Before I had ever attended college, I can clearly remember a time where I used to write every chance I got. I can clearly remember writing even during some of my high school classes, lunch . . . I was in creative mode all day. Gradually over the years, that sort of commitment changed. My writing schedule consisted of many two or three hours a week when I wasn’t reading novels for classes, writing papers, studying, going to class, working, etc. My concentration focused more on getting good grades and passing my classes (didn’t want to retake anything mostly because I didn’t have the money for it). The worst part was when I did get a break, I took a break.
Sure I had creative writing classes where I got to read short stories, write them and critique them and that experience taught me a lot. What I really missed the most was writing for myself and not for a participation grade. Saying that, now that I have the time to write, I’m not writing as much as I should or used to and I miss that. In part I think it is because I have spent so much time revising and editing that the creative side of my brain has shut down temporarily.
Not to mention that I’m waiting for more of my beta readers to give me feedback. I’m slowly working on book two of what I call the Half Blood Series. I’m not actively on wattpad which is sad because I really like the community. Wow, it feels like I’m just throwing myself a pity party.
So, now I have to get back into the driver’s seat and write. It’s time to wake up that creative side of my brain. I heard about some advice a few years ago and I didn’t think I would ever use it but I think I have to. I got to set a specific time to write. Sure I might write at work for a few minutes sporadically but now I have to take the time to sit at my desk and write. Of course that probably should come after my priority list of what I’m going to write.
I’m still working on the last chapter of a book for wattpad and somehow it has been difficult to finish. Anyways, I should also look at how to form a habit and how to break other habits too but in the long run ease into the driver’s seat will be better. I’m hopeful that soon I’ll be able to write twenty pages like that one miracle day. After all, writing is a process.
Dabbling in the Art of Writing 