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in July I e-published my YA novel, Screwing
Up Time. A little marketing research showed that I needed to write a
sequel—indie books, particularly YA, sell better when they’re part of a series.
Besides my novel had a few unanswered elements that I was planning to deal with
in a sequel. Thankfully, I didn’t need to start from scratch because I’d done
some writing on the sequel a while back. Although to my chagrin, half of what
I’d written got scrapped or revamped.
Approaching
this book, I knew that I couldn’t use my normal plodding style of writing. I
needed to set myself a goal. I decided that 1000 words a day 5 days a week
would work for me. (What was I thinking?!) After all, I know people, who appear
sane, that write 5,000 words a day. I tell myself those writers don’t have
kids, don’t work, and have full-time maid service. (For those of you who aren’t
writers, one page is 250 words.) The most I’ve ever written in a single day is
2000 words. And that was when I was flying high on a creativity rush.
I’ve
been doing the 5000 words a week for a couple of weeks now. The novel is moving
at a brisk pace, and I’ve reached the halfway point. So everything’s good. Except
my kitchen needs sanitizing (not good since I’m hosting a tea tonight—time to
break out the bleach and other caustic chemicals). Every muscle in my body
aches. I guess writing is a physical activity for me. (Does that mean I can cut
down on my three mile runs?) And my brain is turning to word mush.
So
I’m looking for brain recharge. Anyone have ideas? Two caveats. I can only
watch an occasional movie as flashing lights give me migraines. Even on TV with
the lights on. And I can only eat so much chocolate, or I’d have to increase my
runs. And that is not an option since I hate exercise—I’d rather shove bamboo
shoots up my fingernails. (Ack—my cliché meter is going off. Help me recharge.)
Do you enjoy sewing? I always find that working on a sewing project helps recharge my creative batteries. Or playing with photography, if that's your area of interest. Or knitting, or crocheting (I'm not into either of those, really, but I know many people say it's tremendously helpful for stress relief). Or ... let's see, I think fishing season is done, but hey, spending time around any nearby body of water, with or without a fishing pole, is always incredibly soothing.
ReplyDeleteAnd way to go on the 1000 words a day! I was shooting for 500 a day before we moved, but things have gotten a little crazy since then, and I've slipped off my goals. Got to get back on that!
Gardening cultivates creative juices. Or how about a peanutbutter and garlic sandwich? At least it provides the isolation you need for creativity.
ReplyDeleteYou could walk instead of run and maybe drive to a beautiful location and then take a nice walk or just take a scenic drive. Enjoying God's creation, especially in the area we live, always helps me feel refreshed and ready to keep going.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. . . Fencing always helps, and shooting. And studying the mechanism for the Benzopinacol photochemical formation reaction by way of intersystem crossing to form a diradical helps too.
ReplyDeleteHA! I love Rollie's comment about the peanut butter and garlic sandwich providing you with the "isolation" you needed.
ReplyDeleteInstead of pushing yourself on a run, how about making it a leisurely walk for a change? Take the time to enjoy your surroundings instead of whizzing past them. Or take a drive through some beautiful countryside. Nature can rejuvenate us like nothing else I know.
If you aren't feeling outdoorsy, maybe doing something creative that's entirely different from writing. Put on some music and dance ... or draw/paint a picture. Give the wordy part of your brain a chance to rest.
When I need to give my brain cells a rest, I watch some reality tv. The catch: you may laying some of your cells to rest - - permanently. Proper dosage is KEY ;-)
ReplyDeleteWatching paint dry or grass grow will easily recharge your brain. You should try it sometime!!
ReplyDelete