Transitions
I've been suffering from a serious lack of concentration lately.
Take this blog for example-- for the life of me, I couldn't think of anything to write about. Or maybe I should clarify, I couldn't think of anything writing related to blog about. Plenty of other subjects came to mind, like decorating, or gardening or even cooking. (God Help me, since I don't/can't cook) But a topic on writing simple wouldn't come to mind.
I'm sure it doesn't help that I've haven't written a word in over six weeks. I've been moving instead. Packing and cleaning and unpacking and more cleaning. My new office space was the first thing I put together, not that I've used it. I'm sure it doesn't help that I've been working a ton of overtime to pay for some home improvements to my new house. I haven't had a day off in over six weeks and I'm averaging 60 hours a week. Which is 60 hours too much, to my mind at the moment. Trying to work the moving around the working, has been hectic. . . well more than hectic--but I can't think of a strong enough adverb at the moment to describe how crazy the last few weeks have been.
So yeah, I can understand why I don't have the energy left over to fit some writing in-- honestly, I never expected to accomplish much on that end, at least not during the move. But my schedule has eased up some. The packing, hauling, and unpacking is mostly done. Just a few boxes left to empty and I'll be fully moved in. I've still got a ton of cleaning left to do on the old place, but that isn't as wearing as lifting and hauling the heavy furniture and boxes. And I've eased back on my work schedule too. Dropped back to four hours on Saturday and Sunday instead of the eight I'd been working. Plus, no more back to back shifts during the middle of the week.
So, with my load lightening, last night I decided to print off the first few chapters of the WIP and read them in preparation for upcoming revisions. You'll notice i didn't say I was going to try to write. Nope-- I was just going to read what I've already written. Except, I couldn't even accomplish that.
I'd sit down and start reading and my mind would wonder. I needed to do this, or I needed to do that. And wouldn't a framed quilt make a gorgeous headboard. And that little sliver of ground beneath the living room window would make a perfect flower bed. But hmmmmm....what should I plant there.
Okay-- now see--here's the problem. I've never been interested in decorating or gardening, yet lately, since the move, that's all I seem to think about. Instead of daydreaming about characters and love stories, I'm day dreaming about furniture and flowers. It's unsettling.
My crit partner calls it nesting. And she should know since she's been going through it too, after moving into her new house.
My question is how do you make it stop? How do you turn your attention and concentration back to more important matters-- like plots and characters? Anyone have any advice, because nothing I've tried seems to be working.
Take this blog for example-- for the life of me, I couldn't think of anything to write about. Or maybe I should clarify, I couldn't think of anything writing related to blog about. Plenty of other subjects came to mind, like decorating, or gardening or even cooking. (God Help me, since I don't/can't cook) But a topic on writing simple wouldn't come to mind.
I'm sure it doesn't help that I've haven't written a word in over six weeks. I've been moving instead. Packing and cleaning and unpacking and more cleaning. My new office space was the first thing I put together, not that I've used it. I'm sure it doesn't help that I've been working a ton of overtime to pay for some home improvements to my new house. I haven't had a day off in over six weeks and I'm averaging 60 hours a week. Which is 60 hours too much, to my mind at the moment. Trying to work the moving around the working, has been hectic. . . well more than hectic--but I can't think of a strong enough adverb at the moment to describe how crazy the last few weeks have been.
So yeah, I can understand why I don't have the energy left over to fit some writing in-- honestly, I never expected to accomplish much on that end, at least not during the move. But my schedule has eased up some. The packing, hauling, and unpacking is mostly done. Just a few boxes left to empty and I'll be fully moved in. I've still got a ton of cleaning left to do on the old place, but that isn't as wearing as lifting and hauling the heavy furniture and boxes. And I've eased back on my work schedule too. Dropped back to four hours on Saturday and Sunday instead of the eight I'd been working. Plus, no more back to back shifts during the middle of the week.
So, with my load lightening, last night I decided to print off the first few chapters of the WIP and read them in preparation for upcoming revisions. You'll notice i didn't say I was going to try to write. Nope-- I was just going to read what I've already written. Except, I couldn't even accomplish that.
I'd sit down and start reading and my mind would wonder. I needed to do this, or I needed to do that. And wouldn't a framed quilt make a gorgeous headboard. And that little sliver of ground beneath the living room window would make a perfect flower bed. But hmmmmm....what should I plant there.
Okay-- now see--here's the problem. I've never been interested in decorating or gardening, yet lately, since the move, that's all I seem to think about. Instead of daydreaming about characters and love stories, I'm day dreaming about furniture and flowers. It's unsettling.
My crit partner calls it nesting. And she should know since she's been going through it too, after moving into her new house.
My question is how do you make it stop? How do you turn your attention and concentration back to more important matters-- like plots and characters? Anyone have any advice, because nothing I've tried seems to be working.
posted by Theresa at 1:01 PM
11Comments:
The only thing I can think of to make it stop, is indulge. Once you plant those plants, maybe the urge to do it and the accompanying thoughts will ease.
Good luck!
I agree with J. Feed your craving. You just moved into a new house, give yourself some time to make all the changes you want. Until you do, your brain won't be focused onw riting, and that's just not something you can force (at least, I can't).
Congrats on the new place, and good luck with the wip!
Theresa, like Joan and Eli said, take a writing break until the writing itch comes back again. Maybe when you're doing the gardening, you'll get an idea for the book that you can't wait to write down.
As for the framed-quilt headboard, I think it will look gorgeous! And your kitty will think it's a great scratching post. LOL
I agree with everyone else. I went through that phase when we bought (and renovated) our house. I'm one of those obsessive people who HAVE to have everything unpacked and in its place before I can even THINK about anything else and get any good writing done. So nest away and make it a space conducive to writing. The plotting bug will return in time.
Joan,
I love it, guilt free self indulgence. lol
I'm going to tackle the flower beds tomorrow morning.
Eli,
My brain certainly isn't focused on writing at the moment. It's very focused on extra storage and more lightening though. (grin
You know I realized today I haven't even been into my office in almost a week. Now that's scary-- I used to live at my computer desk.
Edie,
It's a four-way consenses--which means you guys must be right. lol
As for the quilted headboard, its going to be gorgeous-- I can picture it so clearly in my mind.
As for the kitty-- luckily the old guy had been declawed before I picked him up from the pound. He tries to sharpen his non-existent claws. Only he just sort of slides around the floor. lol Poor guy, he doesn't realize how silly he looks.
Maggie,
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only compulsive writer. I have to have everything in order around me too. Neat and tidy, that way I'm not compelled to clean up before getting the my hours down.
Theresa, this is YOUR house, not someone elses. Of course you want to make it beautiful. Just go for it, let loose and decorate your house until you're happy. Then I'm sure that office will be calling you back.
I agree, Theresa! I see so many things I need to do with Spring coming...the windows are a little cloudy, little fuzzy balls sticking here and there. lol. Funny how I'd love a nudge in the nesting direction about now! And try not to worry, those characters will start bugging you soon enough. You were born to write, girlfriend!
Chiming in with my agreement here. Theresa, do what you have the urge to do. Writing can wait a little while. :)
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