Sometimes, when good things are happening, it seems like life gets in the way of doing everything one wants to do – especially writing. But, that’s okay.
You may ask how it can be okay? You’ve always heard a writer is supposed to write. A writer is supposed to be glued to the chair, fingers on the keyboard, for certain lengths of time or until a given number of words are created. There’s a lot of truth to those ideas.
There also is truth to be found in a writer’s negative feelings of being overwhelmed, out of ideas, completely frustrated, or having trouble balancing or even finding freak out moment time (see my Hamster Wheel blog https://writerswhokill.blogspot.com/2026/04/running-aimlessly-on-hamsters-wheel.html ). Those are the lousy depressing times when one wonders if words will ever flow again. The times that hopefully will pass but seem like they won’t.
They aren’t what I’m talking about. I’m addressing not writing because of exhilarating and wonderful distractions. Reading the different posts on Facebook, Instagram, or blogs posted or written by Writers Who Kill authors, I see this past month included graduations, military commissions, Daisy to Brownie bridging, weddings, births, new homes, visiting guests, remodeling that finally finished, book launches, award ceremonies, attending conferences, traveling for fun, and planting for the new season. If you ask me, all of these were good reasons not to write.
The funny thing is that while words may not have gotten down on paper, I find that during these happy times, words keep percolating in my brain. Story ideas that have been tangled become clearer. It is the calm before the storm of words flow. Maybe it has something to do with the release of brain chemicals associated with happiness or simply relaxing, but I know that when the time presents itself to write again, I will. It’s truly okay. I can feel the good vibrations.
What about you? Do you ever find yourself so detoured by happy occasions and acts that you can’t squeeze in other things? When you can, do things work out?
I agree. I think the distractions are part of the writing process. It gives your brain a rest and sparks creativity.
ReplyDeleteI call it "putting projects on the back burner" and letting them simmer. And getting back to them when life allows. Sometimes I don't even remember what I was working on until I read the rough draft or the notes I left myself--and the whole thing comes tumbling back, usually more complete and coherent than it was when I temporarily abandoned the project.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blog—A happy writer’s block.
ReplyDeleteGetting away from the page and actually living life... What a wonderful concept. "Refilling the well."
ReplyDeleteYes and yes. You describe this perfectly, Debra. Good luck with the those good vibrations. I bet words will break loose soon.
ReplyDeleteThis comment is not relevant to today’s subject, but I didn’t know where it would fit in so I am entering it here.
ReplyDeleteIt refers to the post several days ago about illustrations in books.
Why Don’t More of Us Use Illustrations? by KM Rockwood
Today’s post on Mystery Fanfare relates to the Dell Mapbacks
that some people expressed an interest in
https://mysteryreadersinc.blogspot.com/2026/06/mapback-mondays-leslie-fords.html
So true, Debra! Thanks for validating what I have intuitively felt many times!
ReplyDeleteHappy times with words percolating on the back burner. I'm sure they soon will be bubbling to the surface with glee!
ReplyDelete