Writers sometimes move to LA or NYC and “give themselves a year” to see if this “writing thing” can work for them. And then what? They write and write (or try and try to write) and the year goes by… Is it time to quit?
What if you have a novel in the drawer, one in 20+ docs on your computer and two books in the wings in your head? But none of it is going anywhere? When is it time to quit trying?
The easiest thing in the world is to not write.
~ William Goldman
But is that true? Can you quit?
Most writers write or intend to write their whole lives. It is in us. Like a little flame, on good days. And on others, like that ugly, green hunk of phlegm with a Bronx accent, on the Mucinex commercials. Either way, it lurks, lays in wait, burns within us.
Even if you don’t quit writing, could you quit “trying?”
I’m thinking lately about ways to relieve myself of the EFFORTING. Write regularly. Enjoy the conversations and characters and worlds I am creating and let the rest of it take care of itself.
Characters always need to be solving a problem or pursuing a goal. Real people do not. We can step back. Pause. Live uneventfully. Write calmly without drama.
How can you feel your way forward into more space? More leeway? How can you gain more perspective on your writing and writing career?
Let’s assume we need to write, want to write, will write. But let’s also quit trying to browbeat ourselves into writing. Here are some of the ways you might calm the efforting in your life. These thoughts might help you flow back into great writing, rather than force your way…
Walk through open doors – go where you’re valued and you value being
Be enough, as you are – don’t chase degrees, prizes, bylines for their own sake. Work toward radical self-love and acceptance.
Detach from outcome – as you write, be okay with a shitty first draft; As you promote reach for accolades, of course, but be whole whether or not you’re chosen for the distinction
Be one with the goal – it is not something you must do, but something you are
Feel your way into presence – focus on your breath; feel your feet on the ground; relax your muscles one body part at a time – toes, arches, ankles, calves, knees and on up.
Find space around your tasks – don’t beat the wall with your head. Stand back and let other forces move the wall; wait for an easier way while you continue other work.
Be curious – don’t judge how and why you are overlooked, not performing up to your expectations. Ask Why? Ask What’s Stopping You?
Stay in Play Mode – if you’re stuck in your writing, try playing in a different creative mode. Play an instrument, ride a bike, cook, paint, walk. Each of these activities will release you from the kind of fretful efforts that can actually block resolution of the problem.
Invite your genius to revisit – just close your eyes and say “Show me ________________” (Insert whatever you wish to write and let your inner genius show it to you.)
Productivity is awesome when it happens. It can be a cruel taunt when it is not happening. Don’t chase it. Let it come back to you. Start by enjoying the wait. Come on over to the FB Group Write Without the Fight Club and join our conversations with glee.