Writing after a break
I try to start projects when I have the time for something new in my life. But that's not how things usually go. There's an old saying about if you want something done – ask a busy person (attributed to Benjamin Franklin). An even older saying – a body in motion tends to stay in motion (Isaac Newton). The point is great ideas come at random times and energy can feed on itself so write even when you're busy.
All of that said, life if full of surprises and interruptions. Anything can be used as a reason or excuse to put a project aside for a while. At times, I can find it hard to concentrate when someone I love is not well, or when I'm suffering a loss, or dealing with other hardships life throws my way. Other times I find personal problems a great reason to dive into work and keep my mind off my troubles.
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Timing is everything?
What I've found is that timing is gonna do its thing and I've gotta do mine. So, I try to start projects when the timing feels right, but I find ways to keep working even when the timing is bad. Either way, I need help staying on track.
Usually when I write about my methods for avoiding any kind of writer's block, I show a bunch of index cards. Fingers crossed that talking about this will be more engaging.
Like most people, I learned the hard way – through experience. Hopefully, my failures and comebacks can help save you some time and energy.
Since jumping back into writing The Source over 3 years ago, I've had many life interruptions – attending to several family illnesses and emergencies, surviving a fairly harsh hurricane, and consolidating 2 places and moving across town (which was way harder and more disruptive than it sounds).
In just the last year, I mourned the loss of my best friend since high school, who was also my muse and brainstorming partner for The Source, then mourned the loss of a friends since the 90s who was a librarian and fierce champion of my writing. Then lost ANOTHER dear friend who'd done everything from support my local book events, to receiving my fan mail for me. The loss of these friends who supported me with their love – and in tangible ways with actions – has been profound.
Laura Cayouette
I worked on several films including 2 that took me out of town for weeks. And, several times again, I attended to family illnesses and emergencies. A month ago, I had to push the whole project to the side so I can quickly write a book about the first 25 years of my beloved Pussyfooters dance krewe and how they reshaped Mardi Gras.
Laura Cayouette
Normally, I set deadlines and live by them. Deadlines keep me from slipping into a casual relationship with what I'm writing. I like to impose deadlines on myself so I at least know if I'm behind or ahead of where I thought I'd be. But I'm trying to be gentle with myself about The Source. It's the most ambitious story I've ever attempted to tell. I do sometimes ask myself if I'm stalling or percolating, but the truth is it's getting done and that's all that matters.
Laura Cayouette
Your questions:
Q: Do you feel like knowing the whole story stifles your creativity?
Q: If you could go back and use your technique for Lemonade Farm or The Source, what would be different?
Q: What if I already started writing? Do I stop and do the cards?
Ask me!
I invite you to send me your questions.
Thanks for reading! I hope this inspired you to dare to live your calling.
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Paid subscribers – enjoy a couple more videos including one that walks you through my "enough draft" process and another to help figure out when enough is enough!
