The struggle is real. I've been in a summertime slump with writing and a lot of my other creative projects. Hope you are able to pick it all back up again. Maybe with the fall back-to-school energy boost.
Thank you so much for saying this, Patricia. It's so validating to hear this happens to other writers. I think you're right, that back-to-school energy has a way of getting us all back on track. I'm hopeful, and trying not to be too hard on myself in the meantime.
This makes me feel so much better. Thank you. Who knows what next year will bring, but I've certainly adjusted my expectations. Craft and process, always evolving!
"A different space." Yes. As challenging as this summer felt, I sense it will lead to greater clarity on my approach to next year. I haven't read her yet, but just subscribed and can't wait to check out her work. Thank you for rec.❤️
Another great update from you, Maria! I am distracted so easily and commend you for even attempting to write amid this season. Hoping that back to school might shift things and help you to find a new rhythm, but in the meantime, savoring what's left summer and indulging in ice pop breaks isn't the worst. 😊
Thank you so much, Michelle. Gosh, it feels validating to know other writers struggle with this season. It's funny because as much as I am counting down the days until school starts, I'm a little torn. I find myself trying to fit in the fun stuff before we're back to school nights and homework and sports practices. Thanks again for reading and your support. And I hope your writing is going well!😘
Oh Maria, so much of what you wrote really resonated with me. Like you, I haven't done what I thought I would this summer. It's so easy to find fault with ourselves, to try to keep pushing through because it's always worked before. And it does work to an extent, and I'm finding that it really doesn't work where it comes to a creative act like writing. Thank you for being so open and generous with your sharing.
Thank you so much for saying this, Wendy. This was one of my more vulnerable pieces so maybe a little scary to share that things are not going swimmingly at all times. It helps so much to know that other writers experience these slower creative periods, and you make an excellent point that creativity simply cannot be forced. Instead, it must be nurtured, so I am trying to be kinder to myself. I'm always so happy to hear from you.❤️
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Maria. When you finish your manuscript, it will be interesting to look back at these periods and see how you feel. But in the meantime, I do love how you say “That storm is starting to feel more like a gentle breeze” to describe where you are at now.
Yes, ice lollies! I remember that term from my years in the UK, and we definitely indulged in plenty during the summer term.❤️
I love how you take the long view. It shifts my perspective a bit, a good reminder that this is simply a small season in the greater experience. Thank you for that! And always, for being here and reading. xo
Same, just life being busy will eat at your creative reserves... I like to frame it like this: in ten years from now, would you rather have finished the book a few months earlier instead of enjoyed the summer of 2024?
Such a great perspective. Thank you! You are so right, and it makes a great difference to step back and try to see the bigger picture. Thank you for reading, for commenting, and for helping me along my writing journey. ❤️
You explain, well, your intensions, your frustrations, your new insights. Thank you! I have missed you but today was a glorious day! I read your post first thing this morning. Keep going but keep adding 'rest' on your to-do list. hugs. Paulajo
Thank you for always reading and supporting, Paulajo. I love your comments so much. They really do help me keep moving forward. Hugs right back to you!❤️
You are clear that you want to finish with a novel, but embrace the journey and the road will lead you to that destination. Nothing you obviously don't already know ... but wanted you to know we are with you on the trail. xoxo
So much truth in your words, Justin. I know it all deep down, but sometimes need a little nudge to see the bigger picture. So thank you.❤️ I'm so grateful for your support and your company on this journey.
The struggle is real. I've been in a summertime slump with writing and a lot of my other creative projects. Hope you are able to pick it all back up again. Maybe with the fall back-to-school energy boost.
Thank you so much for saying this, Patricia. It's so validating to hear this happens to other writers. I think you're right, that back-to-school energy has a way of getting us all back on track. I'm hopeful, and trying not to be too hard on myself in the meantime.
Summer is terrible for writer mums…. In my opinion….
This makes me feel so much better. Thank you. Who knows what next year will bring, but I've certainly adjusted my expectations. Craft and process, always evolving!
I have to turn summer into a different space next year. Have you read Amanda B Hinton on here?
"A different space." Yes. As challenging as this summer felt, I sense it will lead to greater clarity on my approach to next year. I haven't read her yet, but just subscribed and can't wait to check out her work. Thank you for rec.❤️
Another great update from you, Maria! I am distracted so easily and commend you for even attempting to write amid this season. Hoping that back to school might shift things and help you to find a new rhythm, but in the meantime, savoring what's left summer and indulging in ice pop breaks isn't the worst. 😊
Thank you so much, Michelle. Gosh, it feels validating to know other writers struggle with this season. It's funny because as much as I am counting down the days until school starts, I'm a little torn. I find myself trying to fit in the fun stuff before we're back to school nights and homework and sports practices. Thanks again for reading and your support. And I hope your writing is going well!😘
Oh Maria, so much of what you wrote really resonated with me. Like you, I haven't done what I thought I would this summer. It's so easy to find fault with ourselves, to try to keep pushing through because it's always worked before. And it does work to an extent, and I'm finding that it really doesn't work where it comes to a creative act like writing. Thank you for being so open and generous with your sharing.
Thank you so much for saying this, Wendy. This was one of my more vulnerable pieces so maybe a little scary to share that things are not going swimmingly at all times. It helps so much to know that other writers experience these slower creative periods, and you make an excellent point that creativity simply cannot be forced. Instead, it must be nurtured, so I am trying to be kinder to myself. I'm always so happy to hear from you.❤️
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Maria. When you finish your manuscript, it will be interesting to look back at these periods and see how you feel. But in the meantime, I do love how you say “That storm is starting to feel more like a gentle breeze” to describe where you are at now.
And I remember those popsicles (or ice lollies) 😆
Yes, ice lollies! I remember that term from my years in the UK, and we definitely indulged in plenty during the summer term.❤️
I love how you take the long view. It shifts my perspective a bit, a good reminder that this is simply a small season in the greater experience. Thank you for that! And always, for being here and reading. xo
Same, just life being busy will eat at your creative reserves... I like to frame it like this: in ten years from now, would you rather have finished the book a few months earlier instead of enjoyed the summer of 2024?
Such a great perspective. Thank you! You are so right, and it makes a great difference to step back and try to see the bigger picture. Thank you for reading, for commenting, and for helping me along my writing journey. ❤️
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
And we’re glad you’re here.
Thank you so much for reading, James.❤️
Good Morning Maria.....
You explain, well, your intensions, your frustrations, your new insights. Thank you! I have missed you but today was a glorious day! I read your post first thing this morning. Keep going but keep adding 'rest' on your to-do list. hugs. Paulajo
Thank you for always reading and supporting, Paulajo. I love your comments so much. They really do help me keep moving forward. Hugs right back to you!❤️
You are clear that you want to finish with a novel, but embrace the journey and the road will lead you to that destination. Nothing you obviously don't already know ... but wanted you to know we are with you on the trail. xoxo
So much truth in your words, Justin. I know it all deep down, but sometimes need a little nudge to see the bigger picture. So thank you.❤️ I'm so grateful for your support and your company on this journey.