In Stop Worrying; Start Writing, I spoke about having to re-learn the same techniques, of having to remind myself of truths I had forgotten, and – once again – this has proved to be the case!
I’m sharing my struggles in the hope that it might be helpful. The summer is a classic time to fall off the writerly wagon, and I want you to know that you are not alone; good habits are hard to establish and easy to lose. A regular refresh is not only normal, but necessary.
For myself, however, I’m talking about rather more than a ‘refresh’: I need a total reset.
I would like to blame this on a recent life event which knocked me out of routine, but that wouldn’t be true. I was already in trouble.
While taking control of my own career and seeing writing as a business saved my sanity and gave me back a sense of optimism and energy, it’s also true that it led me into some less-than-helpful thought patterns. Despite knowing better, I fell into the habit of calling my writing ‘work’. I lumped it in with my working-day – a task on my to-do list alongside ‘updating accounts’ and ‘sending out newsletter’.
Now, this approach actually worked very well for a while. There is something to be said for making writing another mundane ‘to do’, no more difficult (or avoidable!) than any other appointment on my schedule. It’s also good, I think, to apply that old-fashioned notion of a ‘work ethic’ to writing or any other creative endeavour.
Where it stopped working for me was when it stopped working for me… I know that seems obvious, but it wasn’t to me!
Things change. Mind-games that work for months or years can suddenly stop being effective.
Where I went wrong was in ignoring that this had happened and soldiering on with my old habits of thought and routine, even as I got ever-diminishing results.
And, over time, with countless thoughts like ‘I must get on with some work this morning’ and ‘I need 3000 words a day to hit my goal, I must work harder’ and ‘I worked really hard yesterday, I can take time off today’, I equated writing fiction – my love and escape – with work. Hard work. Something difficult and draining which required treats and time off to recover from.
Now, as I’ve already said, this approach can work really well. I’ve long been a fan of mini-rewards and treats to keep my writing life on track. The key different lies, however, in semantics. When I reward myself for 1000 words written with a cup of tea and an episode of Jessica Jones, it can either be framed as a mental ‘high five’, a way of introducing positivity and small ‘wins’ throughout the long slog of a novel.
Or it can be a signal to your brain that you deserve a treat because you just did something awful and boring.
I’ve discovered that the second interpretation can sneak up and sandbag your motivation.
So. What am I doing to hit the reset button?
Taking my own advice (I also mention this as a tip in SWSW – I’d just forgotten to use it!) and stopping referring to writing fiction as ‘work’.
Everything else – this post, replying to emails, sending out my newsletter, running ads, doing my accounts, making the podcast – all of that is ‘work’. Work I enjoy, luckily enough, but work nonetheless. Writing fiction, however, is to be rebranded ‘play’.
More accurately, writing is going back to its original branding… From back before I was published.
Writing was my passion and my joy, my escape and my dream.
Yes, it was something I worried about (and avoided from fear), but it burned brightly in my secret heart. I need to remind myself of that.
I am re-reading favourite books from childhood and my teenage years and spending time every day writing long-hand in my journal – connecting with my younger self.
I’m referring to fiction writing as ‘play’ and correcting myself when I slip up and call it ‘work’.
I’m (trying!) to remove all guilt associated with not getting ‘enough’ writing done and focusing instead on spending time on it. Instead of thinking ‘I must get 1000 words written’ I’m thinking ‘I get to play for two hours this morning’.
How about you? How are your writing habits? Are they serving you well or do you need a writer reset?
I am in this very place — desperately in need of a reset. The idea to re-read your favorite childhood books is great. I will try this, too. It might reignite the wonder that inspired me to write in the beginning. Thank you for your thoughts.
I’m sorry you are in the same place, but very glad you found the post useful. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, and good luck with your writing!
Sarah, your words are always so encouraging! Thank you for risking being open like this, you have no idea how many of us really need this. Blessings to you.
Thanks so much, Steve; you have no idea how much I needed your comment today! Best wishes, Sarah
Hi Sarah! Writing to you from the sunny San Francisco Bay Area to say how much I’ve enjoyed your podcasts and book Stop Worrying, Start Writing. It’s nice to know there are others out there who are sometimes anxious about the creative process. I’m a graphic designer as well as a wannabe writer, and I hope you realize that your sage advice applies to more than just writers…ALL creatives can benefit from your tips and suggestions. Keep up the good work… and I will keep tuning in!
Hi Sabrina! That is brilliant to hear – thank you. Good luck with all your creative work!
Writing as play instead of work struck a chord. I sew. It started as a love of fashion making clothes when younger, then making my own curtains when I had my first home. I was once asked by a fabric shop to make curtains for their customers and got paid but found it wasn’t fun like making my own. I hated their fabric choice, it didn’t appeal to my creative side and it was long hours sewing for not a lot of money so I didn’t carry on after that first job. I joined a writers’ group for leisure and had some non-fiction articles published which was play for me, then developed my interest in writing when I recently completed a qualification in journalism. I was surprised to be shortlisted for the 2018 Scottish Student Journalism Awards for my “Granny Goes to College” column on the college website. I had more articles published on disability and on women’s issues. People tell me I should write my own blog with my articles but I am of a generation that is quite fearful of putting yourself out there with social media, so I seem to have this block about starting a blog. Writing online as part of the college course felt ok since it was part of the course and everyone had to write for the class website. I found your podcast today and your website and I definitely relate to the worry and fear factor. Fate – if you believe in it – or what?
Thank you for visiting and commenting, Margaret – welcome! Yes, being ‘out there’ can feel very scary. I set rules for myself about privacy (how much personal stuff I was happy to share online etc) which made me feel more in control. Also, remember you can try it and, if you don’t enjoy it, you can stop (and take your blog offline). Good luck!