Thursday, August 20, 2009

Taking a step. Taking a breather.

Before anyone thinks the week just took a trek through a wrinkle in time, I’m filling in for Rae today.

Brain overload and exhaustion.

Have you ever been gripped by such a thing? Can a brain be tired? I’m here to tell you that it can. Mine has taken a holiday and I think it took my muse with it. Normally, I set my daily word count at anywhere between 2 and 3 thousand words, which roughly means I can get a chapter typed in a couple of days. Since the start of August, I’ve only typed a chapter and a half.

That’s it.

Does blogging count?

And it’s not normal for me and neither does it make me happy. I just don’t feel “right” if I’m not writing. On the other hand, I haven’t really given my brain time to reset or adjust to all the information and creativity that’s been ebbing and flowing through in the last eight months.

Everyone I’ve talked to says it’s okay to take a break from writing. It’s perfectly natural to not write and just…be. What does that mean for me? I’m going on vacation in three days. Yes, I’m taking the laptop, but probably not to write. I need external stimulation to jar—I mean coax—my overworked brain into wanting to write again. My muse is demanding some time apart so she can do whatever muses do when not lurking over a writer’s shoulder.

It’s okay.

Two years ago when I started “getting serious” about having my work published, I knew I’d succeed on sheer, stubborn determination alone. It’s a personal drive kind of thing. And I did it. Now, I’m on the hunt for the next level of success, but in order to do that, I need a clear head.

So, the dialogue goes like this: “Sandra Sookoo, you’ve signed (fill in the blank with a number) contracts in the last year, now what are you going to do?” And I say, “I’m going to Disney World.”

True, that.

Who knows, maybe I’ll come back home with 15 new ideas! I'll buy my muse a silly t-shirt and by the first of September, butts will be in chairs and work will commence.

Until then, happy writing!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi :)
Thanks for sharing.
I am looking forward to reading The Haunting of Amelia Pritchart when it comes out at the end of September.
All the best,
twitter: @RKCharron
xoxo

Sandra Sookoo said...

Thanks! I'm pretty excited about that release too!

Rebecca Royce said...

Hi Sandi,
Enjoy your vacation. We're all jealous and so are our muses.

Rebecca

J Hali Steele said...

Oh, yes, jealous, jealous...but my nephew is moving to Pensacola to instruct pilots. I've 'instructed' him to have my room ready. *smiling* How far is that from Disney, Sandi?

Sandra Sookoo said...

I have no idea, Joann LOL I'm hoping the R & R will do some good. I need to be writing, no lollygagging around the pool getting sunburnt to a crisp LOL

And Rebecca, if my muse doesn't come back with me, I'll have to find another one LOL

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'd LOVE some R&R at the mo. It's like the wheels have come off reality over the past month or so. Train strikes, catastrophic power failures, a sprained back...the litany is endless. And it doesn't help that I can't seem to stop writing or have fresh ideas.

Enjoy your vacation, Sandra.

Annie Nicholas said...

Enjoy your vacation and have fun. You deserve it. A clear mind to start the next step in your journey sounds right.

LM Spangler said...

Have a great vacation, Sandi! Have a ton of fun and let your muse do her own thing. YOu'll find her again after your vacation.

Again, have a blast!

Liena~

Sandy said...

Have fun, Sandi. I totally understand how the mind becomes so tired that you can't write anything much.

Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn) said...

Oh dear, Disney World!! Fabulous! Enjoy yourself, darling! Have loads of fun on those roller coasters, it's sure to jump the muse out of hiding! Give her some unadulterated fun and she'll come back all primed to inspire you!!

Hugs

Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)

Unknown said...

We all need to step back and take a breather. It requires so much mental energy to crank out those wonderful stories. Upon your return, you will have many sources of inspiration from Disney World.

Take care, and have fun!

Sandra Sookoo said...

Thanks everyone! Ironically enough, I found my groove on the chapter that's given me fits. How annoying is it to get back on track with a book and have to leave for a week starting tomorrow? LOL

Such is life. I'm sure it will keep until I get back and I'll have loads more inspiring blog topics for you!