Dealing with Fatigue...

I haven't written a blog here, because frankly, couldn't think of anything to write about. I went to my writer's meeting on Saturday and a friend was talking about how hard it is to start a novel, just how much energy it takes to launch a big project and I realized I was suffering from fatigue--not just writer's fatigue but general life fatigue.

Life happens. Sometimes it lifts. Sometimes its a rip tide. We've been swimming against the rip tide for a while, plus I've got promotion burnout big time.

So, no writing blog advice. I've been browsing the blogs and sites, looking for a way to fill my internal well. In the past I've been able to funnel hard times into my writing, but it hasn't worked that well this time. Going to my writers meeting helped (I knew it would, which is why I dragged my sorry out to it despite my fatigue!).

I've also been writing some short stuff, just to keep that feeling I'm doing something. But that seems to be working against me, in a way. My brain has gotten lazy. I've also been working on some non-fiction with Jamie and preparing for the amazing Muse Online Conference next month (and preparing for hurricane season and now bracing for Ike-talk about a distraction!).

So, I'd like to be wise and tell you, here's how you get through writing/life fatigue, but I'm not to wise yet. It does help to know that when this has happened to me in the past, it's not forever. Like the tides, creativity can ebb and flow. Sometimes you just have to wait for the tide to come back in. Sometimes you have to wade out to it.

Other than that, all I can say is that you're not alone. And that I know it will pass. Been here, done that, bought the tee shirt. And the chocolate. :-)
Perilously yours,
Pauline
The Key; Men in Jeans: Death in Texas Anthology
Made-up Mayhem, Available now!
Adapting Your Novel for Film, Available now!

Fyn emerged out of the woods at the back of her house and gestured for him. They met in the center of the backyard.
“Found something.”
Apparently he’d used up his allotment of full sentences. Rick signaled for a couple of the guys to come with them and followed Fyn into the woods.
(from Men in Jeans in the Death in Texas Anthology, 10/08)