I really don't know why I dread it

[janradder]

Every time I set aside time to write, I get this feeling of dread and despair. I almost feel sick about it, especially when I'm doing revisions. I think about the writing in front of me like it's going to be some horribly painful activity and there's no way I'll ever be able get it done. But then I go ahead and get started and sometimes it goes really well and the writing is easy and sometimes I struggle with it. But at the end, I always feel the same -- pumped up and excited. I just don't know why I can't remember that feeling later on, when I'm trying to motivate myself again.

Comments

[justinhowe.livejournal.com]

There's a quote, might have been Dorthy Parker, that says: "I hate to write, but I love having written."

[janradder.livejournal.com]

That totally fits how I feel -- thanks.

[joelarnold.livejournal.com]

I feel that exact same way.

[janradder.livejournal.com]

It feels a lot like working out does to me -- I have to force myself to do it, but when I'm done I want to do it again.

[haddayr.livejournal.com]

solidarity, dood.

[janradder.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[haddayr.livejournal.com]

Except the part where it feels good afterwards.

[michaeljasper.livejournal.com]

Oh man, I much prefer revising! At least there's something in front of you. I'm dealing with the first-draft empty-page syndrome here -- 5 chapters written, 15-18 chapters left to draft. Ugh. That's dread to me.

Of course, the hardest part is just getting started...

[janradder.livejournal.com]

My dread of revisions is when I've got a mess on my hands that means completely redrafting what I've written or else untangling it. Either way, though, first draft or rewrites, I still have a hard time getting myself to do it.

[stephanieburgis.livejournal.com]

One of my friends is a professional writer and an aerobics teacher, and she says in her experience writing is exactly like exercise - soooo hard to get started, but then so much fun and so good for you. She always hates the idea of jogging until she's actually out there on the sidewalk doing it and feeling great.

[janradder.livejournal.com]

I've felt the same exact way about jogging.