Hi. That's my headline for the past month or so.

Who else finds that all this waiting around for news/publication/what-have-you seriously affects their drive to write?

I'm nearing the end of novel three, and have a book's worth of published short stories. The backlog is heavy, without any real feedback. The fear that I am wasting my time is preventing me from feeling the oomph to create new things.

JB

I know what you mean, and I used to be the same. For some reason now I just get on with it. No point wasting precious time. Even so the waiting doesn't do me any favours. But at least I know it's not personal.

Chin up mate!

Nik.

I agree with Nik - and remember it's the writing that counts, not the publication.

Hugs, and have a good w/e

A
xxx

Hi

It's not so much that I'm depressed or will consider stopping writing. That will never happen. It's just that I was more prolific before, and the waiting has slowed me down some.

JB

Don't let the bastards grind you down, mate. Or maybe take a little break from writing to recharge and refresh.

Hard work, writing, isn't it?

Nik.

I find that when I take breaks lately, it's harder to pick up again, so I'm just writing in smaller sections, like a ship that has suddenly encountered ice at sea. I'm sure I'll break through soon!

JB

I know what you mean JB. In the last few months I managed to trot out three 2,000-word stories in no time, and writing novel one just flowed, a couple thousand words a day. Now that I'm starting novel 2, however, the pace is strikingly slower. Just managed 600 words today, and I feel as if I've run a marathon!

Waiting is hell

but

I'm nearing the end of novel three, and have a book's worth of published short stories.

is one hell of an achievement

Be proud and keep smiling.

It will work out.

And listen to Nik - always a good idea I feel

sarah

I know, thanks for all the advice. At least I'm not alone, eh?

Just grumbly lately. For obvious reasons.

JB