I’ve been feeling completely unmotivated lately.
For most of this year, actually.
At first, I didn’t worry about it too much. I’d finished another NaNoWriMo in November. December had been its usual whirlwind, but with the special added bonus of a software conversion and move at the day job. Then January came, and I ran out of patience with the life I’d been living. Cue another big life change…
Is it possible I used up whatever motivation I had focusing on getting out of one day job and into the new one? Because, I don’t seem to have anything left for the writing. I’m even writing this blog post late because I am so daunted by the thought of facing this damn blinking cursor that I will do endless loads of laundry to avoid it.
It’s a phase, I know.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.
I can’t leave all those plot bunnies lingering in their hutch indefinitely. Something’s going to start to stink in there.
Every author knows the ebb and flow. Some stories pour out like water. Most are prized out with pliers. Genre fiction writers have been on a roller coaster ride for the last half-decade. As the authors who drive most of the revenue in the industry, we’ve been expected to produce more, faster, better, and cheaper than ever before. And we’ve answered the call…but at what expense?
My first book was published in 2011. Next week, my 33rd (A BOLT FROM THE BLUE) will hit the digital bookshelves. Crazy, huh? I’ve written and sold 33 novels and novellas in 6 years. Numbers 34-37 are already written and awaiting editorial. I’m scheduled for release through number 38 in the fall of 2018.
I should be riding high, right? I ought to be psyched. But mostly, I just feel tired. Like Madeline Kahn in Blazing Saddles tired.
This weekend, Fodder and I hit the flea markets and excavated some awesome old albums. I came home with this fabulous Barry Manilow double album. And while Sally may not appreciate my rendition of Weekend in New England, I totally understood where Barry was coming from when he sang about Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again.
There are times when I worry that I’ve fallen out of love with writing. Moments when I wonder if I could just walk away from it—leave all those bunnies in the hutch to battle it out until all that’s left is one single killer rabbit of a story with nasty, pointed teeth living in a deep, dark cave.
But I won’t. I can’t. So, I’m still meditating every night. I started doing yoga again. Mainlined Grace & Frankie season 3. And, hey, look—I just wrote a 500 word blog post whining about not wanting to write.
I just…need to find a way to get my storytelling groove back. I’m hoping the Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass album I scored for $2 will help.
I know you’ll get Mo back. Motivation that is. Your list of writing accomplishments is awesome. Love the Barry album. I have that one too.
To paraphrase Barry: “I write the stories that make the whole world read…” You do, you know. Your name is still legend. I have no doubt that a bunny will soon hop upon your keyboard and refuse to move until you’ve told the tale. Until then, let the dust settle, grab plenty of snuggles from the grandbabies, and pat yourself on the back for all of the stories you’ve already told us. You deserve some downtime.
This superbly written blog post is proof enough to me that you’ve still got the magic. I totally understand your lack of motivation, though. I’ve been feeling it, too.
Are you all packed and ready for camp? I think we’re both gonna rock it in Cabin Awesome, and that might be just the thing we need to get our groove back again.
Have I mentioned lately how absolutely incredible you are to have written 37 books? Have an amazing week, you amazing lady! xoxo
It’s okay to feel a little (or a lot) burned out. Don’t overlook all that you HAVE accomplished. It’s amazing to us civilians. Plus you have a new baby to cuddle, take your time!