I thought I’d write a blog post about not writing. Yes, you heard me. OK, so I haven’t given up writing, far from it. Despite abysmal book sales and feeling low about it, that’s not what I’m doing.
But a couple of weeks ago I started a new job and although it’s only part time, it’s making me quite tired so that I just don’t have the energy to devote to writing as much as before. I’m barely keeping up with the housework/looking after the dog etc. And most evenings now I just want to veg on the sofa in front of the TV (shock, horror).
One of the main reasons I have in my life for taking a step back from things sometimes, not just from writing, is because of a health condition, which I’ve written about before on this blog. I’m not going to go into great detail about it now – maybe in another post – but suffice it to say I have to put my health first before anything else, and I mean anything!
So yes, my writing is suffering a bit. I have managed to do a few sessions on it this week but not as much as I would have liked. I would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who commented on my previous post with their thoughts on book promotion and generally making my books more visible. You’re stars, you really are and that was some great advice, which I promise you I’ll put into practice when I’m not feeling quite so knackered!
I’m sure what I’m going through as far as tiredness goes is completely normal when it comes to starting a new job. And my health condition does make it worse – I generally tire easily. Hence not doing things like NaNo – I simply wouldn’t be able to keep up. But I’m hoping that after a while I’ll get used to the routine of this new job and be able to incorporate working on my writing into that routine.
I feel a bit frustrated about it as I’d really like to be doing more with my writing as well as promoting my two novels which are already published. But I know I need to give myself time to adjust. (It doesn’t help that at the moment I’m fighting off a virus too! 😦 )
So what do you do when you’re busy and you’re feeling too tired to write? Do you soldier on anyway or do you cut back the hours you spend on it?
Elaine Jeremiah 
Health and change adjustment come first. As for the writing, I take the approach that even notes, a little editing, etc. is worthwhile. Basically, any progress counts even if it’s only thinking of an idea.
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Thanks Charles, that’s great advice. 🙂
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Hello Elaine. I was looking at my inbox list and the title of this post jumped out at me. I can so relate to the post for many of the same reasons you cite. I did a similar post a few months ago, vaguely explaining my absence from my blogs. I too have health issues and have many up and down days as far as how I’m feeling. I virtually pulled back completely which I don’t advise because now, I find it harder than ever to get back in the saddle. I think your thoughts on pulling back and reducing the hours spent writing may work because you are still keeping your pen to paper. Unlike myself, who is struggling to get my ideas back down on paper. I wish you all the best with your health, your new job and your 2 new novels. Congrats by the way! It sounds like you could use a little break after being so productive. All will fall into place in due time. I will keep you in my prayers. Have a lovely Sunday! 🙂
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Hi there, thank you so much for your lovely comment, good to hear your thoughts. I appreciate your prayers!
Yes I think little and often (if you can) is the way to go with writing. I think as long as you do as much as you can that’s the main thing. As writers, of course we all have lives outside of our writing and it’s all about finding the right balance.
I’m glad you think I’m productive; I don’t always feel that way compared to a lot of other writers! But yes, it’s good to think of what I’ve achieved over the past two years or so.
Best of luck with your writing, I hope you too can find a writing routine that suits you. 🙂
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When I’m exhausted I don’t write, but I do edit; and on the rare occasion that I can’t even summon the energy to do that I try to think up plots for future books. I do have a life but for me, writing and all that goes with it is a blessed relief from what I do all day.
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Thinking up plots for future books is a great idea and something I need to do more of for sure! And it’s lovely that writing is such an escape for you. 🙂
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The only problem is that now I have about 75 novels I really want to write. I should live so long.
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That’s a lot of novels! 😉
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Hi Elaine,
When I’m feeling that way, I try to at least do something writing related. That includes reading a good book on craft or just reading a good book in the genre I write in.
I hope you’re feeling better soon. 🙂
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Thanks Danielle. And your advice is good! I think as you and Roger and others are saying the way to keep at it is just to do something writing-related, however small. 🙂
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Elaine, hang in there!:-)
Health issues, busy work schedules, and a host of other interruptions plague writers as part of ‘life’ happening. Each new morning is a new start and one of these mornings, you’ll wake to renewed energy and be back to writing with a vengeance.:-)
This is a good time to read novels in your genre, books on strengthening your craft, and with something different from your norm thrown in ( to shake the brain up ) now and then just for the fun of it.
Treat yourself kindly!:-)
Hope you feel better soon. Enjoy the coming holidays.:-)
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Aw thank you very much! Yes I’m definitely looking forward to the holidays! I will treat myself kindly, I promise! And I’m sure you’re right – once I get into this new routine and I’m used to it, I’ll be energised for writing again. 🙂
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Urgh. I hate when work gets in the way of writing! I know how it feels to be just totally exhausted from a day job and have writing take a back seat because of this. Be kind to yourself! 🙂
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I will! I think once I’m into my new routine and the hours etc I will have more energy to write. But I’m gonna take it gently for sure! 😀
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I’m sure you’ll find a new rhythm that works for you! 🙂
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You have to take care of yourself first. Especially around the holidays, it’s difficult to find time to write, so I try to come up with ideas, edit, catch up on my TBR pile, reviews, etc. Give yourself and break and rejuvenate – hope you start feeling better!
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Thank you very much! You’re absolutely right – my health comes first. But I have quite a long break over Christmas so I’m hoping that when I’m feeling a little more relaxed I’ll have a bit more energy to do writing. 🙂
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Everyone has given you good advice, Elaine. Take care of yourself first.
I can only say i discouragement is part of your decision, don’t do what I did. I quit writing for three years at one point. Even this year, I’ve written less than I normally write. My hope for you is that you can reconnect with the joy of writing.
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Thanks for your lovely comment Linda. I’m still working on my writing, just not as often and not as long each time. But I’ll get there. After all every little helps! 🙂
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