(I am the worst!!! I had this post ready to go, but didn't press Publish... *sigh*)
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
And we’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
The IWSG question this month is:
Did you ever say “I quit”? If so, what happened to make you come back to writing?
I haven't said "I quit," but life has insisted I say, "I pause," at different times.
My life is a little beyond hectic. (I know we all say that!) A fellow teacher recently used me as an example of, "You might have some challenges in your life, but it doesn't mean you have to take it out on people around you. Look at Mrs. Fraser. If you knew the things she was juggling in her life, you'd expect her to be mean, miserable and constantly cranky, but you'd never guess that, would you?"
Still not sure how I feel about the whole description, but my life is incredibly busy. Finding time to write is challenging enough. Finding the appropriate energy to apply to writing, revising, & editing is even harder. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation have reared their ugly heads on occasion and I've had no choice but to slow down on everything but the necessities.
And that all sounds incredibly self-pitying. It's not meant that way. Truly. I love my life - every crazy bit of it.
It's just an example to show that while I may appear to the slowest writer on the planet, it's actually not completely true. I'm growing and learning and still writing. And, no, I don't think I'll ever say, "I quit." Writing is too much fun!
How about you? How crazy-busy is your life? Any other slow-but-growing writers out there?
39 comments:
I've had a few "I pause," times too. That's a perfect thing to call it.
I'm imagining a mean, miserable and constantly cranky Jemi Fraser. Okay. I think I've got it. However, she immediately has morphed into a character in a book, and now has nothing to do with the Jemi I know.
Take care. Take that pause. . .and a deep breath or two.
I agree - 'cause we're not quitting :)
Love ti!!! :)
Trying for those breaths now!
I can be a horrifically slow writer at times, like lately having just moved. But even tho I've thought of quitting I could never never do it.
I paused for over a year, which might not sound like much, but right in the middle of my author career was probably not a good time to do it. But it happens to all of us.
No worries about being late!
I am definitely glacial. I have been frustrated-by my own abilities and the indusrty that just doesn't recognize my genius (just kidding). But the only thing to do is keep on keeping on, as they say. Summer's coming--will you crazy life slow down then?
She should be a complete basket case, but she's not. LOL I think it just means they are impressed how well you have your s___ together.
I know the pause button all too well.
Yes, when you work at another job and have a family, there are times where writing has to take a back seat. But the good thing is that you love it and can spend more time on it when you have time.
I also love my life - every crazy bit of it... means we're living, not merely existing. Though I always welcome some rest and relaxation.
Cheers to the pause button!
I'm glad to know I'm not the only writer with a beyond hectic life. Many days, I'm lucky to get in an hour's writing time. More days than not, it's less than that. I treasure those days because I'm involved with real living and breathing people and not just those who live inside my head. I treasure those few days I get to live in their world all day, too, but in a different way. I think Michelle is right. We're living authors.
Life is for living and it sounds like you make the most of it. Pausing in the writing is unavoidable at times. You'll get there!
Me neither! We'll keep on working :)
Thanks :)
It does happen - life is good...but crazy! :)
LOL - I'm really, REALLY hoping life will slow down during the summer, but who knows??? :)
I hope so! I'm glad I at least appear to have my S*** together :)
I agree! It brings me joy and peace - 2 things we all need :)
Rest and relaxation sound really good right now!! :)
I agree! That's the best way to put it. Life is about the people we love and I don't want to mess that up!
I am! Although some of it is incredibly difficult, it still involves the people I love so that's good! :)
Only losers quit :) Heroes try until they die LOL, which might make losers smarter... indeed
Boy do I understand how teaching can slurp the creativity right out of your bones!!!! You've got to be kind to yourself during those stretches.
It may indeed! But I'll keep trying anyway! :)
It is tough - but the teaching part is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg :)
I really like your phrase, "I pause." That is a much more realistic view. I honestly don't think any of us quit... we "Pause." And that could mean a day, week, month, or even years. But eventually the "Play" button is pushed we we continue to write.
I've been on "Pause" for quite some time, but I know that it is only for now. One day that "Play" button will be pushed and the writing will come. Life has so many obstacles and at times we need to concentrate on jumping those hurdles or we will crash.
I've never quit, but I feel comfortable with a pause. Right now I'm focussing my energies on non-fiction writing, and loving it!
Can't say I've ever said 'I quit' but that's more just because writing is therapeutic for me. That said, I have occasionally put the brakes on here or there for a couple weeks just cause my focus is elsewhere.
I know you will press that Play button again!
Yes, the obstacles are sometimes pretty large. We've got a loved one with dementia who requires a lot of care at this time. Hope your world settles for you!
I'm so glad you're enjoying that non-fiction! There are all kinds of ways to fulfill our creative needs! :)
I think a lot of us do that. I've had to when the real world sucks my energy dry. Thankfully there are lots of good times as well! :)
To me, it sounds like you are a strong woman who doesn't complain or blame. I think we would be in person friends if we lived near each other. :) You are the type of person I need in my life. :)
LOL. Yeah, that's my life. So I was sure I commented here on IWSG day, but maybe the internet ate my comment? It happens. At any rate, we take things as we're able, eh? There are seasons when writing doesn't fit as well, and times when we can't stop because it's flowing so prolifically. Here's the riding the current and not beating ourselves up along the way!
Hi, Jemi,
Just thought I'd drop by to let you know I finally wrote a small piece for the WEP bloghop... do drop by if you have some free time... love for you to read it...
Pauses are inevitable, I think. (They are for me, at the very least!) It's better to know what your limits are and slow down when necessary--the chaoticness of life would simply be too overwhelming, otherwise!
We all need a little time away. Best to take it, than face consequences.
Damyanti
I completely agree Sharon - I think we would be very good friends!!!
Exactly! It's impossible to control the real world, we have to learn to ride those waves :)
I agree. I've been in danger of crossing the line and being overwhelmed in the worst possible ways. Trying to do better now!
Agreed! Taking a breath is always smart!
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