I'm at it again. I can never stick with one project for too long, and doing too many projects at once usually makes me feel overwhelmed. But recently, I've decided to deviate from writing (for just a little hiatus) and tap into some of the other creativity I have. 
For those that don't know: I love graphic design. Not all the time, of course, but I enjoy photo manipulation, working with Photoshop, and generally doing random things.
This weekend, I created the cover for "My Summer Vacation by Terrance Wade," which is still open for suggestions. I also worked on this super nerdy crossover, where FVII meets Van Gogh.Basically? I spent my whole weekend not writing. I haven't been in the mood to write - I've been in a slump of sorts since post-honeymoon. So I'm curious, other writers: What do you do to get out of a slump?
While being creative is good for me, no matter what I end up doing, it isn't helping me finish my stories. RUHE is sitting without being edited for a third time (and after editing one chapter, believe me, it needs it). "My Summer Vacation by Terrance Wade" isn't even finished yet. And I have tons of reading to do for fellow critiquers.
Conclusion: The slump needs to end. ASAP.
Suggestions?
Slumps kill! I'm not sure I have any great suggestions for you, to be honest. I don't do anything special to combat slumps, I just try to power through them. I stick to a pretty rigorous schedule that has me at my desk every night at the same time, coffee in hand, slump or no. Some nights are definitely easier than others, but as long as I show up, the muse is generally pretty kind.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Yeah, I really need to start setting aside some time (when I'm not at work) to "work." By that I mean: Editing, rewrites, and writing. Right now, editing has become a major challenge, since I have so many daunting tasks ahead of me. But I suppose it is better to have a "to do" list than nothing going on.
DeleteWhen I find myself not writing (or in a slump) often I find that the best way to kick my own butt and get out of it is to join in some sort of challenge. Most recently I signed up for Camp NaNoWriMo which is starting in June.
ReplyDelete~ Rhonda Parrish
I just signed up for Camp! I wasn't going to - and I might not make the goal for either month, but I figured even if I can squeeze 20k out of myself, that will make it worthwhile. :)
Deleteooh i hate the slump. Sometimes to get myself out of it, I start editing the previous chapter--then somehow I get into the story again and i start writing the next chapter :) My goal everyday is just to show up and write, no matter how crappy the words are.
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I think my current problem is: I am re-writing too much.
DeleteEditing drains me more than writing, so it is hard to bring myself to the table. Though, some prompts from friends on G+ have helped me with a few scenes recently, there's hope for me yet!
I love dabbling in graphic art too, and I'm an illustrator as well as an author. I'm trying to draft a sequel right now, and it's rough finding time. I plan to isolate this next two weeks while by hubby is traveling! Removing distractions is a good way to get in the chair and write.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Stine’s Idea City