Life is too short to complain. I celebrate abundance. But I'm wondering when I'll be getting back in the groove, kinda going with the flow, knowing that I'm doing enough and doing the right things instead of feeling overwhelmed.Is it faith? Listening to our guts and having faith that we're doing enough? That we're focusing on the right projects? Is it to stop thinking and just do it, just write, and see where it goes?
How about you? How do you know when you're doing the right things?
Great question. I have two WIPs vying for attention and I'm not sure if either of them is the right thing. Sometimes we just don't know, and that's okay. Or, at least it has to be for me right now, otherwise I wouldn't be working on anything :-)
ReplyDeleteYou know me. I am a one pony horse. I'm trying to break my habit of only working on one thing at a time--since I've had some breakthrough thoughts about the end of that second novel that needs to be revised, and since I want to keep my current novel moving forward in its revision while I work on the new one during NaNo. But sigh. I'm probably going to end on just one thing at a time. How is it that my writing life is so different than my real life, when I'm doing 40 things at once?
ReplyDeleteI think we do what works for us, and I don't think that we should fight it. If your brain wants to focus on all this, then it should. And, I'm here to give you a shake if you start getting jittery. And, you have multiple hours in a day to write, so fill them with many projects. You can handle it.
Wow. I cannot be succinct in my comments right now. Seriously. You should see what I left at Tina's today. I must be revving up for NaNo. LOL
One horse pony? Hmm. Is that even a real phrase? Everyone knows what I mean, right?? And, I just wanted to add that you've had some time away, and maybe you are just experiencing a waterfall of ideas because of that helpful time away. It'll balance out if it should.
ReplyDeleteWith my first novel waiting in line at the publisher to be published, the big focus of my writing has been the blog. I plot out blogs, and stories to write, and yet I somehow manage to go with the flow as far as where my writing takes me. (My latest blog post being a prime example of this.)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a balance between knowing where you're going and how you go about getting there. And of course, there's also something to be said about appreciating the journey itself.
ah, I'm not sure I'm doing the right things, but I did notice that most stages in my life, no matter how random they looked while they were going on, were proved to be set by destiny later on.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dezmond.. it seems to be exactly the same way for me. Sometimes I don't know whether I'm coming or going, but it all finds a way to work out in the end :)
ReplyDeleteI have to listen to my gut. Eventually when it comes to letting things go, I'll know, whether it has to do with writing or not.
ReplyDeleteFrom my position, it's very easy for me to tell you to just do it. Write away.
ReplyDeleteBut I cannot even do that myself. I've been starving the writer in me in prep for Nano.
Robert, no matte what you work on each week, day, and hour, everything adds up and plays a part in your success. I think you should make sure you just pick something up and see where it takes you, rather than justifying why you were drawn to work on one project over another.
Also, work on Our Spirit.
I think it is faith. What is that saying? I found it: "When you come to the edge of all you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught how to fly." Writing feels like this to me all the time. And it holds those two things, fear and exhilaration. Hopefully everyday.
ReplyDeleteI don't always know I'm doing the right thing...I just put my head down and keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely all about listening to my gut and keeping faith that I'm on the right path.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I need structure that enables me to act in a way keeps me on the path. You know? Discipline. It's important to me.
I have a lot of projects in my head but I try to work on only one at a time. That way I know it's going to be finished so I can move on and finish something else.
Jai
My wife helps give me good advice. She's very smart and wise. I do listen to those gut feelings as I know the Good Lord above provides guidance. Sometimes we just have to move forward on faith even though we are only pretty sure we're doing the right thing and surround ourselves with wise people. My mom used to say, "Choose your friends wisely.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
My vote: go with the gut.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised you have so many projects going at once. You're running a marathon!
Good luck, and have a good weekend.
I'm not totally sure I'm doing the right thing...but it makes me happy and I'm fulfulling a life long dream of writing. So I'll just take my leap of faith and say, yes, I guess I am!
ReplyDeleteThis is why I've got six kinds of cereal in my pantry.
ReplyDeleteGreat question, and I have no idea what the right answer is. I do know that when I'm trying to juggle too many things, those many things suffer. I try to set reasonable goals, which keeps me focused.
ReplyDeleteI figure if I keep my family at the top of my importance list, the rest of it is just gravy.
Good luck on your many projects, and especially with that query!
I don't think it's a matter of doing enough. It's more a matter of doing what you feel you should. It's different for everyone. So glad you checked out my blog. Loved this post. I'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteInteresting question, I suppose I would say that you just know... very cliche yes, but also true. When you know you know. I go throughout my day wondering what WiP to work on but when I open up my laptop I know which one feels right...
ReplyDeleteWhat a positive, feel-good post. Cheers for abundance! Sounds like you've been having a terrific month, and the East Coast has done you good. Hope it keeps going! (And the photo is great--you can really feel the vibrance.)
ReplyDeleteI can edit through a finished draft while working on something new, but cannot write two new things at once.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being so close to querying - and all the best of luck!
I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blot and check it out. God bless, Lloyd
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone for commenting. Lots of optimism out there. Very cool.
ReplyDelete