For me, writing goes in fits and spurts. Some days, the words seem to flow out of my fingertips like....um, well fast. Other days, not so, uh, fast.
I know when the writing starts to really drag and sag, it's time for me to recharge my batteries.
Here are some ways I re-energize:
- Read a book about writing.
- Read a non-fiction book about something completely unrelated to writing.
- Engage in on-line discussions about writing and publishing in general.
- Goof around on Facebook.
- Talk with another writer about his/her projects.
- Read some different blogs.
- Write a blog post or two.
- Watch a movie about writers.
- Exercise.
- For a longer-term energy boost, I find writers' conferences to be especially beneficial.
What about you? What recharges your batteries?
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11 comments:
Good ideas for recharging!
Let's see. Exercising I definitely DON'T do. :) I like to watch bios of writers on the Bio Channel (I'll TiVo those.) American Masters on PBS runs those, too. Very inspiring.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Alan - This is definitely an important topic for writers. Thanks for bringing it up. Hm......when my "warning light" is on, I usually do something either outside and physical (e.g. I love to take our dogs to our local off-leash dog park), or people-watch (not easy to do if you don't want to be thought of as a complete psycho ; ) ).
Reading other people's work helps me an awful lot, too, and inspires me, so I also sometimes hit the library.
Aw shoot. That's my problem! I haven't been using the rechargeable kind. Been going through a fortune replacing dead batteries!
I usually just eat a box of Carrot Cake Bingles, but if that doesn't work I will try other things. Watching a movie about a writer is a huge one for me. It always makes me want to put some words down. And reading a how-to writing book helps me, too.
My problem is that I have a tendency to putz around until I have no choice but to write, regardless. Not the best of options, believe me.
Hmm. What IS recharging. You mean there is something I can do that breaks the death sprial of writing and revising? Like Homer Simpson, I'll skip anything that's difficult or taxing. Nap. How's that? I nap--looking an awful lot like GRANDPA Simpson...right down to the drool. HA!
Best Regards, Galen.
My spam word is cool again...Moute.
Elizabeth - I'm pretty sure my cable system has PBS, although I can't say it gets much use. Too highbrow for my family. Now, if they show author bios on ESPN...
Margot - People watching is awesome. Camp out at the mall during holiday season? Fuggedaboutit!
Crystal - Lol. I tried jamming my fingers into an electrical socket. Didn't inspire me, although I did make up a few new words :)
Jack - Congrats. You used the words "bingle" and "putz" in the same comment. (We putzers have to stick together!)
Galen - You should join Jack and me in the putzer crew. Naps are encouraged!
All your suggestions are good ones. I would add any movie (big screen in a theater) or any good fiction (preferably a thriller but any book works for me). The secret in my case is to get my mind completely off writing and relax.
I read a book that is NOT in the genre I write. I spend far too much time on Facebook. I do NOT exercise. I try desperately not to think about writing.
Un-nerving word verification: prizen.
Elspeth
Patricia - Movies are fun. But then I get the urge to try to write a screenplay. And I don't think that would be such a good idea. I like the relaxing part.
Elspeth - Your word verification is a good omen. It means zat you will be winning ze prizen soon. Maybe ze Pulitzer Prizen. (See, I need to recharge my batteries right about now.)
I like your list! I like to sleep and have a nice dream or two. Take a walk. Go to the library. Leaf through a magazine. Do a logic problem. I'd be tempted to pull out a jigsaw puzzle but if I do, I wouldn't get back to doing anything else for a long while!
Belle - Yes! Going to a library or bookstore definitely recharges my batteries (and adds to my already teetering TBR pile). So many books, so little time.
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