After allowing too many days go by without hitting the gym, my muscles let me know they didn't appreciate the exercise. Even my super comfortable mattress failed to soothe the aches and pains.Our writing muscles also need regular exercise. When I skip more than a day and then go back to my work in progress, I find my brain operates like a computer lacking sufficient memory. It's slow going, folks.
When life hits, I find it helpful to mull over elements of my story to keep the writing muscles from getting flabby. How do you keep your writing muscles in shape when you can't get time to write?
Daydreaming... I'm always thinking about my WIP. While reading, running errands, whatever... I'm always thinking, "Hey, I could do that with..." I think the writing muscles stayed a little toned just by thinking creatively.
ReplyDeleteI had to really flex mine yesterday and it was hard at first but they got stronger as I went.
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS analogy!!!
ReplyDeleteI do best when I daily exercise body and brain!
Have burned midnight oil and dawn sun to complete the "new" ending of "Rhythm of Secrets" and have flabbed up a bit. Will hit the road today. Thanks for the encouragement!!!
Blessings, Susan.
Patti
You know, I think that reading works my brain muscle. I have read more in the last two years that in my entire life! Blogging helps me get in a few toning exercises here and there, but the long marathon sessions are hard to come by these days. I need a new commitment to working out!!
ReplyDeleteHi Lily -
ReplyDeleteGreat method! I try to keep my mind engaged and not go on auto pilot when doing simple tasks.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Terri -
ReplyDeleteThe writing muscles loosen up when we stretch them and get back into the groove.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Jan -
ReplyDeleteReading and blogging also help me to stay sharp. I try to read non-fiction, as well as fiction.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Patti -
ReplyDeleteAll of you give such great comments. It gets the brain cells firing. :)
Thanks for the stimulating conversation.
Blessings,
Susan
I agree with Lily. Daydreaming about my characters is the best way to keep them fresh in my mind. Sometimes, I even need to daydreaming break to work out a problem. So while I'm actually hittin' the keys, I am "writing" in a way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post, Susan!:)
Hi Kristen -
ReplyDeleteYes, turning over a problem in our heads can help get our characters out of trouble (or into it). Mulling over the "what if" question always jumpstarts the ol' gray matter.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I try to keep my mind busy and focused on writing by doing a little blogging, even when I can't really WRITE. :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the analogy and the picture!
Susan, you sure are on the money with this post. It's so hard to pick back up after an extended absence. I find if I continue thinking about my story, and thinking about the last few scenes that I wrote then it's easier to pick back up when I'm ready.
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon -
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I find blogging fun and relaxing. It's more like visiting with friends than working toward publication. I'm not obsessing over storylines or characters. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteThinking of the last scene I wrote also helps me to "pick up the thread." I then try to think of the next scene and what characters I want in them.
Thanks for your input. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Even if I can't contribute to my story for the day, I try to at least write something. Sometimes even writing a letter can keep our writing muscles working.
ReplyDeleteActually, I find reading can also help. Good books inspire me to keep reworking my ms.
I like the thought of flexing our writing muscles. I notice the same thing - when I skip writing for a few days inertia sets in. Good post.
ReplyDeleteHi Warren -
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting.
When my late husband was in the hospital, the doctor encouraged him to walk around the ward. When a patient stays in bed, they lose 10% of their strength each day.
If you don't use it, you lose it. The same goes for the writing muscles.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Emily Ann -
ReplyDeleteYes, I also believe blogging and reading will help keep the writing muscles toned. However, just as the body uses different muscles for different tasks, producing a novel requires a different skill set.
Great conversation here today! You've given me ideas for new posts. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Susan:
ReplyDeleteLately, I've been journaling. A friend gave several of us blank book journals. There are Bible verses at the bottom of each page. I either interpret them or write how they apply to my life or to the conditions I see around us.
Hi Quiet Spirit -
ReplyDeleteJournaling during my devotional time has birthed all kinds of writing ideas. I hope you find it a joyful activity.
Blessings,
Susan :)
When I can't write, I think, and then scribble notes here and them on little scraps of paper...
ReplyDeleteHave a happy week!
That's so true, Susan. When I take a day or two away from my WIP I find it takes me longer to get my writing muscles moving once I start writing again. But I just push myself through the pain, and usually the wheels get moving again.
ReplyDeleteHi Jody -
ReplyDeleteI was in the groove today. Too bad, I had so many interruptions. Unfortunately, I couldn't ignore them. How the moms out there manage is amazing!
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteI scribble on little pieces of paper whether I'm stuck or not. At this point, I need to do another serious desk cleaning. LOL!
Blessings,
Susan :)
That reminds me that I need to start exercising.
ReplyDeleteI keep my writing going with my blog. I just wrote a speech. I'm so glad I could do that. I think my writing muscles are better than my body ones. But spring is here.
Hi Nancy -
ReplyDeleteLOL! Both my writing muscles and physical muscles need a better workout.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan,
ReplyDeleteGREAT illustration! I feel the need to tone both my writing and my physical muscles! And I love your comment about the different muscles (blogging vs. novel) that need to be exercised just like differing physical muscles. Thanks for this motivating post!
Susan
Hi Susan -
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the post had a positive impact. It's a perfect example of how the turned around something not so good (sore muscles) for everyone's benefit. :)
Blessings,
Susan
I like the analogy! I do not exercise my "writing muscles" as frequently as I need to :(.
ReplyDeleteHi Becky -
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think most of us could use a "writing personal trainer." :)
Blessings,
Susan