#IWSG - Doing My Laundry (Instead of Writing)

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Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!


Our co-hosts for October are:
Tamara Narayan   http://www.tamaranarayan.com/  
Eva E. Solar   http://lilicasplace.com/  
Shannon Lawrence    http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Faris  http://stephie5741.blogspot.com/  

After you've left a kernel of wisdom for me in the comment section, please visit the hosts to show your support.

My post:

I recently started writing a new book. I've been mulling the idea over for a while and I'm pretty excited to dive in...except when it's actually time to dive in, then I seem to find a million other things to distract me. 

I wrote a short story to introduce the book and posted it on Lightning Quick Reads, the themed, multi-author short story blog I'm a part of. I've never struggled with a story like I struggled with this one. I'm not really sure I'm even all that happy with it, but I ran out of time and my wonderful critique partner scolded me when I suggested I just resurrect an old story to post instead. Besides, my talented daughter illustrated it - clickable picture in the sidebar - so I was excited to show off her work, at least.

Basically I think all of my writing is crap right now. I feel like I can't say anything I want to say. Can't say it to the depth I want to the reader to visualize it. I know - I KNOW I need to just get that first draft of my novel out of my fingers and into my computer, but there's always Facebook, and Twitter, and Pinterest. There's recycling to take out and clothes that will benefit from a stern hand washing <--bet you've never used that excuse before!

Maybe if I threaten to participate in NaNoWriMo, it'll get me to focus and dash out some words. Even that cruddy first draft wouldn't be as bad as a NaNo first draft! I told myself I hoped to NEVER need to do NaNo again. Hmmm, I might be onto something. 

What do you do to focus yourself? 

Comments

  1. I like Nano, and am planning to do it again--fifth time! I always need to do planning before hand, though I'm not a traditional plotter. I think new ideas or a different approach to a project can sometimes kick you into gear. But I have also tried and failed two camp nanowrimos, so sometimes you're in a funk and it takes awhile to get out.

    Here's my October IWSG Post

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  2. You saw my post today. This industry makes us all insecure. I'm certain of it. Can't say I'd rather do laundry than write though, Kai. ;)

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  3. Done nano the last two years but this year am focusing on finishing current wip! I like to do the laundry and such as an excuse to walk away from my desk every now and then. I stand, do not sit, at my desk and I've been told that no matter what you do, you're supposed to give yourself a break (your eyes mostly) every half hour or so and I always forget to do that! So if I have laundry or dishes or some such, it's an excuse to give myself that needed break! I like making procrastination sound good, don't you?! LOL

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    1. Ha ha! I miss the days of getting so caught up in the writing that I when I look up again the kids are circling for their dinner! Hope your inspiration continues. The laundry will always be there.

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  4. I'm hoping NaNo helps me focus on my WiP. I'm using October to "plan" - whatever that means! - and then I'm diving into November with everything I've got. Maybe. Unless there's laundry that needs doing....

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    1. There is always laundry. The one time I did NaNo, I planned & plotted and then on November 1st woke up and wrote a completely different book. The best laid plans...or some such.

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  5. A wonderful introduction to your story. So happy to hear you're writing again. And your daughter is quite talented.

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  6. I'm having trouble focusing on new output. I'm still working the business end on stories already written, so I'm not completely out of the game, but I need to write new, new, new! Sometimes NaNo gives me that boost, especially since I just do my own version, which includes short stories and editing goals (ShaNoShoStoWriEdSubMo, lol). Good luck pulling out of the bog!

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    1. I love that acronym! Snort. Thanks for the well wishes. I'll take all I can get.

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  7. I've had some trouble focusing on the book I just finished. But I struggled through the first draft, sure it could never be fixed. But after two weeks away from it, it was pretty good. I look at that first draft kind of like that saying, 'if you're going through hell, keep going' and finish the draft no matter what.

    Susan Says

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  8. Our washing machine crapped out. I could have used your strong hands for laundry. Good luck with your first draft!

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  9. Oh, I think you are dealing with some of the same writing issues. Sending hugs your way!

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  10. You are exactly where I am at the moment. I need to be revising, but am doing everything else but because I'm so scared it won't go well. My confidence is at an all-time low. I think it was easier when I knew very little about writing and could fool myself I was writing well. Now, I know too much. I see many flaws but fixing them seems beyond my ability. Good luck with your writing and NaNo if you decide to do it! :)

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    1. Yep, I think you hit the nail on the head. Now I know too much. Good luck to you, too!

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  11. Ha! I just blogged about distracted writers over at Unicorn Bell. Here's the link if you're interested: http://unicornbell.blogspot.com/2015/10/dear-distracted-writer-giveaway.html

    I get what you mean about feeling like your writing sucks. I've been there. I think we all have. We go through these dulls...sink into these ruts...where whatever we do sucks. Or at least we think it does. I hope you get out of this phase and realize your writing is good. :)

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  12. We're often our own worse critics. I suppose that's why reading how others feel in this monthly IWSG post is helpful. Same boat for all of us at some point. I often resort to things like laundry when I need to see something accomplished and the keyboard isn't doing it for me. :-)

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