoughts elude me.
I've got tons of unwriting projects that need doing. One of them is getting my income tax papers together, which means balancing a checkbook that's been neglected for months. Still, I'm determined to spend more time each day on my novel. I need to get back in writing shape.
What about you? Do you ever get out of writing shape? If you let yourself slide for a while, is it harder for you to come up with ideas when you do write? Or, are you so disciplined you never let this happen? Do you have a routine you follow, no matter what? Please share.
Ooo yeah - I can relate to this. I have 3 unfinished manuscripts that keep calling me but just haven't been "in shape" enough this winter to get them done with any kind of brilliance. So I blog and post a lot to keep at least somewhat sharp. I'm a binge writer when the blessed "zone" hits - I can go for like 3 days with little sleep or eats, just pounding away furiously. But I need to get back to a more disciplined daily writing in the books, even if it's not "brilliant" writing, you can rework sagging scenes when you self-edit and rewrite. I'll get back in shape. I've been thru this cycle several times. Kind of like letting yourelf get overweight and then saying "enough" and dieting and exercising back into shape.
ReplyDeleteOoo yeah - I can relate to this. I have 3 unfinished manuscripts that keep calling me but just haven't been "in shape" enough this winter to get them done with any kind of brilliance. So I blog and post a lot to keep at least somewhat sharp. I'm a binge writer when the blessed "zone" hits - I can go for like 3 days with little sleep or eats, just pounding away furiously. But I need to get back to a more disciplined daily writing in the books, even if it's not "brilliant" writing, you can rework sagging scenes when you self-edit and rewrite. I'll get back in shape. I've been thru this cycle several times. Kind of like letting yourelf get overweight and then saying "enough" and dieting and exercising back into shape.
ReplyDeleteI find that everytime I start a new story-it takes a while to get into the rhythm of it- I think, "ugh this is hard." Then when a draft is complete and I need to concentrate on revisions- i.e. other mental muscles...I think, "ugh. This is hard...wish I were writing a first draft." ;) For me it's a never ending cycle that I push through.
ReplyDeleteLOL, certain things can be multi-tasked, but when it comes to writing a novel, man, that takes total devotion. I'm wondering if it's our age?
ReplyDeleteGood lord, Morgan, it's like looking in a mirror... I SO relate to the need to keep all muscles, both physical and mental, in shape or things start slipping...
ReplyDeleteI hear you. I tend to write most days. It's a habit I acquired during my pre-pubbed days and one I think has stood me in good stead. Last year I went on holiday for seven weeks. Hubby and I had a ball, but I didn't write a thing. I found it very difficult to get back into routine on my return. It took me another month before I became productive again.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.shelleymunro.com/blog
I think writing, just like other disciplines, goes much better and flows much easier if you exercise those "muscles" every day. Unfortunately, even though I'd like to write on a schedule, my schedule doesn't permit. :) Too often I get called for emergency babysitting duties - which I love and just can't resist!
ReplyDeleteSharon Reece
http://grandmaisawriter.blogspot.com
I am the kind that can't stop long enought to do something else. At times I become manic about my writing. I wrote 2 manuscripts at the same time never mixing up the characters. Then I realized I should really stop with one and finish the other. Now during the editing of the first one I wrote 2 short stories, several poems and now started a new manuscript that I feel is better than all of what I have written. Whew! My family has to drag me screaming and kicking away from the computer to eat, sleep, go out and eat, or go to the movies. I can't help it, I cannot not write!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's so important to write everyday, even if just a little paragraph. I tend to let emailing and blogging get in the way of my novel writing. What I try to do now is write on my novel every morning from Monday to Friday. Then afternoons and weekends are for the other fun online stuff. Seems to be working and I'm getting works in progress uot of the way. But those weekday mornings have to be SACRED.
ReplyDeleteMayra
Erm... I'm still really, really new at the whole writing thing... so um, in the past 11 months I've written 6 books... I'm gonna pass on this comment.. I feel I need a vacation soon though! LOL! Jenni
ReplyDelete