Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Overcoming Writer's Block...Or Not

I've definitely been struggling with writer's block, with finding the time to write, and with making writing a priority.  And so the last nine chapters of my current WIP have been uncommitted to paper, trapped in my mind. 

Yesterday, I decided to just do it, to get the last chapters down on paper even if they are really rough.  I think a big part of my problem is that one of the characters that I really like needs to die.  There's no working around it.  His death and the exact manner of his death is the thing the story is about.  I can't save him.  I like writing dark comedies, which is what this one was meant to be, but it's not funny.  The story turned out being tragic. 

The next novel or two or maybe a series I want to write is historical fiction set in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1800's, maybe later.  I'm compelled to write these stories after doing some research and hearing some stories about my ancestors.  Some of them are Cherokee Indians that escaped the removal of Native Americans.  More about that another day - the bottom line is these stories have no chance of being comedies either.

When I write sad stuff, it tends to bring me down.  The best I can do is make the rest of everything around me as positive as possible.  Not a bad thing to do when writing comedies too, now that I think about it. 

So I redecorated my blog with a ridiculously upbeat background.  I came up with a schedule for housework and yard work.  I got my vegetables planted so I'd have the rest of the day to write.  I decided to not allow my medical issues to get me down.  Attitude is everything, right?

And then, with perfect comedic timing, I slipped on the brick path near my outside water faucet, went airborne, and somehow landed face down in the grass after bouncing on my bad leg first.  I screamed like a little girl. 

Later I asked my preschooler if I looked cool flying through the air like a karate person or just awkward.  He considered it for a moment and said, "Just awkward."

I was OK at first, and then muscle spasms attacked me viciously.  So I spent the rest of the day on muscle relaxants and pain meds.  And I woke up this morning too groggy to write a decent sentence. 

Coffee, more coffee....  I am not giving up.


*   *    *    *    * 

OK, actually I am giving up.  Husband didn't go into the office until 10:00.  The house looks like a tornado hit.  Whatever.

24 comments:

  1. Hmmm, you hurt yourself so now you don't have to write the scene you don't want to write? Could it be psychosematic? Or, if you look at it this way, you've been rendered immobile and must write it!

    Isn't it funny how our characters have their own minds and often go against what we want them to do. I've had to get firm on occasion, and tell them to get back in character!

    When the timing is right, it will get done, Tonja:)

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    1. I'd rather stop writing entirely than keep getting hurt. Long story.

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  2. Oh, I forgot to say - your background is very lively! Hope it helps :)

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  3. Tonja, I'm sorry about the fall! (Too bad your youngster was honest. Just pretend you looked cool anyway.) Don't give up!

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    1. I'm sure it could have been worse. At least no one was watching - as far as I know.

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  4. I admire your tenacity. Don't give up! Finish, for all our sakes :)

    Sarah Allen
    (my creative writing blog)

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  5. Coffee will always help. At least, that's my philosophy. Maybe you need a movie or book reading day... :)

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    1. Coffee does help...to a point. Then I can't think straight. I did read a little today.

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  6. Wow -- ouch!!!

    I admire your stick-to-it-ivness! Well, at least when it comes to your writing. You probably could have used more of it between your feet and the ground though, dangit!

    I truly hope you're doing alright and I wish you tremendous luck and success with your WIP!!!

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    1. Very funny. And true. I did put a door mat down on the bricks so it won't happen twice. At least I didn't crack my head open.

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  7. I wrote this, then I got a call from daycare that my little guy busted his head open. He's OK and was so brave when they stapled his head shut. He didn't even flinch.

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  8. I like the new blog look. Congrats on busting through some writer's block.

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    1. Thanks. I'm back on the right track, even if I'm moving slow. I think I'll have some completion by the end of the month if my husband will just go to work.

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  9. The new blog look is fab.

    Jeez. Hope your little guy is OK. You really are having a bad string. I often stall when I find things too overwhelming. So I break them down into manageable chunks. One page at a time. One chapter at a time.

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    1. I have a really hard time writing just one page - I have a neurotic (psychotic) need for competion. I usually try to do one chapter in a sitting. Maybe tomorrow. My asthma has flared up - hurts when I inhale. And no one noticed I stopped doing laundry. Awesome.

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  10. Okay. Enough is enough. You are having bad mojo and must get rid of it. Pass it to a neighbor. Flush it down the toilet. Something.
    You'll get through it.
    Sorry about your little guy. It's so hard when they get hurt and we can't take the pain away.
    Sit with them on the couch and relax.
    Heather

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    1. Whenever I declare out loud or in writing that I won't be defeated, anvils fall from the sky. I've taken off all week - he had a gaping hole in his head the size of a dime. He hasn't complained once but seems to be enjoying the hugs.

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  11. Yipes, I thought I was the only one who'd perfected the little appreciated art of the awkward landing. Hope you and your little one are both feeling better today. Your blog looks loverly.

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    1. The universe keeps tripping me, breaking my toe bones, giving me asthma attacks. I imagine Zeus in the clouds laughing a maniacal laugh while he trips me.

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  12. I think writers block should be renamed 'headfuzzywuzzywiirrrrwhaaaa?!'. What do you think?

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    1. For me it's more of a slow but complete drain of creative impulse. Like four flat tires and no cell phone to call for help.

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  13. Sorry I didn't see this earlier. How awful that you're both injured. Hope you and your little guy feel better soon. Julie

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