At least, I haven't been one for a long time.
Why?
I haven't written anything. I've thought about writing, talked about writing, read about writing and blogged about writing. I've read a lot of other people's writing and given feedback. I've done a ton of editing of my work in progress, though not for several weeks.
It's been a very long time since I've actually written something new and fresh.
Does that make me a candidate for Nanowrimo? I don't know. It's kind of tempting.
However, I think my husband would be very upset if I started something new, and he became a writing widower again. Especially before I finish the novel I'm working on.
No, I need to finish before I start something new. But I need to keep my WIP fresh as well. It's time to get back to being a writer.
Sometimes it's a simple matter of taking a step back. I know there are occasions when I need to do the same in order to approach my writing with a fresh outlook.
ReplyDeleteStill a writer? Always. The words don't stop even when you take a break from them. (Hugs)Indigo
Take a deep breath, m'dear. You just started a new job, and the school year started again. You're allowed to let real life get in the way of being a writer now and then, okay?
ReplyDeleteNow relax, have a glass of wine, and get back to the edits when you're ready. :)
I'd agree that it's necessary to step away from it every now and then, to enjoy some life so we can have more flavour to write with, but I'll take the more severe tone too, and say that if it's been more than 6 months, I can't call myself a writer until I get back in that saddle!
ReplyDeleteHave fun with it. There's NOTHING like putting new words on a page.
ReplyDeletei thought being a writer was something you are, not just something you do. for now, maybe you're just a writer who happens to not be writing at the moment. IMHO anyway.
ReplyDeleteI worry about that concept myself. I've spent more time beta reading/critiquing than writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm not one for working on multiple projects. I have the trilogy - which I'm sure will never sell - and some short stories. The fantasy.
But what I really enjoy is editing. And, you have to get something new written down to edit.
If I could take a month off work, I'd definitely be participating in Nano. I like having a deadline to write, but I can't do it on my own, with my work schedule.
It's a quandry. The same one, it seems, you're in. Personally, I'd like to start something new. I'd like to be enthused about writing again, even if all I do is get the basic plot down. Nano sounds enticing.
At least then I know I won't lack a story idea when I need one :)
.........dhole
reading can help you keep a fresh out look. Good luck with revisions!
ReplyDeletego, go, go! sign up for nanowrimo OR make a contract with a writing friend about how much you'll get done. You are a writer. And practicing writing, even if it's not finished, final or formal, counts! you are going to feel so good if you just start writing on something and nope, I don't believe it means you have to finish the book you have in process. Go, nanowrimo (or something akin to it!
ReplyDeleteDon't ask why but I saw your post and panicked. You are a writer, you're just one taking a step back for a moment. For all of us who are serious about this, writing is in our blood and we wouldn't know how to live in a world without it. That sometimes leads to feeling drained and overworked. So, take the step back that I'm sure you deserve,and come back to it when you're ready. Nothing wrong with that.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I'm concerned, and I've said this before elsewhere -writers write.
ReplyDeleteIn this blog you write, you have a novel in progress, you write about writing etc etc. You are a writer.
Just hang in there, breath and too have fun. Don't let that monkey have a free ride.
ReplyDeletePeace...
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Elisabeth, it was your comment on my last post that "writers write" that made me realize, "Hey, I'm not actually writing!"
ReplyDeleteI should probably explain to all of you that writing has caused some major problems in my home life. I have had to really turn off the creativity and focus on family and work this past year. At the same time, I've been doing this WIP for nearly four years. I've taken so many breaks from it that if I take any more, it will never get done. Sometimes "stepping back" is just procrastination. I know I need to buckle down and finish a.s.a.p.
Thank you for all your encouragement, though! If only I didn't need sleep, then I'd have seven hours every night to write. ;o)
Lisa ~ sorry if I startled you. I hope you didn't think I was blogging under false pretences!
ReplyDeleteI have an award for you over at my blog.
ReplyDelete......dhole
I agree with Michelle.
ReplyDeleteAnd I find times where I don't write on paper or computer, but I am always writing in my head.
I've been in this dilemma myself, so don't feel as though you're alone in this. Writing is a solo activity (no matter how much we blog, tweet, etc) and it does take time away from family. Finding a balance is hard. Editing is hard. Heck, writing is sometimes hard. Take each day as it comes and don't beat yourself up for what you haven't done yet. There's always tomorrow. :)
ReplyDeleteCyndi