Recently, fellow writer friend and author of actual published books, Liz Adair, posted a blog here where she talked about "fallow" times when it comes to her writing. She prefers that term to the feared and dreaded (my adjectives, not hers) "writer's block." I really related to what she said, plus I liked the sweet, restful image that "fallow" created. I told myself I'm just in a fallow time with my writing. I've written to chapter 20 of my novel and now I just need to rest and rejuvenate. ;)
Ha! I think that's manure (which Liz also mentions in her blog post). Liz was talking about when you've finished a work and ideas for the next are percolating. That's the fallow time, not when you are in the midst of a story that's itching to get out, but you won't spend the time necessary with your behind in front of the keyboard. I know I can't blame fallow times OR writer's block for my own rationalization and procrastination.
Liz mentions the law of the harvest and seeds planted (that's where the manure comes in) and I ackowledge that my own lack of seed-sowing at the computer will seriously delay the harvest.
Well, BIAM comes to the rescue. It stands for Book in a Month, and while I won't write an entire book in a month, I have set a daily word count goal that by July's end may bring me very close to the words I long for: THE END.
Hmmm fallow time in the middle of a project doesn't sound like wasted time to me. I've been taking a break and have come back with a different perspective and a much clearer focus of what I need my characters to do. Does anyone else think of writer's block as a bad thing? I used too, no more. Different perspective as Stacy wrote about.
ReplyDeleteI love this fallow time idea. It sounds almost hallowed. I wonder if I can use it in regards to my housekeeping.
ReplyDeleteAll kidding aside, it's a very thought-provoking blog and quite challenging. I, too, am looking forward to this July BIAM. THANKS for posting it.
Thought provoking blog. I like to think I am stewing, or cooking my ideas. I find that if I am not actively thinking about the book, then I am just procrastinating. I am okay with the manure if it is nourishing the soil/story, but if it is procrastination, then it is just flat out manure of another kind and time to flush and get a move on.
ReplyDeleteoh, and how did you do with your son coming home? Is it wonderful?
ReplyDeleteIt's the best, Cindy!!!
ReplyDelete