Sometimes you have to go with the flow.
Our bodies work in waves and rhythms. And like a surfer, you have to ride that wave for as long as you can. This can't be forced. Once it's gone you have to wait for the next wave. The biggest mistake people make, is thinking that the waves will keep coming to them.
No! Not so. It's a cyclical thing.
If you feel obligated to write a scene just because it's next in chronological order, or because statistics show that "x y z" format is used by best sellers, then--YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG.
No one can or should live under that sort of self-induced stress.
We are not robots and we can not always do things according to plan. We can't always predict the future. We don't always know when a crisis will arise. We can't always work within predesignated patterns.
Life gets in the way.
So what does this mean for your writing?
Don't write about anything that doesn't inspire you. Let me rephrase, only write about things that inspire you. And yes, these things will change week-to-week, day-to-day, and sometimes hour-by-hour.
One of the biggest mistakes writers make during NaNoWriMo, is attempting to write their novel in chronological order. Although it may work for some, it's a huge road block for others. NaNoWriMo is about getting the story out of your head and onto the paper. Not about having it in order. Sometimes you just have to find that scene that inspires.
You know, the one that seems crazy, zany, wacky, fun.
That sssss~moldering sex scene you've been dying to write, WRITE IT! What about space aliens playing roller derby in ancient ancient temples? (sorry guys, that ones taken...)
Don't wait another minute.
Latch onto it and then just ride the wave.
And if there are no waves, then be patient and wait it out. Eventually the tide will turn.
Sometimes the best way to write more, is to not write at all. Go spend some time with your kids. Or go to the batting cages. Do something to give your mind a rest. Just like a lover, your story will need space. Time apart is a good thing. As the old saying goes, time makes the heart grow fonder. When you see your story again it will feel meaningful, powerful, and exciting.This is because you have been longing for it. You'll want to explore those new places. You'll jump at the chance to play with new gadgets. You'll yearn meet new characters--or perhaps, get rid of some old ones.
When you can't wait to come home just so you can write down that one scene that's been tickling your mind all day.
That's when the waves come. That's when it's time to write.
It's the thrill.
It's the fantasy.
So, whether you're writing a novel, a memo, or a blog, this same rule applies. As a matter of fact it even applies to subjects outside of writing. Maybe today all you want to do is spend time with the kids. Or maybe it's more of a "chest" day than a "leg" day at the gym. Not only will this break-up the minutia and help clear your mind, it will help you become uber -productive. You will seem to have unlimited energy.You will always be in a good mood. Because your driven. You're passionate. You're inspired.
So go with the flow. Allow your inner energies to fuel your actions. I think you'll be surprised at how much more effective you can be--both in writing, and in life.
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