Oh Vocal, Writing is Harder Than It Used to Be
A hopefully articulated ramble.
Oh Vocal, writing is harder than it used to be. I see accomplished writers on the platform and wonder how they can write a story every day for over a whole year, and how I have trouble coming up with anything fictional.
I used to write lots! I used to have journals full of brainstorming ideas (which inevitably went into the trash once I was unhappy with them...) and I was a Wattpad teen (I know, how shameful). Writing was so much easier then...
However, I know the culprit, and it's a hard one to face.
I used to read like nobody's business. Car trips were accompanied by a novel (or three, just in case I finished the other two) every time. I never left the house without one. I have several memories of camping trips where we would get to our campsite, and I would stay in the vehicle just to finish the page, but then before I knew it, Dad was there to check on me because he had completely finished setting everything up, and I was another quarter of the book in.
I also remember pretending to read my textbook in class, but actually reading my novel. I remember checking out 3 books from the library, and reading seven books at one time, alternating after each chapter.
And reading always sparked inspiration. It was easy to have ideas to write when you were faced with examples every day, when your passion was reading what you were hoping to pump out.
But now, with several jobs, being a full-time student, taking another course outside of school, and working with an hour-long commute, it's getting tougher to work on hobbies. Even just reading, let alone writing.
So how do we do it?
How do we keep on track with this thing that we love, when we don't have many ideas for it? Or time, for that matter?
And it's funny I say that, considering I have a series that prompts other writers on Vocal to write something every month, but I never seem to feel inspired enough to have an idea I can sit and write on.
What's the secret? Is there a secret?
Or am I suffering from a strong case of writer's block? A head with motivations, but no inspirations. Well, there are lots of inspirations, all around us, but the noggin's gears don't turn. Maybe it is the lack of the time, or the lack of a motivation/willingness to set aside time for reading.
Or maybe it's something else entirely.
About the Creator
Belle
I host unofficial challenges and enjoy writing microfiction and poetry.
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By Jane Smith5 days ago in Writers
Comments (11)
Sounds like a grave case of... Life commitments. I love reading as well but lately I lack the time. What would inspire me is not what the average reader might read. I spend too much time writing computer programs, or too much time plotting stories but then no story in the works. I took some time off to write in a technical community. Now, I figured it was time to return to fiction writing. And what is better than short stories to get the ball rolling.
I am lucky I have a Muse and can be inspired by almost anything, though I know I am not held in any regard on Vocal and sometimes that gets me down but I always find something to write about. reading , Music and just things can spark an idea although sometimes, like my latest piece, I don't know where it will finished. You are held in high regard on Vocal for good reason and you will find a spark
This is such great content. You're right when it comes to the reading bit. I went through a period where my writing suffered and a lot of it was not finding time to read. Things will shake out eventually. The difficult part of continuing something like writing as time goes on is making time for it. Tough, certainly. But possible! You can do it :)
I have always been able to write to cope in this world. Writing for a platform where others are hopefully following us can feel like pressure. I truly appreciate your writing, comments and ideas. You are very busy and I respect how that affects your passions. For what it's worth I practice mindfulness techniques and that helps me put one word in front of the other or book, or foot.
I totally get it. I'm grateful to have more free time now, but I was working a lot for a while, and I experienced exactly this. Reading poetry helped, and listening to music. I just didn't have the time for full novels sadly. Best of luck with everything. Hopefully you will have more time in the future and still be comfortable financially. :) This is excellently written, by the way. :)
I think what you are suffering from is a case of adulthood.... I gave up writing when I was probably about 17 and kept it on a very low heat back burner for quarter of a century before coming to vocal and finding the structure gave me that shove to squeeze it in. But now its write OR read and I get little time for either. I read a whole book on holiday in August, and it felt SO GOOD. I must do more of that, I thought, and havent picked one up in two weeks. But reading is what taught me to write!
Don't sweat it. The time will come for writing. Sounds like you have a lot going on and your time is limited. My reading time has diminished too but I try and read a bit every day. Just do what you can and don't beat yourself up about it. Take time when you can. The ideas will come when you relax into it. I was struggling to write anything a little while ago and was starting to resent the microfiction challenge. All I wanted to do was knit. I did some drabbles and am doing those now too because I'm back on a level and I want to stay in this space where I'm comfortable and can manage all of the demands made of me whilst entering challenges and reading people's stuff on here. It's hard but give yourself some space.
Read whatever you can, whenever you can, and write the same way. Even if it's just a few minutes. Audiobooks are a great way to multi task 👍
Hey, count me in, I'm in the same boat too. I too used to read soooo many books last time. But life happened and now I barely have time for even one
You're right! I don't think social media helps. Reading or watching or even playing something in long form gets the brain working in a specific way. I also want to go back to school, but without all the pressure from the first time around. I would like to go back to learning things about how to improve and getting feedback in real time from people who care. It's really difficult in today's society. I know there's online groups and lessons, but I'm not sure what the exact workaround is.
I just started another semester of teaching, along with online work. What you are feeling is fatigue. And you will get your energy back.