Sigh

[alex_beecroft]

Am I going off the Age of Sail altogether?  Or is it just 'Secrets' which isn't very interesting?  I can't really tell.  Trying to write a big battle between a bomb ketch which has already used up all its bombs, and a xebec, while escalating some sexual tension between her Captain and Lieutenant shouldn't be this difficult, surely?  I just don't seem to have had any enthusiasm for it since I got back from the holidays, and I'm fully convinced that it shows in the writing.

Comments

[erestor.livejournal.com]

Having a deadline can be very inspiring, but only if you're in the mood, well, at least that's what it's like for me. If not, a deadline is like one big "power off" button. Really, take your time. Your creativity will wave a flag as soon as it's time to write again. That's one of the beautiful things about art, it can't be forced. :)

Not up and about, unfortunately. It's up and down and mostly down, I haven't written anything beyond the edits for "Blackberry", and even that completely exhausts me. I really spend most of my time sleeping, or just - being. I've been told that's a good thing, but for a workaholic like me, it's hell. Oh well. Better times will come. :)

[alex-beecroft.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'm beginning to realize that I need to be able to relax and enjoy the book, rather than just trying to churn it out in a set time. If I don't let there be time for inspiration to strike, then I'll probably just deprive myself of anything that might be good about it. It's partly the fault of the fact that I have an outline, and I was trying to be too strict about following it - now that I'm allowing myself some digression - John turning up on deck in his dressing gown, describing the fauna in the weed on the bottom of the ship etc - my enthusiasm is returning.

Sleeping and just being are good! Who knows, maybe this is your body's way of telling you to ease up on the workaholism and give yourself some time to recuperate? Though that's easy for me to say! I can imagine the frustration. The Blackberry edits are wonderful, though, so you're still doing worthwhile things! And everything else will come back, as you say :)