After not writing for a long period of time, I can attest to the fact that it's not east to get back in the saddle. In fact, it's down right hard. We all have tiers of importance, the most important things we must take care of on a daily basis to the less important. My most important is first and foremost my family, starting with my daughter of course and then my husband. My husband is currently in school online completing his B.S. in Anthropology. So once our little girl goes down to bed you'll usually find us both on our laptops, him working on an assignment and me trying to pound out part of my newest writing venture. It's good that we both have something we're working on. The television off, we set off typing, the clickety-clack of the keys our musical entertainment for the evening.
I have not written every night since getting back to things. I know if I do that I will burn out. So some nights I write (the other night 700+ words, a few nights before that over 1,000), other nights I read, and some I just relax on the couch and watch television. I could swear off the idiot box more and throw myself more into reading and writing, but we all need a break. For 40 hours a week I stare at a computer screen or read someones write-ups. Then I get to do something I love, be with my daughter having fun. And then it's making dinner, straightening up, getting my daughter ready for bed, and any other chores that may need to be done. And there are some nights, where I'm just mentally done. I don't want to stare at a computer screen or more words. I want to relax my brain and eyes into a sea of other people's made up worlds as they flash across the screen.
BUT, I'm getting there. I've written more this month than I have in the last five years since graduating from Seton Hill. Story ideas are flowing back into my brain. They come from nowhere and sometimes everywhere. That's something else I haven't felt for a while...the sudden glimpse of an idea or character that comes from something as simple and mundane as driving to work on the NJ Parkway (though if you're from NJ you're sure to think I'm crazy for saying driving on the Parkway is simple).
I feel a flow again and it's wonderful. The YA story I'm working on is definitely something I can take down many roads. But where to go first. My character Lindsey thinks she knows everything, but in reality she's lost within the fears of the past and the future. And I've taken on a critique partner who I hope will keep me in line and pushing toward deadlines. Knowing someone is looking to receive part of my work on a certain date pushes me ahead more.
If you're having trouble getting back into the swing of anything, really all you have to do is take your time getting back on that horse. Work it however is most suitable for your life.
