We've all been there. Life choices get in the way of our writing. That's how this week has been for me. The reasons don't matter. The frustrating part is that ideas are flowing, the motivation is there. I recently returned from the site of where my WIP is set and I've been antsy to get writing ever since. All I've been able to do is write most of one scene. Not what I had in mind. So how do we handle minor setbacks? Here's a few thoughts. If you could share yours, I'd appreciate it.
1. Keep it all in perspective. Other things are important too. What time lacks in one week will pick up extra in another. Unless your on publishers deadline, there's always tomorrow.
2. Keep a little notebook handy to jot down a few notes that you don't want to lose before you can get to the computer. You won't have to spend time trying to remember later.
3. Use those times standing in line or whatever to mentally go over spots that need thinking through. Use your dead time as brain time.
4. Take care of yourself. Get the rest, exercise, good foods that you need to keep you going for those long days when you might not get to write until late or to start early the next morning. Be aware of your body's bio-rhythms and your best times of productivity, what kind of breaks help or hurt you.
5. Learn to prioritize, condense, dovetail or multi-task better. Cut out things that waste time.
6. Remember that getting started is often the hardest part. Reread a few lines or paragraphs to get back into the mode and mood you are striving for and take it from there.
7. Here's a tricky one for me: Sometimes you have to choose to spend time writing over using social media excessively. Don't be a hermit, but you don't have to touch base with every writer friend every day.
Good luck with your writing goals this week! I'm cheering for you!
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