I sighed.
It wasn’t that I didn’t know what to write, but instead that I wasn’t happy with what I was writing. All of my characters were sad and not very motivated, a feeling that mirrored my own life. I knew I needed to drag myself out of the slum I was in and take my characters with me, but it wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Unfortunately, I didn’t have another choice.
And I wasn’t going to give up.
Ever noticed that when you’re writing, your characters often act or seem a little bit like yourself? For instance, little details you didn’t plan out, might end up describing a scenario in your own life. Or perhaps an unexpected character pops into your story and has some of the same quirks that you do.
Now, this isn’t necessarily bad. Every story you create starts in YOUR brain, so it’s natural that part of your ideas and thoughts to be influenced by your everyday life or own personal habits. Plus, writing about things that have happened in your own life or to you can also be handy when you’re writing, because they’re easier to explain and describe them.
Why?
Well, you experienced these events and emotions first-hand.
This is why you may notice that you can’t write when you’re really upset or worried about something. Or maybe if you’re writing a book with a happier theme that takes place on the sunny beach, you find it difficult to write a chapter in it on a gloomy day.
But should you let your emotions control your writing schedule?
It all depends.
For example, if someone you know just passed away or you’re going through a tragic event, perhaps it is best to set aside your novel for a bit. The same can be for an extremely happy situation, such as graduating college or even just finishing high school. HOWEVER, taking a break from your main project is NOT the same as pausing your writing.
The best writing is heavily influenced by both happy and sad emotions and sometimes writing can even help you through tough times and relax your mind. So, even if you decide to take a few days off from writing, make sure you continue to keep a journal or even just write a short story if you feel like it.
Of course, then there’s the question of when should you return to your novel?
Once you fall out of a regular writing routine, it might be hard to start it back up or figure out exactly when your break is over. If you continue to put off writing for a long period of time, you might develop a writer’s block that will remain until you finally just pick up the pen, (Or more likely your laptop.) and just start writing!
It’s tricky, yes, but you can do it! If writing’s important to you, you won’t be able to stay away from it for long. Writing isn’t a big priority compared to funeral preparations or even just spending time with your family, BUT it is a skill that should be practiced and diligence will perfect your skill and help you establish a stable schedule.
-D.P.
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