Writing #6: Self Care?

As some of you may know I recently went through a month long writer's block, due to a specific story. I was pushed out of this, because I had the honor of participating in Stormy Day Reading's Book Bash (look them up on Facebook and their book blog, they're awesome). Before I was invited, I hadn't written a single word since late June, but I decided I wanted to make some new teasers, and do a fun segment, that you can find on my author page. However, to do any of that I had to push past my creative block, now I will admit I reused a couple of the teasers that I had already made (although I updated them a bit), but I have found some of my motivation to write again. Although I still haven't been able to pick up the project I originally stalled out on, I've written a couple thousand words on a different project that I'm pretty excited to share.

Over the last couple of days I've gotten sick (ear infections, I'll probably have to have surgery again soon), but tonight I'm feeling a bit better, and I sat down with the intention to add words to one of my books, but I found that I had no idea where I wanted to go. My character doesn't know what to do next, and to be honest neither do I. She was supposed to make a very, very clear point to a certain male, but I while I still want to see how the scene plays out, I don't know what words to use to make it happen. It's so incredibly frustrating to find myself unable to write once again. I desperately want to have my first book out in January, but I don't feel like I can accomplish menial tasks, much less finishing a book.

I started this blog with three intentions; 1.) I wanted to share my journey, struggles and all with my family, friends, and anyone else who found they were interested, 2.) To help keep me somewhat accountable, if I say I'm gonna have a book out at the beginning of next year to enough people, maybe I would find that energy and motivation to do it, and to be honest that has worked some. 3.) To rant, when the frustration of writing became to much for me to handle on my own. Most of those reasons are totally selfish, and I have no problem admitting it, I needed the help, I still do. Lots of it. I am naturally a introvert, and I find it hard to talk to people that aren't running around inside my own head, but I knew when I started this, that I wouldn't be able to finish a book without help, and now more than ever I find that I need inspiration, motivation, and most of all someone to talk to. Even if that's just a bunch of strangers on the internet.

At this point, you've either quit reading, or you're majoring confused by the title. Well, allow me to explain, when I sat down to write this evening, I did a couple of things first, I slapped a face mask on, turned on Halsey's newest album, and spent a moment or two scrolling through social media. All of that may seem irrelevant to the post I've made so far, but it isn't. When I don't relax, and center myself, I can't write, I'm sure that's true of many authors. I think relaxing is probably important to many things beyond writing, but that's a post for another day. I often don't take care of myself, especially when it concerns my stress level, but I know if I want to write, I have to take care of myself.

With that I think I may put my computer away for the night, and rest, tomorrow is a new day (cheesy I know, don't hate me). I believe I'll feel better with rest and recreation (here I come Netflix).

Taila Out.