When is it ok to stop writing?

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This is the question I have been asking myself for the last couple of months.

Yes, I was feeling some anxiety about the fact that I had reached 33,000 words in my work-in-progress and then nothing.

Every day I would start with good intentions and every night I would promise myself that tomorrow I would start writing again.

There has been copious note taking, lots of thinking and re-thinking story arcs, and even some actual writing, but nothing on a daily basis.

I wasn’t sure why I was procrastinating, if in fact that was what I was doing.

Finally I gave myself permission to just stop. It’s okay to not write for awhile. I know many will disagree but for me it was the solution I needed.

I realized I was very distracted and unfocused. I had never really seen my situation in that exact light. I knew something was off but wasn’t sure what exactly.

I have other things that are taking precedence over writing at this time and I have allowed myself to give my full focus to these.

I still make a note when something pops into my head and I jot down storylines, but I let go of worrying about a daily word count.

I’m feeling better these days. Lol

So, what do you think? Do what works for you or follow the sage advice of many authors and write every day?

I’ve always done things my way. A born rebel. I’ll finish this next book when it feels right.

Posted in abolition, African Historical Fiction, Author, Authors, Books, fiction, General, History, novel, Novels, Paranormal, romance, slavery, Uncategorized, Unclassified, Underground Railroad, Writer, writers, Writing

Hello. I am the author of the Historical Fiction novel called Mamie Garrison. It is a tale of slavery, abolition, romance and history, set in the years just prior to the Civil War. It is available on Kindle for .99 and also in paperback. Mamie Garrison has a dual storyline. The present day story involves Bella and Andrew finding Mamie's journals. Their story includes romance and paranormal aspects. Mamie's story follows her adventures as an abolitionist through her journals. There are some mysteries as well as an unusual background in Mamie's life. I have completed book two in my series. Colin Garrison, Book 2 of The Garrisons is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0759MYN81. Please see my Colin Garrison page under the menu option for a small sample of this new book. The third and final book in the series, Emily Garrison, will be published on July 1st, 2019. Please see above for link. It is available for pre-sale on Amazon right now. I am 61 and married with one adult child and one grandchild. I have always enjoyed the written word and have been a voracious reader from my early youth. I am inspired by many authors in the historical fiction genre. I am also a lover of Russian literature, particularly Tolstoy and Doestoyefsky. I find great inspiration for creating characters by looking at the ones these two authors have created. There is such a depth to them. I have written for most of my life in one form or another. I have dabbled in poetry and songwriting, and have more started novels than finished ones. In my free time, I like reading, history and travel. I am interested in genealogy and working on my family tree. I live in the Midwest United States with my husband, Chris and my dog, Max.

7 Comment on “When is it ok to stop writing?”

  1. Melanie Noell Bernard July 12, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    I completely agree. Time off of writing is important. I have taken quite a bit of time off recently myself, but that has to do with so many changes in my life and them causing lots of stress. The important part is realising when you can go back to writing when the life has calmed down again because stopping is easy. Starting is hard. (that’s where I’m at at the moment. >.>)

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    1. Teresa McRae July 13, 2016 at 9:34 pm

      My granddaughter is due in 5 weeks. I think things will settle once she gets here and my daughter gets a routine going. Also, Scrivener for iPad will be out on the 20th. It will much easier to use my iPad. Very portable. I will get back soon. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Melanie Noell Bernard July 13, 2016 at 10:15 pm

        Congratulations! I wish your daughter and granddaughter health. ^.^

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  2. Annika Perry July 18, 2016 at 3:20 am

    Great post and I agree time away from writing is beneficial. Can I also call myself a rebel then?! I like the sound of that! Just saw your comment about Scrivener for iPad out on the 20th! Yeah! Thank you for that information, I use Scrivener on the computer but have been frustrated that they couldn’t link up.

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    1. Teresa McRae July 18, 2016 at 8:11 am

      Thank you. I’m also really excited for Scrivener for iOS. Can’t wait.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Lucinda E Clarke July 19, 2016 at 10:58 am

    I’ve just come out of the other side of one of those periods. Couldn’t write, took time off, fretted but then I got the urge again. now I write religiously every day before I even check my emials. But it will happen again when I can’t put two words together.

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    1. Teresa McRae July 19, 2016 at 2:42 pm

      I’m coming out of it. Going to a cabin in the country for 2 weeks. Get it all together.

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