Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Things have been kind of busy around here with the new puppy, but I’m getting back to work. Still, when the North wind blows into California, I start shivering and coming up with excuses for not writing.
One of my favorite hobbies is
crocheting. I’ve crocheted sweaters, scarves and hats that magically, bring on
a heatwave. Then it drops thirty degrees and I’ll have tea and get comfortable
in fuzzy slippers, when all of a sudden there’s a barking festival inside, and
outside, the house. Seems the neighborhood dogs want to welcome our pup. By the
time the chorus is over, it’s time for lunch. It’s a never-ending cycle, and we
have to be ready. All creative writers have to be ready. Are you?
Which leads me to the two pieces of advice I have for times
like this:
1. Stay the course.
You don't have time. Seriously. After all, there
are a million distractions, but don’t forget, your mind still works. You can
plot things out without writing them down. The more you repeat dialogue in your
head, the better it will be. If you’re prone to forgetting things, make small
notes along the way. Notes aside, you can create a better story by thinking
about your scene--and your characters and imagining everything clearly—all while
making dinner or driving your car.
When shopping, and about to select a vegetable or package off the shelf, think about your characters. What would they eat, what would they drink? Do they eat cereal for breakfast? Are they just like you? Maybe not, right?
Don’t worry, you’ll have time to write it all down someday. Maybe not this week, or next, but when it’s right. In other words, don’t give up. Ever.
2. Stay Positive!
There are many reasons for excuses. One bad
rejection letter and I can fall behind for two months. Broadcasts about war send
my poetry muse packing. If my book isn’t selling, I wonder why I should write
another. Then, when I least expect it, I receive a wonderful review about how
the reader can’t wait to read more.
My acceptance file. |
When you receive an acceptance letter—print
it--and put it next to your computer. Additionally, I suggest not watching the
depressing, not-so-local news. Instead, stay in tune with your local
neighborhood, by joining social media groups and watching city hall meetings in
your town. Want edge of your seat reporting? The comments about the lost cat
from around the corner are riveting. Also, a distraction, but more interesting
than anything that happens on cable. Plus more poetic.
Two things-that’s it. You can do this.