tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post2388707530939155909..comments2024-02-07T11:07:10.219-06:00Comments on Obsessions of a Workaholic: Back into the Writing GrooveNeurotic Workaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-47115293942326098122015-07-26T22:29:02.319-05:002015-07-26T22:29:02.319-05:00Hi Deniz,
Editing is definitely hard; I once sta...Hi Deniz,<br /> Editing is definitely hard; I once started an entirely new manuscript just to avoid editing the first manuscript I started. Editing is tough because I have to "let go" of several lines or even pages that I really like. <br /> Dry spells in writing are scary, but the fact that you overcame it shows that your inner talent was still there. Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-31278855174809036552015-07-25T03:55:02.348-05:002015-07-25T03:55:02.348-05:00I had a forced break from writing for a couple of ...I had a forced break from writing for a couple of years, many years ago, when no ideas would come. I was scared, cos I worried that I'd lost the inner spring/talent for good. Luckily haven't had a dry spell like that since. Now I feel guilty about not editing every day! Writing itself comes easily, since I jot down ideas and scenes whenever and wherever. But focusing and getting some solid edits done...Now that involves willpower.Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-79826795452126430252015-07-13T22:37:36.331-05:002015-07-13T22:37:36.331-05:00Hi Misha,
Thank you! I appreciate it. I hope I d...Hi Misha,<br /> Thank you! I appreciate it. I hope I do get the local job; unfortunately, I won't find out until the end of the month, though I keep anxiously checking my e-mail for any news, just in case. <br /> I think I'll try your strategies. It's been a long time since I've read my manuscripts from start to finish, so maybe that'll get me inspired to write fiction again. <br /> <br />Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-30271381216189779872015-07-13T10:24:27.372-05:002015-07-13T10:24:27.372-05:00I'm praying that the Illinois job pans out for...I'm praying that the Illinois job pans out for you. I remember you saying that you want to stay there. <br /><br />Also, congrats Doctor! <br /><br />As for me, I've not written fiction since 1 May, because of my publishing efforts. So I do have a major writing slump to overcome in the near future. <br /><br />Usually, I start by rereading my projects (to pick up the storylines again) and then set myself low daily writing goals that I increase the next month and the next until I'm back to my usual writing habits.Misha Gerrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06364173848456424521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-31520212785028149432015-07-13T05:46:22.949-05:002015-07-13T05:46:22.949-05:00Hi Libby,
Thanks! I think I do need a break. And...Hi Libby,<br /> Thanks! I think I do need a break. And it will be nice to read something without dozens of footnotes in every chapter. Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-72326922246981965902015-07-12T18:56:55.840-05:002015-07-12T18:56:55.840-05:00Congrats Doctor!!!!! That is fantastic! And don&...Congrats Doctor!!!!! That is fantastic! And don't worry about writing, your brain probably needs a nice healthy break. Read those fat library book and enjoy!Libbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14323538213636795216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-41141968109939332542015-07-09T23:03:08.924-05:002015-07-09T23:03:08.924-05:00Hi Murees,
I have been working out more lately; ...Hi Murees,<br /> I have been working out more lately; when I was immersed in my dissertation, I wasn't able to go to the gym as often. Now, regular exercise does make me feel a little better. As far as fun goes, I did go to the Taste of Chicago today, which is a local food festival; that helped take my mind off things for a while. And thanks for the advice! Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-52000641887051772472015-07-09T23:01:46.700-05:002015-07-09T23:01:46.700-05:00Hi Gia,
Thank you! Hi Gia,<br /> Thank you! Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-9765314159122742492015-07-09T14:57:14.745-05:002015-07-09T14:57:14.745-05:00Usually doing something completely opposite of wri...Usually doing something completely opposite of writing helps me get back into the writing zone. I can't believe I'm actually suggesting this, but maybe a nice sweaty work-out would be a good distraction? Or, watch a ton of your favorite movies, just to relax and unwind. Creativity and stress don't play well together. Though, I do understand, who can relax when they're possibly facing unemployment. It sounds like you just need a bit of fun to distract you from reality for a few hours. Don't give up hope. A job will come along. Cheering for you!Murees Dupèhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11781339206465690961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-20351698588879611362015-07-09T06:37:44.075-05:002015-07-09T06:37:44.075-05:00Congrats on finishing the dissertation! Congrats on finishing the dissertation! Giahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10026292498250130247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-21543366802356496452015-07-09T00:05:23.848-05:002015-07-09T00:05:23.848-05:00Hi Annalisa,
I figure that even if I don't f...Hi Annalisa,<br /> I figure that even if I don't find something good this year, it'll hopefully be better the next time I go on the academic job market, now that I have my Ph.D. It is hard to write with the fear of unemployment weighing down on me, but sometimes writing in my journal does help. And thanks for your advice! I appreciate it. :)Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-6593373483444601342015-07-09T00:03:33.880-05:002015-07-09T00:03:33.880-05:00Hi Chrys,
Thanks! And you're right about unp...Hi Chrys,<br /> Thanks! And you're right about unplugging; I bet that writers who used typewriters got a lot more writing done, because they didn't have the Internet to distract them. That's why I prefer to write in my notebook in cafes, because I can focus on the blank page instead of Youtube, Twitter, etc. Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-2770585837734382862015-07-08T14:21:04.909-05:002015-07-08T14:21:04.909-05:00To be honest, I'm not surprised you're str...To be honest, I'm not surprised you're struggling to write with the worry of everything else. It would be great to advise you to write as a distraction, but I know it wouldn't work for me. I think writing in your journal is a brilliant idea though, and might inspire something longer. Keep smiling, and keep applying :-)Annalisa Crawfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14943610814274794998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-22452816186353839142015-07-08T10:52:03.937-05:002015-07-08T10:52:03.937-05:00Congrats on finishing your dissertation!
Sounds l...Congrats on finishing your dissertation!<br /><br />Sounds like you need to unplug. Turn off your cell phone. Temporarily delete your Internet icon on your laptop (just don't empty the recycling bin) or hide it so you won't be tempted to click on it. <br /><br />Good luck with your job search!Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-31706712939690311412015-07-08T10:41:05.334-05:002015-07-08T10:41:05.334-05:00Hi Sarah,
One thing that helps me is keeping my ...Hi Sarah,<br /> One thing that helps me is keeping my journal with me most of the time; I usually carry it in my purse. That way, if I see/hear anything weird/funny/interesting, I can write it down. Then I can use it as a writing prompt later. I got the idea from one of my former teachers. Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2445163857888749606.post-38123176684792426562015-07-08T10:21:38.588-05:002015-07-08T10:21:38.588-05:00Maybe working on some writing would help with the ...Maybe working on some writing would help with the stress? Or at least be a distraction from the job hunting.<br />I've been out of my writing groove for a very long time (about 10 months I think). I have no idea how to get back into it. I've figured out a few things but it's hard to actually get back into writing/editing. Sarah Fosterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09481750127533816819noreply@blogger.com