So You're in Purgatory?

The Escape From Purgatory Begins Here

You hear it on occasion, writers purgatory. But do writers really have their own purgatory? What’s purgatory?

According to Dictionary.com, purgatory, at least in the Roman Catholic, is defined as:

A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven:

In stories, purgatory is always the place between heaven and hell. It’s the place where monsters go when they die, and it’s a place spirits can end up when their business isn’t done.

For a writer, however, purgatory isn’t quite so dramatic. No, it’s similar, but definitely doesn’t look like the purgatory that Sam and Dean Winchester both escaped from during their crazy Supernatural adventures. Dramatic or not, to the writer in purgatory, it feels about the same.

What’s writer’s purgatory? Well, it’s that place in between having a great idea that you know will do well, seeing your idea come to life, and the hell of not getting any acknowledgement or even a read or two from your work. That’s the writer’s purgatory.

Writers are in purgatory because:

• They’re uninspired.
• They’re stuck for a particular part of the story.
• They’re unable to write, because they can find the time.
• They didn’t have a plan.
• And they aren’t finding any success.

Escaping Purgatory

If you’re there, you want to escape purgatory, don’t you? Of course you do! But how?

• Take a step back, and don’t let it become forced. Inspiration will come in time.
• Breathe deeply, and remember the story that you’ve told so far. How would it grow. What do you see your “child” becoming?
• Remember, it’s not that you can’t find the time. It’s that you’re undisciplined. Look at where you are spending your time. What’s it getting you?
• Develop a plan. If you’re writing because you want to finish a book, at whatever point you’re at, put together a plan that charts where you should be and hold yourself accountable. If you’re doing it for work, then develop a business plan. Treat it like a real business. Whatever the outcome, without a plan, you’re likely to struggle to succeed.
• If you’re not finding any success, like most using platforms to publish on, you need to reevaluate. One of the earliest tricks I ever learned, was if you aren’t reading other people’s work, why would they read yours?

Break It Down

• If you are working on something, and you hit a spot where it all seems…tedious, unmoving, or you’re unable to focus, then it’s time or a break. Sitting there struggling for inspiration isn’t going to get anything done.
• If you’re stuck or unsure, take a breather. Do something that clears your head. Even half hour of walking on a treadmill, mulling your thoughts, can give you the answer.
• Set aside at least one hour of timethree days per week. Even the busiest of us can manage to do that. While I was working two jobs, I started to explore writing and was writing creatively for myself and only sharing it with close friends and family. Look at your time as an investment in you, and where you want to go.
• For anything as focused as writing, a plan is needed. Remember the old saying, those who fail to plan also plan to fail.
• For success, it’s different for everyone. At first, I deemed success one way, mostly because it had come to me. Then, as things changed, I started to feel like I was failing. One aspect of a successful venture is being able to adapt, to pivot when necessary. Examine why you don’t think you’re getting anywhere, and look at others who have “made it.” You’ll likely find a road map to help get back on your journey rather than giving up.

There’s no sure-fire way to become a success as a writer. Many have toiled away for years before anything happened. So, educate yourself, try different approaches, give yourself a break if need be, and come back when you feel more relaxed.

It’s supposed to be fun, no matter the reason you’re doing it!