It is SOOOO easy to get stuck in a rut, but in your writing and in your life how many times do you fall back to the same old thing because it's safe, comfortable, and you know it well? I have this problem a lot... mostly with my life, a little less so with my writing.
Recently, I've felt like my inspiration for characters and plots has been dragging... that I keep rewriting the same thing and I DON'T LIKE IT! I want to write something new for me, something exciting and motivating, something with zest.
So what I've decided to do is try new things in my real life... new activities that get me out of my house and meeting new people, stretching my comfort zone, and honing some skills that are NOT directly related to writing. I'm hoping that these activities will spark my imagination again.
I signed up for a portrait drawing class, found a knitting circle to attend, and scheduled time to attend a student composers concert, all to give my brain and my social skills some exercise. Um... except I'm so intimidated by trying new things! What if I'm not very good at them? What if the people don't like me? Wouldn't it be so much easier just to try these things from the comfort of my own home?
I'm not letting myself cringe and cower, though. I'm going to dive out there, try something new, and maybe fall flat on my face. Who knows? Who cares, though? My characters will never have any real depth if I don't have the courage to try something and risk failing at it as well.
How good are you at trying something new?
It's hard to try new things. Sometimes I think I only stay at the job I have because it's what I know--I got comfortable even though I know I could do so much better. But that's a thought for another day. Glad you're thinking of taking some risks. :)
ReplyDeleteSarah
(January IWSG Co-host)
I am such a perfectionist. I read myself in your doubts. The "what if" questions are terrible thwarters. I am glad you are pushing past them and are willing to fail. It won't just make your characters better. It will make you better as well. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLeanne ( http://readfaced.wordpress.com/ )
Ah, new.
ReplyDeleteSee, I just started dancing with my Mom and my Sister (West Coast Swing). So far, it's a complete blast, but it's hard, and nerve inducing. You have to figure out what someone else is trying to tell you without using words, or real sign language.
And some people know a lot more and have different expectations, and and and
but I started with the "Well, I'll give this a try," thought, and it's been a lot of fun. The trouble comes with expectation.
Good luck with your new stuff (I've done some knitting but never a knitting circle)
So inspiring, Elisabeth! Thank you for this. I too am trying to discover ways to freshen up my writing. But this is a new angle. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrible at trying new stuff! I'd rather read about new stuff but I suspect that actual DOING is more effective than the reading about it! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I have no doubt you'll have more "new" things to write about than time. Good luck!
ReplyDelete