Why I Took a Month (and more) off from Writing

Not writing you say, for a whole month, what is the matter with you?

Now, at the time of writing this, there are still three writers I believe that have consistently written a story a day since January 1st, 2024.

• L.C. Schäfer • Rachel Deeming • Gerard DiLeo

To these three, they have my respect.

My goal was to write consistently and to hopefully receive a top story or two at least once a month, to date I have seen success. However, at the end of June my brain stopped working, not literally, but it did go on strike. Therefore, I did not write in July. (At the time of this, September 18, 2024, I believe I have only submitted seven stories since June 30th)

Why?

I have been promising myself that I would have a written novel or two by now, and to date have not succeeded. Yes, one is almost completed, but I am not content with the finished product and eliminated the last two chapters. I was tired and the quality suffered.

I had to ask myself WHY could I not complete the work? A few months ago, I wrote about 23 unfinished stories and counting, and to this date I am still counting. Therefore, I realize that what ever was bothering me has been in place for some time. Some people have this ability to write for vocal, and other sites as well as submit and interact with Facebook groups and other forums....I DO NOT possess that drive, skill, or discipline. Also, it is no secret that I am not a social media lover, there is something about that format that makes me cringe. It has a way of sucking the soul from an individual and make them feel that if they do not consistently write, follow, and comment they are missing out and therefore a bad person.

NOT TRUE.

I do know, that to succeed with promoting oneself social media is the best way to do this.

Yet, I decided to stay off Vocal and other writing forums for a month and focus on friends and family, and myself. Not even my novel would drag me away, forcing me to stare at a screen for hours on end only to feel frustrated. My laptop lay lonely and unused. I browsed Vocal now and then to read the works from other creators, I still wish to be supportive, but even that began to diminish, and for that I am truly sorry, please forgive me.

I had to be honest with myself, one of the hardest things to do. The truth of the matter is, I was frustrated with loosing in challenges. “Whew,” I said it. The winners were all worthy of the award. However, a few submissions that won, that although beautifully written, did not follow the guidelines (in my opinion). And this is what upset me the most.

This attitude is selfish, petty, and unbecoming of the person I strive to be, I had to walk away and find the reason I wrote in the first place, for the love of writing, and sharing a story or thoughts with others.

Also, I noticed a change with in Vocal as well, ...TIME.

The stories and articles have become shorter, mini minute reads are the top dog and the way to succeed. Works that are over eight minutes have a real challenge to be read and are often ignored, with good intentions to return and read. I know, I too am guilty. The norm used to be two thousand words, now people see the minutes and decide yes I have time, or nope and go onto a shorter piece. Have our lives become that busy? By not reading these stories I am denying myself from experiencing some beautiful works.

Like many creators, I was becoming frustrated.

Therfore, in July I went away with friends and golfed too much, ate too much, drank too much, and enjoyed every moment. For a good chunk of September I went away again, to see family and more friends. I found a peace within me, that had been missing. Still, in the back of my mind and deep in my soul, I wanted to write, I needed to write.

I was also grappling with the idea of retiring, I like to keep busy, and I need a purpose. After contemplating and reflecting upon how my life could look, my mind woke up and felt relief, for the first time in a long time.

Vocal has given me a second home, a place to focus on. The creators I have met on this forum have made me feel supported and I am happy to interact and share ideas. Retirement is no longer a thing I fear or dread. I know that sounds weird, even for me to hear, after all who doesn't want to retire.

So, I sat down and began to write, I wrote three stories and reworked many that are still in the completion stage. My goal is to release them to the world soon, knowing more will be taking their place, (Hopefully). Again, I hit a block, not with ideas but with the commitment. Was I going to write to try and win challenges or write because it is what I truly wish to do.

Even this article has been sitting unsubmitted for too long, I wrote it for me only, as a self motivation piece at first, then realized I was hiding again.

Or am I just being a squirrel? Because as I was writing this piece, another story popped in my head that I felt needed to be written first.

Do I recommend taking a month off from writing, the answer is NO. It is hard to get back into the groove. However, taking a break from social media....a resounding YES. I felt truly connected with those in my immediate life and I experienced a throw back to my youth with just hang’n out.

To cap this off I must say a huge thank you to all who have supported me. Also, a big thanks to those creators who inspire me with their works. Finally, a shout out to Vocal for giving us 'wanderer of words' a place we can call home.

I think I’m back.

Thank You

Jason

Here is the story that side tracked me, and here is the article of mine I referenced earlier- 23 unfinished stories and counting.

A story of frustration.

After seeing another homeless youth on the street and wondered how and why?