I so feel you, Brooke. Sometimes writing is immersive and absolutely wonderful, other times, it's like pulling teeth, often because of other life stuff. People have asked me for years how I'm able to write so much, and across genres without using any formulas. I write when it's hard. I'll share one of my biggest tips. Schedule writing time as a part of a writing discipline. Do not set word count goals. They are akin to dieting and exercising to lose "x" pounds. Each day you get on that scale, you're more likely to feel like you've failed than succeeded. A health and wellness plan is far more likely to be effective long run if you schedule a certain amount of time on certain days for exercise. Bit by bit, you get there. To me, it's the same with writing. So I set an amount of time to write, with no expectation of how many words that will amount to. A writing session might yield many pages or just a few sentences. If I put in the time, it was a success. I think putting in the time when it's hard, leads to a lot more days when you're inspired and in flow. Hope your week improves!
This is such a great analogy, Patricia! It highlights the importance of focusing less on the number of words we produce. Instead, what counts is time in chair, with each writing session playing its part in consistently working towards our goal. Thanks for sharing 💛
Thank you for this Patricia “Schedule writing time as a part of a writing discipline. Do not set word count goals. They are akin to dieting and exercising to lose "x" pounds. Each day you get on that scale, you're more likely to feel like you've failed than succeeded. A health and wellness plan is far more likely to be effective long run if you schedule a certain amount of time on certain days for exercise. Bit by bit, you get there. To me, it's the same with writing.”
I appreciate this, Brooke. (And kudos on the S&S coup. I'm sorry it's so hard right now.) If the goal is to show up on the page, my weekly blog post does that. And provides gratification as it's read, liked, commented on. However, writing it and my monthly newsletter post and responding to comments, distracts me from working on my memoir. I'm tired of words, tired of the keyboard, tired of the desk. Sometimes I think I need to take a blogging break (and I'm not on Substack, because I need freedom from the pressure to post) and make myself work on the memoir that no one will read for years (or at all if I don't write it). Mostly, I just tell myself winter is coming; I'm more productive then, there is less to blog about, I'll buckle down then. It may be a lie.
That's the thing, right? It's all these pressures, and we have to follow our ebbs and flows as they come. I'll be rooting for you getting those words on the page for the memoir, Gretchen!
Gretchen, I feel your exhaustion. One thing that has worked for me is to separate the two sorts of writing I have to [want to] do. I write “my own writing” [memoir and fiction] either early in the morning or late in the day. In between, I take a break from morning writing and then take up the business of writing: newsletters, emails, etc. I do not mix the two sorts of writing: eg, writing memoir between two press releases, etc. I hope this helps.
Virginia Woolf articulated this as ‘a room of one’s own,’ which has a material sense but also a metaphorical one. Care occludes creativity. A writer needs the expanse of time uncluttered by the mind’s urgency to attend to something else. We know from her letters that she wrote feverishly when her mind allowed, because of the certainty that her illness would return and shut it down. From her example I take the lesson to adopt a writing practice that works with your own life’s demands, whatever that might be that secures the mental space to write without interruption, whether from without or within.
I feel this often. When I’m having a hard time, I’ve discovered that writing will lift me up again. Sure, it takes longer to get into it, but after some time, peace and quiet enters my soul and I feel zen. There’s nothing quite like it!
The work is the work is the work. Inspiration is great, but the discipline is what's pulls you through the tough times. We have to make tough choices when faced with a challenge:
1. Ignore and watch Netflix
2. Think about the problem
3. Work through the problem by getting the work done.
Your post is clear. You've chosen door Number 3. As a result, you've given validation to all of us who struggle to push through.
Now... time to turn back from Choice One (and get off of notes) and back to one struggling first revision.
Great question. For me, writing when I don’t want to write it’s important to write anyway. Typically, the writing anyway boosts my mood and I end up making progress in my project.
I really appreciate reading this today. This is the first post I've ever read from you and I've instantly subscribed one paragraph in. I've been a writer my whole life, a professionally paid writer the last 12 years, and recently began publishing on this platform.
Earlier this week I received really upsetting news about an MRI scan I had Tuesday. Honestly, the only thing that's helped me is writing. I definitely go through bouts of writer's block, just like most writers do, so I love what you said about writing begets writing. Even if it's something as basic and simple as writing one sentence, or finding an inspirational quote and I write that out, or commenting on posts like this, it's still writing. So it still matters and counts, at least to me, towards fulfilling that goal.
Thanks for this note, Dawn, and for subscribing. I know so many writers who get through the hardest moments in their lives with and because of their writing. Hang in there. I am happy to be connected to you here.
Love it. And yes, I've always thought the marathon/writing analogy is a good one. I've run 3 marathons. Grueling, just like writing books. When's your next one?
Here's what I wrote today about running, p. 276 in my memoir: "Running can evoke emotions like few other activities, at least for me, but if you’re a runner, you know what I mean. In September, 2024, I did a 16-mile training run for NYC, and as I neared the end, I could imagine nearing the finish in NYC. We’re on 5th Avenue and entering Central Park. The cheering is getting louder and louder. My eyes are welling up with tears of joy and then I realize I’m back in Las Cruces, surrounded by palm trees and sand instead of cheering NYC fans."
I'm fairly new to writing, although I'm not new to words. I started my Substack, Human/Mother, back in February of this year as a way to hold myself accountable and to connect with community. After six months of highs and lows and hours of published and un-published writing, I have gleefully and woefully discovered the "burning fire" and the "dim fire" you mention. I will say that the thing that moves the dial the most, for me, is what you say here: a consistent, committed practice to sitting in the chair and doing the damn thing (read: writing), even when I'm not "feeling" it.
Last month, I started a weekly series called Mind-Body-Soul after realizing that I needed a space in my writing home to connect with readers more directly, casually, and timely. My once-a-month personal essays require more time, energy, and craft, and though I love the focus and play they mandate, I've learned that my attention and energy just isn't there to do them justice some days.
I love how Substack has become a safe place for writers to experiment, share, and commiserate with both readers and writers. And though I have not reached what many would consider Success, I am finding success day-by-day with each brave attempt to write what it is that weighs on my mind, my heart, my soul. Cheers to you, to me, and all the writers who are showing up!
This is great, Katrina. Thanks for sharing. I love this practice and love how we can find things that work for us in the right moments. Sounds like you've landed on something profound and I will check it out!
You nailed the two big ones, Brooke. If I’m not feeling inspired, I take a walk around the block and then force my cheeks into the chair and just start writing whatever. Eventually smarter words appear and I’m off to the races.
I really am struggling with keeping up with the posting schedule that I committed myself to. I post two blogs posts a week, one for free subscribers and another for paid. And a part of me wishes to pare down the posting but another part of me is impressed with my own ability to keep up with a schedule, and just share my story-rain or shine. I am still end up procrastinating to the last minute though, often times writing my post, editing, and posting all in one go. I am curious if you have any tips!
That's a lot, Christina. I don't have great tips since I'm struggling myself some weeks. Maybe you'll need to go down to one post a week at some point, though, and let your readers know. Though if people are clamoring for your stuff, then maybe that's what drives you. I think it's okay to reassess sometimes, and I relate to the procrastination!! :)
I sometimes write in bed before going to sleep, when I’m very sleepy; there’s something about that state that unlocks my creativity when I’m feeling self-conscious and uninspired, stops me judging my writing, and then I just edit the next day. And yesterday I was able to get to the heart of the matter in my own weekly post by engaging with the critical voice in a compassionate way, finding out exactly why I was blocked in my writing and assuaging the fear in a reasonable way. I think the writing is always there, but we think there are reasons not to, and if we can listen to the reasons and respond lovingly, we can unblock our creativity again.
I've always journaled late at night, especially when I need to make sense of something so I can sleep well, and so writing doesn't really disturb that sleepiness, I just get more and more tired until I can't do it anymore. I don't know if my mind is straddling the boundary to sleep while writing, all I know is that the usual inner critic has switched off and I feel quite free, and sometimes end up having big epiphanies (which would actually wake me up a bit, but in a good way). And probably because when I journal it's with a pen and paper, and when I'm writing in my blog or newsletter it's with my iPad and keyboard, so the ideas are coming out much faster, I can write as I think, and so give space to all the nuances rather than pare it down to essential ideas, and often the beauty and feeling is in those extra details.
I so feel you, Brooke. Sometimes writing is immersive and absolutely wonderful, other times, it's like pulling teeth, often because of other life stuff. People have asked me for years how I'm able to write so much, and across genres without using any formulas. I write when it's hard. I'll share one of my biggest tips. Schedule writing time as a part of a writing discipline. Do not set word count goals. They are akin to dieting and exercising to lose "x" pounds. Each day you get on that scale, you're more likely to feel like you've failed than succeeded. A health and wellness plan is far more likely to be effective long run if you schedule a certain amount of time on certain days for exercise. Bit by bit, you get there. To me, it's the same with writing. So I set an amount of time to write, with no expectation of how many words that will amount to. A writing session might yield many pages or just a few sentences. If I put in the time, it was a success. I think putting in the time when it's hard, leads to a lot more days when you're inspired and in flow. Hope your week improves!
Great tip, Patricia. You're so prolific. I admire that so much!
thank you!
This is exactly the way that I write as well and for the same reasons. Thank you for sharing that!
This is such a great analogy, Patricia! It highlights the importance of focusing less on the number of words we produce. Instead, what counts is time in chair, with each writing session playing its part in consistently working towards our goal. Thanks for sharing 💛
Thank you for this Patricia “Schedule writing time as a part of a writing discipline. Do not set word count goals. They are akin to dieting and exercising to lose "x" pounds. Each day you get on that scale, you're more likely to feel like you've failed than succeeded. A health and wellness plan is far more likely to be effective long run if you schedule a certain amount of time on certain days for exercise. Bit by bit, you get there. To me, it's the same with writing.”
I appreciate this, Brooke. (And kudos on the S&S coup. I'm sorry it's so hard right now.) If the goal is to show up on the page, my weekly blog post does that. And provides gratification as it's read, liked, commented on. However, writing it and my monthly newsletter post and responding to comments, distracts me from working on my memoir. I'm tired of words, tired of the keyboard, tired of the desk. Sometimes I think I need to take a blogging break (and I'm not on Substack, because I need freedom from the pressure to post) and make myself work on the memoir that no one will read for years (or at all if I don't write it). Mostly, I just tell myself winter is coming; I'm more productive then, there is less to blog about, I'll buckle down then. It may be a lie.
That's the thing, right? It's all these pressures, and we have to follow our ebbs and flows as they come. I'll be rooting for you getting those words on the page for the memoir, Gretchen!
“I just tell myself winter is coming; I'm more productive then” Ditto!
Gretchen, I feel your exhaustion. One thing that has worked for me is to separate the two sorts of writing I have to [want to] do. I write “my own writing” [memoir and fiction] either early in the morning or late in the day. In between, I take a break from morning writing and then take up the business of writing: newsletters, emails, etc. I do not mix the two sorts of writing: eg, writing memoir between two press releases, etc. I hope this helps.
Virginia Woolf articulated this as ‘a room of one’s own,’ which has a material sense but also a metaphorical one. Care occludes creativity. A writer needs the expanse of time uncluttered by the mind’s urgency to attend to something else. We know from her letters that she wrote feverishly when her mind allowed, because of the certainty that her illness would return and shut it down. From her example I take the lesson to adopt a writing practice that works with your own life’s demands, whatever that might be that secures the mental space to write without interruption, whether from without or within.
Love this. Virginia is a foremother to all of us!
Thanks for the honesty, transparency, and willingness to show up no matter what. #keepgoing
I agree! Thanks Brooke for your example!
Yes!
And very well put: "On days when the fire is dim, however, the writing itself turns the dial."
I feel this often. When I’m having a hard time, I’ve discovered that writing will lift me up again. Sure, it takes longer to get into it, but after some time, peace and quiet enters my soul and I feel zen. There’s nothing quite like it!
The work is the work is the work. Inspiration is great, but the discipline is what's pulls you through the tough times. We have to make tough choices when faced with a challenge:
1. Ignore and watch Netflix
2. Think about the problem
3. Work through the problem by getting the work done.
Your post is clear. You've chosen door Number 3. As a result, you've given validation to all of us who struggle to push through.
Now... time to turn back from Choice One (and get off of notes) and back to one struggling first revision.
Thank you!
Thanks, Vince!
Feeling all of this.
Thank you for this. I needed to read it.
Thank you for reading!
Great question. For me, writing when I don’t want to write it’s important to write anyway. Typically, the writing anyway boosts my mood and I end up making progress in my project.
I really appreciate reading this today. This is the first post I've ever read from you and I've instantly subscribed one paragraph in. I've been a writer my whole life, a professionally paid writer the last 12 years, and recently began publishing on this platform.
Earlier this week I received really upsetting news about an MRI scan I had Tuesday. Honestly, the only thing that's helped me is writing. I definitely go through bouts of writer's block, just like most writers do, so I love what you said about writing begets writing. Even if it's something as basic and simple as writing one sentence, or finding an inspirational quote and I write that out, or commenting on posts like this, it's still writing. So it still matters and counts, at least to me, towards fulfilling that goal.
Thanks for this note, Dawn, and for subscribing. I know so many writers who get through the hardest moments in their lives with and because of their writing. Hang in there. I am happy to be connected to you here.
Marathon training demands more of my time than writing. A lot more. And morning is the ideal time for both!
Love it. And yes, I've always thought the marathon/writing analogy is a good one. I've run 3 marathons. Grueling, just like writing books. When's your next one?
NYC in early November!
Here's what I wrote today about running, p. 276 in my memoir: "Running can evoke emotions like few other activities, at least for me, but if you’re a runner, you know what I mean. In September, 2024, I did a 16-mile training run for NYC, and as I neared the end, I could imagine nearing the finish in NYC. We’re on 5th Avenue and entering Central Park. The cheering is getting louder and louder. My eyes are welling up with tears of joy and then I realize I’m back in Las Cruces, surrounded by palm trees and sand instead of cheering NYC fans."
You want to write, you write; you don’t want to write, you write.
Make a commitment to write rather than “try to write.” It’s not a feeling if you are a pro. It’s a commitment.
Point taken!
I'm fairly new to writing, although I'm not new to words. I started my Substack, Human/Mother, back in February of this year as a way to hold myself accountable and to connect with community. After six months of highs and lows and hours of published and un-published writing, I have gleefully and woefully discovered the "burning fire" and the "dim fire" you mention. I will say that the thing that moves the dial the most, for me, is what you say here: a consistent, committed practice to sitting in the chair and doing the damn thing (read: writing), even when I'm not "feeling" it.
Last month, I started a weekly series called Mind-Body-Soul after realizing that I needed a space in my writing home to connect with readers more directly, casually, and timely. My once-a-month personal essays require more time, energy, and craft, and though I love the focus and play they mandate, I've learned that my attention and energy just isn't there to do them justice some days.
I love how Substack has become a safe place for writers to experiment, share, and commiserate with both readers and writers. And though I have not reached what many would consider Success, I am finding success day-by-day with each brave attempt to write what it is that weighs on my mind, my heart, my soul. Cheers to you, to me, and all the writers who are showing up!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Brooke! And, if you're interested in checking out the Mind-Body-Soul Series, you can find the third installment here: https://katrinadonhamwrites.substack.com/p/mind-body-soul-series-3?r=3cnvg1
This is great, Katrina. Thanks for sharing. I love this practice and love how we can find things that work for us in the right moments. Sounds like you've landed on something profound and I will check it out!
You nailed the two big ones, Brooke. If I’m not feeling inspired, I take a walk around the block and then force my cheeks into the chair and just start writing whatever. Eventually smarter words appear and I’m off to the races.
I really am struggling with keeping up with the posting schedule that I committed myself to. I post two blogs posts a week, one for free subscribers and another for paid. And a part of me wishes to pare down the posting but another part of me is impressed with my own ability to keep up with a schedule, and just share my story-rain or shine. I am still end up procrastinating to the last minute though, often times writing my post, editing, and posting all in one go. I am curious if you have any tips!
That's a lot, Christina. I don't have great tips since I'm struggling myself some weeks. Maybe you'll need to go down to one post a week at some point, though, and let your readers know. Though if people are clamoring for your stuff, then maybe that's what drives you. I think it's okay to reassess sometimes, and I relate to the procrastination!! :)
Thank you so much Brooke! That's really helpful. I appreciate your message, and I feel really seen <3
I sometimes write in bed before going to sleep, when I’m very sleepy; there’s something about that state that unlocks my creativity when I’m feeling self-conscious and uninspired, stops me judging my writing, and then I just edit the next day. And yesterday I was able to get to the heart of the matter in my own weekly post by engaging with the critical voice in a compassionate way, finding out exactly why I was blocked in my writing and assuaging the fear in a reasonable way. I think the writing is always there, but we think there are reasons not to, and if we can listen to the reasons and respond lovingly, we can unblock our creativity again.
I agree, Martina, though I can't write when sleepy. Does it end up waking you up, or just keep you in a kind of cool liminal state?
I've always journaled late at night, especially when I need to make sense of something so I can sleep well, and so writing doesn't really disturb that sleepiness, I just get more and more tired until I can't do it anymore. I don't know if my mind is straddling the boundary to sleep while writing, all I know is that the usual inner critic has switched off and I feel quite free, and sometimes end up having big epiphanies (which would actually wake me up a bit, but in a good way). And probably because when I journal it's with a pen and paper, and when I'm writing in my blog or newsletter it's with my iPad and keyboard, so the ideas are coming out much faster, I can write as I think, and so give space to all the nuances rather than pare it down to essential ideas, and often the beauty and feeling is in those extra details.