I believe in the importance of writing every day. I’ve even said just 15 minutes a day can be enough to keep the creative juices flowing. I usually write from 4-5 am. This is a time that has worked for me for about 7 years.
When I was in the middle of my NaNo ‘12 novel, I realized there was no way I could write beyond 50,000 words without stopping and researching the colonial period, historical figures, setting. Writing seemed useless without deeper knowledge of certain elements in my story. It’d be like treading water; I’d be going nowhere fast.
So, I figured I’d take December through February to research. This seemed like a good idea especially because it gave me a good excuse to not look at my NaNo novel as it steeped in those pantsed ideas.
Due to my tight schedule, I have been researching during my writing block. The problem though is that not writing creatively makes me sick. I mean, it really makes me sick. I have no energy; I have lost my appetite; I have no desire to get up at 4 when my alarm goes off; I trudge through my day; I don’t imagine anything anymore.
I have stopped thriving because I have been neglecting my Muse. Obviously, I have to make some changes if I want to be happier, healthier. I have to write. I must write.
So, I am cutting down on my research. I’ll write 30 minutes and research 30 minutes. Even if my writing ends up being trashed, what’s important right now isn’t the output. What is important is the attention I give to my Muse.
I could equate this with physical exercise. Bodies need to be worked regularly. If we neglect our bodies, they deteriorate faster, sooner. In turn, I believe our emotional selves suffer. I think Muses (or however you want to describe your center of ideas) also need to be worked regularly for our overall health and well-being.
How about you? Have you neglected your Muse long enough where you stopped thriving?
Limebird Writers 