“My real writing is the stuff I do that takes my
deepest energy, that requires me to slide into that space where everything else
falls away. I picture the space where I
do my real writing as a quiet forest glen where there is sound but nothing I
need to attend to, nothing that calls forth my intervention. It is serene, secluded,
and I am alone there.” ~ Andrea Cumbo
From what I’m hearing, other writers are struggling
to juggle their blogging with their ‘real’ writing. Unknown Jim says his writing
has been misplaced and it’s time for things to change.
His aim is to focus on fiction instead of spending
so much time on social networking. He says, “It’s time to write what you REALLY
want to write about…It might mean blogging less to just blog better…or writing
an ebook, poem, or short story…”
Or memoirs and magazine
articles, which I must return to front burners and bring to full steam once
again. This is why I’m taking a blogging sabbatical for the next several weeks
- although I do hope to drop by and visit my friends on occasion.
In an earlier post, The
Music Within, I quoted Brian Doyle’s reasons for writing. These words bear
repeating here, mainly to remind myself of why I write.
“Because like all human
beings I have an innate drive to leave something shapely and permanent behind
me, some marker or passage through the woods…I’d like to leave several books
behind me so that someday my children will open and read them and think maybe
the old man had a fastball for awhile there.”
In Utterances of an
Overcrowded Mind, Paul Dorset says that 97% of writers don’t finish their book.
I’m in the 3% who have finished one, but little good that did since I placed it
in a closet and forgot about it long ago. But that’s not the one demanding my
attention right now anyway. It’s the memoirs I want my children to read.
What about you? How are you expending your writing energy,
and do you also feel the need to redirect your focus? Is blogging your chief
venue, or do you have other WIP that need attention like some of us?
Linking with Seedlings in Stone
Hi Debra,
ReplyDeleteReally great thoughts here...I'm thinking of writing a short e-book...I keep listening for God's little nudges as I write, and blog. Good for you for following your dream to write your memoirs...blessings :)
Dolly, blessings on your ebook too! Keep us posted on your progress.
DeleteIt helps to have a community of writers cheering each other on!
Oh, I selfishly miss you already! And I fully support you in your decision -- holding you in my heart as you grow more & more empowered through doing the work you are called to do!
ReplyDeleteI don't really consider myself a 'writer' as much as a 'thinker' and a 'storyteller', with writing as one of several ways to express my ideas and connect with others. I have struggled a bit lately to figure out where blogging fits into it all. I do love, love, LOVE the conversations! Not sure where it's all going ...
Linda, you are one of those I referred to when I said “I do hope to visit my friends on occasion.” But I have struggled with this for awhile now, this balancing act.
DeleteYou are a powerful storyteller and artist and vision coach and photographer, a true renaissance woman. I agree with you. In the blogging world, it IS the conversations I enjoy most too. Thank you for all your encouragement, just one more of your many gifts.
Good luck with your other endeavors. I hope you are able to return to blogging, even occasionally! thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. many blessings, Lisa
ReplyDelete:-)
Thank you Lisa. I'll be back!
DeleteHave a wonderful week, you and your crew.
I have always loved writing. I have kept my journals and now I'm into blogging. It was my artist friend who encouraged me to keep on sharing my thoughts and experiences with or without moods.
ReplyDeleteI like the theme of your post because that is what I'm, working on right now. I call it the art of 'being forgotten'. While it is true that I would like to make something concrete from which people could reflect on... there's a certain part of me that longs for something else....something deeper.
Anyways :) I know you understand that part of me. I have always looked up to you as a person who cultivates an 'interior life'.
Lots of love to you always...
Melissa, you love writing because it’s a call on your life, and you’ve been faithful in following that call. I’m glad you’re blogging because now you get to share your art and photos, all of which are beautiful gifts from above. I love it, ‘the art of being forgotten.’ Wow, girl, your words tend to cause a double take, quite often. Not everyone ‘gets’ the interior life; that’s why I’m most grateful to know you. ~ Blessings and hugs
DeleteThank you for your prompt response. I wanted to hear from you. You are so wise.
DeleteI love you Debra :*
I hope you'll write on 'the art of being forgotten' sometime. I’m intrigued.
Deletei feel like my blogging has refined my writing and
ReplyDeletewill lend itself to a work of fiction . . . someday.
i never look at it as a rival to my 'real' work.
Lea, it’s only a rival to those trying to write other works while spending an inordinate amount of time on social media. When you start your novel or stories, you’ll see ;-)
DeleteOh, Debra, I think many of us relate. I'm not sure if blogging, in and of itself, detracts from my "real" writing. The social networking that goes hand in hand with blogging is what bogs me down. Some of my "real" writing is short memoir ... and I get some of that on the page knowing I've got blog readers. That said, I've cut back on submissions, bringing together a book, and working on fiction. I decided to go off of Twitter, at least for now, b/c it was TMI. I enjoyed some of my fellow tweeters links -- like yours and Patrick's ... but had to wade through lots of chatter to see them.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I just want to go the "old fashioned" route w/ queries and proposals and publishers and a wall-o-rejection notices ... but, even then, I keep reading that one needs a platform. Ugh. May your sabbatical be fruitful!
Terri, I agree that it’s not the blogging per se competing with other manuscript writings, but the social networking. This platform hype is ALL you hear these days, and doesn’t suit the contemplative lifestyle. ‘Build the tribe, find your niche…’ I need a break from it all. All the noise distracts me from hearing what I most need to hear. I know that for sanity’s sake I can’t afford to keep an outward focus right now, and so I’m following Rainer Maria Rilke’s advice: “You are looking outward, and that above all you should not do now…There is only one single way. Go into yourself.” I’d like to stay in touch with you at any rate.
DeleteI hope your children write their memoirs, Debra. I have not been writing in awhile now. Also blogging is taking less of my time. But I think I go through these phases when I go off but do come back.
ReplyDeletehttp://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.in/2012/11/sometimes-i-wish.html
Rimly, I doubt my children will write memoirs but I hope they’ll read mine;-) About taking off… it’s a good thing to alter our habits sometimes, don’t you think? I used to blog weekly, then every 12 days, then every two weeks consistently, and now I’ll have to see… but I’ll touch base when I return. xox
DeleteBlogging is definitely my main writing venue. But I still write small bits here and there in my journals, letters, etc.
ReplyDeleteI pray your blogging sabbatical is a fulfilling one.
Lisa, blogging is a wonderful venue for writers and photographers who aren’t interested in manuscript writing. Keep it up girl! Love your insights. Thank you.
DeleteI don't know whether I am a 'writer material.' I chose to blog because at that point of time when I began blogging, I needed to distract myself from various things. Gradually I liked what I did. Ever since, my only writing happens in my blog. Off late, I have also began recording thoughts in a dream journal and a daily journal. As for getting published, I won't say that the thought hasn't entered my head but I am not sure whether I can actually write a book/e-book. Ah, I'm an avid letter-writer and write very long letters to friends and some fellow bloggers. That's about it.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all success in your endeavour and I pray that your book will soon nestle cozily in many readers' hands.
Joy always,
Susan
Susan, sometime I’d love to connect and discuss your dream journal, as I’m quite interested in the inner life, what dreams reveal about us, about our circumstances, and so on. They can also be instructional and given for guidance. Awhile back I dreamt that all the clocks stopped, and when I shared it with a friend she freaked out! I love dream journals. Are you referring to dreams in the night, or the kind of ‘dream’ that means ‘goal.”
DeleteDebra, the dreams at night which are ever so fascinating and confusing :)
DeleteHope you are well.
I thought so Susan. Yes, they can be both fascinating and confusing indeed but I hope at least some are discernable. Can't tell you how much some have changed my life - and that's something to write about!
DeleteI often feel like the only writing I can accomplish in a week is blogging.. before "building a platform with social networking" mattered, I spent my time writing magazine articles and crafting book chapters- now it seems the all consuming platform pressure leaves me with little time for either. Not sure what to do about that, honestly. I continue to trust that God can use blogging as "real writing" for His glory- any words penned to bring Him honor qualify as "real writing", I guess. Any thoughts, dear friend? (BTW, always love it when you stop by the Overflow - your comments encourage me so!)
ReplyDeleteAlicia, all I know is that you are called to write, no matter what venue, you have an extraordinary gift with words, and they DO glorify God because they aren’t just words strung together without purpose, and not just aesthetic in nature, but meaningful, touching, transcendent. On the ubiquitous ‘platform building’ subject, I won’t dispute the need for an online presence, and if anyone is successful in content, it’s you! Me? I know that God is directing a hiatus from social media and calling me to exit the noise, at least for awhile. Not sure how long, so please say a prayer for me as I seek direction and guidance. xox
DeleteBlogging is a necessary evil, or was, or is, and an essential part of a writer's tool kit these days. Writers of other projects (novels, magazine articles, memoirs, etc) use the blog as a way to increase their brand and gain recognition. Do they love it? I suspect it's 50/50. I wouldn't have started a blog if it wasn't a check box for an undiscovered/unpublished author. When I started the blog my biggest challenge was I didn't know who to be on the blog or what to talk about. Those first few months were painful, to be honest. Now, I get it. I landed on my voice. Today, I think of my blog as my virtual journal. It's no longer a labor. I learned from you about inner peace, from Linda, about harmony, and now it's part of my writer's process. I stay focused on my other writing, always. I come to my blog no less than once a week. It's a break from the heavy lifting of first drafts and editing, etc., I have made a few connections in the virtual space. This was the most surprising. It saddens me we are spread apart and I can't ask them over for dinner or met them for coffee (you, my dear are one of those people) but I know I can reach out if I have a question or want advice. This is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteOh Brenda, there is not a day goes by that you aren’t on my mind. I learned from blogging so much about connecting and meeting new friends. Thank you for these words: “I learned from you about inner peace, from Linda about harmony.” You’ve heard it said that bloggers should have a ‘niche’ but so far I haven’t exactly found mine. I learned from you that it’s not all it’s cracked up to me ;-) I mean, if I focused on one thing and one thing only I’d be bored stiff – as would my readers. I think of blogs as Cracker Jack boxes where you don’t know what prize you’ll pull out until you open the box and dig down. So bloggers who have a variety of prizes (as you do) are far more interesting than one who only writes about platform building, marketing content, the craft of writing, etc. I remember about 2 years ago, I reconnected with a writer friend who harped on platform, niche, brand, using all the buzz words. At first I was gung-ho about the process of platform building, then I struggled with burnout. Finally I realized that what matters most are the friends I’ve made along the way, of which you are one.
Deleteugh... I wasn't signed in and lost my entire comment.
ReplyDeleteYou have to do what you have to do. Blogging is a great tool when someone first starts out writing or spreading a message. But, when it comes down to getting paid for your writing/thoughts/help over doing it for free, you find out that although you will miss those you interact with you have to do what's best so you can survive. Bills don't disappear. It all comes down to making choices, responsibilities, commitments, and priorities. Once people give as much as they ask for, they will realize that. I hope you have a wonderful week. xoxo
Thank you Jenn for these encouraging words. You’ve got a good point. Getting paid for writing helps ;-) And you too, no doubt. We discussed this a bit some time ago. I’ll be interacting with all you friends still since I do enjoy the online connections with those of common interests, as we have. I’ve enjoyed your articles on education and when I get back to the WIP that I’ve only finished a SFD of, I’ll touch base. Take care, friend.
DeleteSince I am not a "writer", and the only way I can write is from the heart with straight up honesty, I will stick to my little blog and enjoy the conversation...I will miss you.
ReplyDeleteJan, you're doing exactly what you're called to do: capturing life in photos and a few words. Amazing pictures I've seen so far. Take care.
DeleteDebra, I know how it is to be drained by social media, despite the warmth and fun it selflessly provides. I love my time off the Internet (about 3-5 days a week) and I can get my writing/editing done along with other work commitments. Take all the break you need to work on your fiction. Have fun writing and take great care. C.
ReplyDeleteClaudine, thank you for the nod of approval. I figured there must be others drained by social media. I really appreciate your idea shared here: being off the internet 3-5 days a week to get writing/editing done. After my hiatus I may try that. The only problem is, I tend to check emails as soon as my feet hit the floor, then FB – which I have absolutely got to stop! It seems to suck me in. How do you do that?
DeleteBlogging is for now my main venue for my writing. Though my efforts at short stories which I've posted on my blog have given me some ideas for a book which I hope I will have the patience and the time to write. I do hope I find the time, the courage, inspiration and the perseverance to do it.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, enjoyed your short stories, and wish you success with book publishing if you decide to go that route. Here’s my take on blogging vs. longer pieces that aren’t compatible with blog posts. There are pros and cons to both. Blogging affords immediate gratification and feedback, whereas magazine articles and stories and book manuscripts require more patience and tenacity.
DeleteAll the best.
Debra, I understand the demands of social media. I love my friends and their words, and could literally spend hours a day reading them and commenting on their brilliance, but I have found that doesn't leave much meat on the time bone for my own writing. Blogging is a side thing, although it brings me so much joy. I have one book publishes ( as you know) and another in the making. I also have to find new ways to market my work, which is really hard! I'm a writer, not a marketer. So, I understand your need to pull away a little and work on some things. I have pulled away from social media some. I might have to pull away even more if I want to get things done. Sending love to you Debra. You're such a gift to all of us.
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs!!!
Leah
Oh girl, don’t you know it? No, socializing doesn’t leave much time meat on the bone for me. But, like you, I enjoy the interactions with friends, I love hearing their thoughts and life experiences. Were you blogging when you wrote Cossette’s Tribe? When I return from hiatus I’ll do a review and interview, if that’s ok with you. Question: do you have trustworthy readers for your WIP? Or are you basically on your own? Talk later. Hugs and blessings!
DeleteI do find that when I'm in the midst of a work project - the application of writing that pays the bills - I do get distracted from other facets of writing. It is then that I have to exercise more discipline and keep a timely level of approach going. I dislike that immensely, as I haven't ever been one who adapts well to rigid timelines, deadlines, "write X number of articles by X date/time". My blog is where I write for personal enjoyment and I don't enforce deadlines or strictures on myself there. When I need to take time away, I do it, and I come back refreshed and better equipped to produce creative content that meets my exacting standards.
ReplyDeleteYou would think, given that I write for a living, that writing would be the last thing I would want to do after business hours. Oddly, it never palls for me. The marketing side of things, however, that one is a chore that I do have to make myself tackle. Finishing manuscripts - same thing. I need to buckle down & rediscover that particular joy. All in good and proper time, though. My Soul always tells me when that good and proper time is.
Be well, my sweet girl, and enjoy your sabbatical.
Namaste', and so, so much love to you.
- Dawnie
Dawn, deadlines give me incentive to keep plugging away at the work. When I don’t have a particular time limit I tend to procrastinate and do more leisurely activities like watch ballgames or play piano or read, things that aren’t going to pay a red cent! More recently I’ve read one too many political articles, and that has distracted me from the work at hand. Another problem for me is having so MUCH writing I want and need to get done that it feels overwhelming. You are blessed, girl, in that you write for a living and STILL want to write in your free time. Keep me in your positive thoughts and every time you think of me please send out wishes that I’ll accomplish my goals. I’ll keep you posted, dear friend. Much love and blessings abundant.
DeleteI confess to having a few projects started but no time or energy to finish them. But I really enjoy blogging right now -- I'll probably have to take a sabbatical, too, to finish them. But not for a while. :) Thanks for stopping by this week to comment.
ReplyDeleteRosilind, it’s interesting that you use the phrase ‘no time or energy to finish.’ I’m pondering that thought. For me that isn’t the factor, it’s ‘not having the motivation or will,’ because I tend to make time for what I really want to do. Case in point: last night I sat and watched a ballgame on TV in lieu of sitting and writing. Then it dawned on me that if I really wanted to finish this story underway I’d BETTER get up and get to work. And that I did. Afterward, I felt lighter, freer, more fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteHi Debra:
ReplyDeleteBlogging (two now) is the only writing doing now. Like you I HAVE finished writing novels (five in all.) But the fiction I spent over half my writing no longer interests me. I've grown beyond the genre I spent so much time in. It was no longer giving me joy. I actually stopped writing for five years and I didn't even miss it. I blogged about losing my desire and getting it back with Wisdom and Life here:
http://cjpwisdomandlife.com/2010/12/19/the-itch/
I'm now working on a new literary project involving my blog. As I said in The Itch, I'm so grateful that my gift of writing was returned. I won't ever take it fir granted again.
--
Chris
Chris, that is so interesting that the fiction you spent so much time working on no longer interests you. I spent five years on a novel that, at the time, I knew would be a best-seller ;-) Isn’t that what all novelists believe? But years later I wasn’t so in love with the story anymore. We do change over time, our interests, tastes, passions (although the passion for writing remains strong).
DeleteBlogging has its advantages. You don’t have to wait for acceptance or rejection. You get immediate response. I read The Itch, and Mary was so right. You must be so grateful for a friend who encouraged you to build the field. Yes they did come. I’m one of them! Bravo! I’m interesting in learning about your new project.
Hey Debra..great stuff here. Have been writing since my school days - have been (and still am) a writer, journalist, ghost writer, blogger ...but never full time! All said and done, blogging/writing is a release for me! More here at http://www.websnackerblog.com/2008/12/my-first-post-why-this-blog-exists.html
ReplyDeletecheers!
Hi Websnacker, I could easily quit my day job and write full time. I’ve always wanted to make a living writing, but as it stands right now, I have to teach. I do enjoy blogging though, and have met some wonderful people online, like you! Have a great week!
DeleteThis is a great post. I've actually felt a bit torn lately. I want to put out more material on my blog but I am having a hard time finding the time and focus to writer posts that have substance...I've been writing a lot less. It went from a few posts a week to a couple a month! I think I'm going to focus on writing one or two substantial posts while also starting to post shorter posts that include maybe an interesting excerpt I find thought provoking or inspiring..sharing the material that I am finding helpful in my spiritual journey.
ReplyDeleteJessica, your posts always contain substance! It’s ok to write whenever you’re able and not feel obligated to post weekly. It’s actually, in my humble opinion, better to post less and write posts that do have substance. When I heard from other writers that they were struggling too, it freed me to follow the dictates of my own heart and write from that place. As for your writing, I always find it meaningful and enjoy following you on the journey.
DeleteSometimes writing the blog is difficult, because it is when I paint I feel my best. It is as though my mind achieves a state of peace.
ReplyDeleteAna, I believe it! I feel that same peace when I view your art. Bon voyage, friend, and traveling mercies!
DeleteFor a while now I have devoted my mornings to advertising and then tried to write in the evenings, but evening activities are so distracting it was becoming very frustrating. Here recently, I decided to switch it up and use up my battery (which was my time frame in the morning) with writing and do my advertising in the evening when I didn't have to try to concentrate too hard. It meant I would be hitting a different time zone and therefore a different audience but it seems the impact on views doesn't seem to be affected much. As a result, I've been writing/editing up a storm and really getting back into my long abused and neglected WIP. It really feels good.
ReplyDeleteOh Anna, I know about the frustration of distractions girl. We do what we have to do, don’t we? When you mention advertizing, do you mean your books? OMG, I dread that phase so much that I wish I had a secretary to do it for me so I could just devote all my time to writing. I’ve never ever liked the marketing aspect :-(
DeleteAll the best.
Well,debra don't you think my writing skills are not that sharp to write a book?:p.I need more guidance and more potential to write like you all people.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs.
You can do it Zarnab, I know you can. Take it bird by bird. Read that book by Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird - that is, if your goals include writing books. How are you girl?
DeleteI have sort of a love hate relationship with blogging. Sometimes blogging is my writing. Sometimes it is my relationship marketing. Sometimes it is a foundation for my speaking engagements. Mostly I enjoy all those things but it does of course take time to stay consistent and sometimes it is draining and demanding to stay consistent. Rather than giving up blogging, I'd prefer to give up my full-time job so I had more time to write. I'm working on that idea:)
ReplyDeleteLynne, love your description of blogging as a love/hate relationship. I see clearly your point of its many benefits too, but I also know how draining it can be to keep up the pace. If I didn’t have to teach I wouldn’t mind being a full-time blogger. If I could just quit my day job and write fulltime I’d be one happy camper. On the other hand I’m grateful for my teaching, my students, my life. In lowest terms, ‘life is good.’ I’ll probably be an old hunched-over piano teacher peering through spectacles at her students' music and saying, “Keep the tempo steady, please. Don’t rush or drag. Steady.” That should probably be our philosophy in every aspect of life: steady.
DeleteDebra, blogging is my only writing venue for the moment. I'll admit that sometimes, things get in the way of even blogging. As you may know from my last post, my knee problems are keeping me from engaging in my favorite activities. I find it hard to sit for long periods of time, but then I can't be on my feet too long either. It's infuriating to say the least. I'm down to writing blog posts once a week and for now, it's going to have to do. I'm also very far behind with my blog reading and that breaks my heart. I find myself sleeping a lot. Perhaps this is because my knee is not bent and there is less pain or maybe it's because it helps me escape with the many worries that seem to occupy my life as of late. Either way, I miss writing. I am seriously considering purchasing one of those voice activated recorders so as to record ideas when my muse visits. I'm glad you're taking time off to work on your memoirs. Won't you keep us posted, my friend? :)
ReplyDeleteBella, I just stopped by to pay you a visit, and learned about the torture chamber you had to endure :-( Poor darling, I could feel your suffering in the writing of your most recent post. The knee problems… are you still able to get out for walks with Roxy at all? What kind of knee problems do you have? If you can write even one blog post per week that’s great. I love the idea of a voice activated recorder to capture those moments when the muse is present – a rare occasion for me :-(
Delete~ Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI know you're taking some time off from blogging but just in case you see this, I'm passing on to you the Addictive Blog Award. When you have the time, come and get it @ http://anne-writersspace.blogspot.com/2012/11/blogging-is-addicting.html
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne, you are so sweet to think of me. Have a wonderful week! mwah!
DeleteHi, Debra.
ReplyDeleteLike Anne, I know you're busy with your WIPs. Just thought I'd drop by, say hello, and offer writerly encouragement in your non-blog endeavors!
Thank you love! Thank you for the encouragement, and I wish the same for you Terri. I have SO enjoyed the freedom to just focus on the memoir for now, and I hope to check in on my friends during the holidays.
DeleteI too have taken some time off from blogging. A part of me feels worried that I will lose readers, if I'm away for too long. But, I realize that I need to take this time to reflect and hear from God. In the end, it's not about the quantity, but the QUALITY. ;)
ReplyDeleteLisa, I know where you’re coming from, and I too believe that it’s more important to hear from God than to keep running on our own steam. For me, solitude and silence affords more grace to write what is expedient rather than what I deem good. You won’t lose readers if you take a sabbatical, but you might gain the right ones in the end.
DeleteI have noted my writing cycle and I have noticed I am inspired twice in a month, so I blog in accordance to that set cycle. there are some months when I am not sure what to write....but then when I think in the direction of writing it begins to shape up. Like the current one...I had a lot of mixture in my mind and I didn't have a clear picture; but when u are looking u find; so then one day it just found its form
ReplyDeleteJerly, great idea, to follow your inspiration. In other words, ‘having something to say’ instead of ‘having to say something'. Big difference, isn’t it? Advice worth following. I’ll be right over to check out your latest. Have a great week!
DeleteThanks Debra for checking the post and for the wise words you shared on the topic. Wish u a great week too.
DeleteLove and blessings Jerly.
DeleteI lose desire to blog when I get depressed, or upset...like the current events...so tragic, makes me realize the insignificance of anything I may write.
ReplyDeleteAnnmarie, how true, how true. Often I feel the same, that in light of current events nothing I could say seems significant. It has been an emotional moment in time for me too, and nothing else can transcend prayer in times like these.
DeleteIt is so comforting to read your thoughts and feelings about this and see that they echo mine so closely Debra. Social networking has consumed more and more of my time, and although I love the contact and feedback, it takes me away from my passion, photography and painting. I started my blog as a legacy for my grandchildren, a way of remembering and knowing more about the Grammy who adores all four of them. Now that it is at almost 400 posts, I have slowed down a bit. It is not my intention to leave them volumes, but the essence of me. So now I write when I feel compelled to, and not because of some requirement. And I find that my photography and painting is coming alive like a flame that nearly flickered out, but now burns brighter.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you and your endeavors! I too am reducing my time in social networking, and concentrating on where my passions lie.
Hi Cathy. Good to hear from you. Your words here really encourage my soul, especially these, “I find that my photography and painting is coming alive like a flame that nearly flickered out, but now burns brighter.” It’s paramount that we artists keep that flame burning. I was finding my soul consumed with social networking, and I’m glad I took some time away for solitude – that’s what most sparks my creative spirit. Thank you so much for confirming my decision. Blessings abundant in 2013, and hugs!
DeleteJust stopping in to say hello and hope your sabbatical is going well! Love and peace to you, dear Debra.
ReplyDeleteOh Kristen, it's going well. Thank you my friend for checking in on me. Hugs to you!
DeleteYes, I have felt the same, in the past few months. Nothing seems to be clicking. I write and write, but can't seem to finish... even blogging?! I have several blogs written, but can't seem to post them. I feel they are incomplete. At times like this, I take time off from reading and writing, because I don't want to push something. It just needs to flow from within, in order for me to pour it out.
ReplyDeleteTell it Lisa! What do we have to lose by waiting on the Lord? I know that writing is a disciple, but even Jesus needed wilderness time. I’ve found that the longer I wait on the Lord the more spiritual renewal I find within. And with renewal comes inspiration. And with inspiration comes fruitfulness, truth, and beauty. I’m enjoying my wilderness stay. How about you? Thank you for touching base my friend. Sending you blessings abundant.
DeleteThank you Sajid, but no solicitations please.
ReplyDeleteI have just returned from my own, unplanned sabbatical. More than two months have passed since I last published anything at my blog, and the quiet time was much needed. You were one of the first people I looked for to step back into the blogosphere; I've missed you! I hope that you are well, my dear one. 2013 brings such different energies compared to 2012, and I'm still working on the assimilation process. Those ever changing patterns demand an equal amount of adapting and growth. I don't know, just yet, what my new writing rhythm will be, but I have dusted off some neglected manuscripts and am enjoying the fiction writing experience again. I look forward to reconnecting with you and many others. :)
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you!
- Dawnie
Oh yes girl, the quiet space! All real writers know that to tap into the soul’s wellspring, we need that solitude from time to time and, for me, it was time. I was beginning to experience burnout and even a lack of creative vision. The voices of the crowd were becoming unsettling. My sabbatical wasn’t planned either; it just happened one day. I’m sure it must have been this way for you too. The best analogy I can think of at the moment is Forest Gump’s long running marathon. One day he just stopped. Just like that. And when the crowds asked why, he simply said he was tired.
DeleteHere’s to renewed spirits! Lifting my glass to my soul friend Dawn – cheers!
Felicitations Debra, just checking in to say, I hope you are okay and enjoying ..... 'just stopping' !
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Hugs Jane
Oh Jane, I miss you! Kinda lonely here these days.
DeleteDebra, once again checking in to see if you had a new post. Sigh. Roxy and I miss your wonderful and though provoking posts! Hope you are well, my friend. Hugs! :)
ReplyDeleteLove you Bella! Thank you for checking in. I'll check in on you too soon. My email was hacked today. What a pain! I had to prove to Yahoo that I was me!
DeleteDebra, what a lovely thing to read and to see my name and words associated with it. Good for you for focusing on what you need to focus on.
ReplyDeleteBless you Andi.
Delete--Where have you been? I love your words, thoughts, insight.
ReplyDeleteI love that you are in the 3% who have finished a book!
For me, blogging has been a fabulous platform to scream, lament, and exercise my authentic voice. I consider all of my posts "Real Writing."
...but it has also become a platform & space to shape my book.
Yes. I will be in he 3% too!
You. Rock. Like. Gaga.
I’ve been away from the madding crowd. Social media can be fun, but it’s also distracting. I just needed to get my head in the game. But in spite of my absence from online friends, I haven’t made the progress I’d hoped to make with the memoir.
DeleteKim your blogging seems like a fun venue, a little light and charming, to say the least.
I’m going to be in the 3% too, if I can figure out how I want to structure this thing. Do you have beta readers for your story? An editor? Just curious.
In the very near future, I should write a post on this, on getting the help and support you need to cross the finish line. Right now, I don’t have that. I did when writing my novel, but not now.