I’ve been making good progress on Gods of Talera this summer. This is the
fifth book in the Taleran series and brings the current storyline to an end. During
the last week in June and first week in July I was averaging over 1000 words a
day, and a couple of times approached or exceeded 2000 words a day. I only
count them when they are pretty well polished so that means quite a bit of
wordage for me.
A lot of the progress I was making
was due to two things, 1) getting into the routine of writing every day, which
I can seldom do during the school year because of other work, and 2) the story
developing momentum, with one idea leading to another and another and another.
For me, that kind of thing starts to snowball and it revs up my excitement
level for the tale, making it easier for me to dive into work every day.
Then, starting on Monday, July 6,
the momentum started to fade. This was expected. I had a presentation on Dreams
and Creativity to prepare for Saturday, July 11, and I started working on the
presentation, as well as doing things to promote it. I managed a residual 1000
words on Gods on Tuesday, July 7, and then it dropped to virtually nothing the
rest of the week as my attention turned toward the presentation.
I’ve found that I always have a day
or two lag after a writing interruption before I can pick up the momentum again.
I expected this after the dream presentation, and had already decided to take
that Sunday off and hit it again hard on Monday. Sunday was when Randy Johnson
died.
I didn’t get started back on Gods on
Monday. I did a bit on Tuesday, then sagged again for a couple of more days. A
big part of it was my sadness at Randy’s passing. I know some writers who seem
to be most energized to write when they are upset emotionally. I’m not one of
those writers, at least not where fiction is concerned. I write best when my
mood is stable, and it wasn’t.
I realized on Thursday, though, that
Randy, of all people, would not want any writer to write less because of his
death. Randy loved good reading and, judging by his reviews, he loved the
Talera series. I wrote about 800 words yesterday. Not quite a thousand but not
a bad chunk. I’ve got to get my momentum back, gotta keep rolling. I owe it to
Randy, and myself.
I wish you success in your efforts to regain the momentum. May the Muses be with you.
ReplyDeleteYet I am reminded of writers who say that they sit themselves down for prescribed periods of time each day, even if those iron-clad commitments yield little or no progress. Perhaps those writers ought be envied in that their lives permit such commitments. On the other hand, they are like Sisyphus; they must constantly push that boulder up the hillside even if they make no progress.
My life -- and I guess yours -- will not allow for that kind of prescriptive writing. Only with teaching (i.e., grading essays and assignments) have I been able to be that disciplined. I guess I had no choice.
Again, may the Muses be with you!
You are making good progress, keep at it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear things are picking up again. Distractions and personal upsets always break my momentum, too.
ReplyDeletePlus I find that when I'm writing a lot (rare!), I can burn myself out and then need to dial it back for a time.
R. T., Just no way I can do it with school. Grading, proposals, research, committees, etc etc.
ReplyDeleteOscar, thanks
CS, I could see that happening. anything you do too long and too intensely can drain you.
To everything turn, turn, turn......
ReplyDeleteI think I write best when a bit hurried, but when emotionally troubled, I find myself struggling. Sorry about the loss of a friend.
ReplyDeleteCloudia, amen
ReplyDeleteSage, I tend to write best in a time of calmness
I can imagine how beautiful this series would look as a box set.
ReplyDeleteDavid, that would be very cool!
ReplyDeleteI admit I'm one of those that escapes into the fiction writing to avoid reality. I think the habit gets reinforced because it works for me. :)
ReplyDeleteBernard, when I get started it certainly is an enjoyable escape.
ReplyDeleteOh, am so sorry to hear Randy passed away! I know he was a big fan of yours. That is so sad.
ReplyDeleteI understand about job, life stress, etc. sinking momentum. I started writing again last month and was about 8000 words into it when I began a new job. Have only written about 400 words in the past few weeks. :(
Kate, I'm trying to make hay while the sun shines because I sure will have a similar slow down once school starts.
ReplyDeleteGood numbers, Charles. My problem is writer's block. I hate it when it comes.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on building up a great streak. And yes, it's understandable that taking a major hit like losing a friend would knock you off said streak. Getting back on it is great, but don't be too hard on yourself. {{}}
ReplyDeleteAngie
Prashant, I think I mostly have writer's lack of commitment. I can almost always write if I force myself to it, but sometimes I just can't seem to do so.
ReplyDeleteAngie, I certainly cut myself more slack as I have been aging.
Sorry to get so far behind in reading posts, my little bro is still here and Mr. RK is gone, and I can't believe how much stuff it takes to take care of a household of two cats!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you got your momentum back, based on the most recent post - good on you.
Charles-give yourself a moment to process the loss of your friend. After that, your mind will be clear to proceed with your writing. xo
ReplyDelete