When It's Time to STOP Writing
Photo: stop by evaporated
When writers are in "the zone" — their stories finally unfold and their characters start speaking in complete, intelligible sentences — it's easy to disconnect from real life. Here's a quick guide to knowing when it's time to turn off the wordy spigot for a bit.
The Top 5 Signs It's Time to STOP Writing
1. You've filled your notebook, drained your pens dry, and realized that winter has turned to spring.
2. When your family and friends ask you questions, your only reply is "Ugh," followed by an expressionless stare.
3. Your fingers have cramped into knots, and when you re-read what you've just written, you discover that you've repeatedly typed the word "OUCH" for the last three pages.
4. Your muse appears. Holding a sign that reads "ON STRIKE!", she vigorously marches back and forth in front of you.
5. You've reached your deadline.
For more Top 5's, visit the Problogger "Top 5 - Group Writing Contest."
Kristin,
I've been there before! Especially with spring popping out...lots of outside chores calling for my time. I find my muse is more cooperative when I agree to work with her. ;-)
Good luck, I can't believe how many submissions there are....That many contacts is worth it all. Although it'll take awhile to get through them all.
rel
Posted by: rel | May 11, 2007 at 03:34 AM
rel — Forgetting to go outside...not uncommon in the writer's world. Must. Write. More. Words. ;)
I'll dive into the online submissions this weekend. A new, fun community to get to know --- where would we be without blogging?
Posted by: KG | May 11, 2007 at 07:16 AM
Awesome list. Now...if only any of them worked for me, haha.
Posted by: alicia | May 11, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Also, if you smell the dinner you're supposed to be cooking burning, writing time is up.
My top 5 is at my place...
Posted by: Anne Glamore | May 11, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Haha--great top 5, KG!
You know what I would like? I would like it if Darren Rowse (Problogger) would tell me what to write every week.
I just want to say, "Darren, what should we write about this week?"
This would make blogging/writing so much easier!
Posted by: Sharon Sarmiento | May 11, 2007 at 04:40 PM
When to stop writing? Ooh - when my life ebbs away, of course! =)
I love this - it's so tongue in cheek!
Posted by: Eli James | May 12, 2007 at 08:06 AM
alicia — You sound quite prolific...NOTHING can stop you! ;)
Anne Glamore — Burning dinner, yes! That is a good one.
Sharon Sarmiento — If Darren could do that, he'd be a blogging superhero!
Eli James — Life? Huh, what's that? All I know is WRITING!!! ;)
Posted by: KG | May 12, 2007 at 09:36 AM
When your daughter says, "Why doesn't daddy like daytime anymore?"
Posted by: Writer Dad | July 28, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Writer Dad — Hee hee. THAT is right on. :)
Posted by: KG | July 29, 2008 at 08:28 AM