One of the greatest joys in my life is to be able to sit down and work on my current novel. I like nothing more than to have an empty day stretching ahead of me, plenty of tea and a few tasty snacks to nibble. I love to huddle over my computer with two cats nudging each other out of the way for lap space, and my head in another world for hours on end as I take my characters ever closer to the final page’s sail into the sunset. Sheer bliss!
Unfortunately, reality intrudes. Life gets in the way for all of us, and while that’s not a bad thing, it can be frustrating when you’re trying to keep track of a tenuous work-in-progress.
This is one of the reasons why I like to have my novel’s working outline constantly close at hand. Even if I haven’t written anything in weeks, all I need at the start of a long-overdue writing session is a few minutes to glance over the outline and read my notes about which piece of it I worked on last time, then I’m back in the hot seat, fired up and ready to go.
Sadly, that hasn’t happened for a while now.
Before April started, I signed up for Camp NaNoWriMo, in a determined attempt to add to the word count of my as-yet-unfinished first draft. All I had to do was find time to write about 1000 words a day. Halfway through the month, I had to reduce my target to 700 words a day, but I have still failed. We all have our excuses, and here are mine:
First, the job I supposedly got back in March was snatched from me at the eleventh hour. I still don’t know what happened, but it seems to have been a combination of bureaucracy and a faulty message system. Suffice it to say that I had to start all over again from scratch, looking for a new job. Disheartening to say the least!
Second, a writing contract that I applied for back in January came up at last. Ten small articles online, but it’s quite fun and a good chance to stretch my writing muscles in new ways. (Plus there’s a little bit of money to be made, which is very welcome.) So instead of writing anything else, I have spent the last two weeks searching for material for the client’s business, and each article I write takes me about a day longer than it should. I will get faster, so they keep telling me…
Third, in answer to my ever-lengthening quest for a job, I have been given the chance to prove myself in a busy fresh food store, with a few casual shifts per week to bring in some much-needed money. I trained today and will start officially tomorrow.
Suddenly life has got in the way of writing. I’m very grateful that at last I can start to get my life back on track and move forward. But where does this leave me, writing-wise?
No need to panic. I’ve got this sorted. I’m going to carry on as before. I’m adaptable. I’m a writer, after all. It will just take me a little longer.
While I can’t always stay glued to the computer, that doesn’t mean I have to stop thinking about my story, its characters and their situation. I will always remain open to new bits of research that serendipitously drop into my lap from time to time. I believe in synchronicity with writing. Whether we attract things to us, or they find us by chance is not important here. What is important is that odd ideas pop into the heads of writers all the time, particularly when injected with the stimulation from a new work environment.
My blog-writing and my newsletter-writing have been halted as well as my novel-writing, but I’ll get back on track just as soon as I can sort out and adapt to my new schedule. And I’m sure my writing will be the richer for it in the long run.
Bear with me. I will return…
I hear you sister! I haven’t written anything much either for weeks. My new Hot off the Press is super fresh every Monday but all other inspiration has taken a backseat. Sometimes, life gets in the way. Cheers,H
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your words of support, Helen. It’s good to know I’m not the only one. Wishing you inspiration too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so tough isn’t it? Life really can get in the way of writing, especially stress. I was on jury service recently and found that the added stress of court AND keeping up with my admin job meant I stopped writing for six weeks. Thankfully, I’m back at it now, and the break did me good. I hope it helps you too. 🙂 I look forward to reading more from you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Amy. I look forward to reading more of your blog as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very best wishes as you navigate the busy waters of life. I have full confidence it will all sort itself out in due time. Enjoy the new working gig and know we’ll be here whenever you can embrace your writing passion. ❤︎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Monika. It’s heartwarming to have support from fellow writers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so understand! I go around for weeks mulling the story in my head when I cannot write. But I am glad you are dipping your toes in the Australian work force. So annoying this having to earn money business.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, isn’t it? How I wish we could just exist on air and love and flowers or something…
LikeLike