Writing during the Covid Pandemic
Christmas came and went quietly, as did New Year 2021. I’m stuck at home for most of my time, looking out of the window at the heavy grey skies and wondering if life will ever get back to normal. Boring? Well, yes it could be, but on the other hand, this could also be my big opportunity to make amazing progress with my novel. So why don’t I feel motivated? Is anyone else feeling like me right now?
Absolutely! And it annoys me that I only make a snail like progress. That said, it goes to show what happens in the world has an impact which is I guess a better thing than if it wouldn’t.
You’re absolutely right about the snail-like progress, Cecile. I’m used to starting to write and then getting on a roll. When this happens, then hours can fly by in what seems like a few minutes. At present, I feel like I’m climbing uphill in sticky treacle!
I’m writing a historical novel set in the 1950s. It follows the life of Georgie, a little girl who was born to a single mum in a small village called Ousby in what was Cumberland. It has involved a huge amount of research, as well as learning a little of the dialect.
What is your work in progress?
Sticky treacle:) Your novels sounds very intriguing. The 50s up north must have been an intense time and I can see it must have taken hours and hours of research.
I’m the snail with the brakes on. I keep blaming my work but that’s only partly the cause. Anyway, my WIP is a contemporary story with the tiniest touch of magical realism. It follows Jet and her group of friends when they get tangled up in a global criminal network. One of the things I’m trying to show is that although privacy doesn’t really exist anymore in our world, some things do remain hidden.
Let’s see if the snail has found second gear today 😉
Hi Gloria, where are you with your novel? Started at all? Mid way? Do you know what setup you enjoy while writing (lights, pen + notebook?, desk, silence/focus music …) ? Maybe you take a small stride at arranging that lovely setup, think of us here cheering for you and write just the next paragraph or 2? 😊
Hi Soufiane. I love your name. Where do you / your family originate from?
I’m about half-way through my novel and at one of the three most crucial points. I always sit on my sofa with cushions behind me and my laptop on my lap. I have note pads and pens within easy reach, and I find I have to have complete silence so that I can become immersed in my story and characters. What environment are you most comfortable in?
Thank you for your suggestion. I’ll try it whilst I enjoy the thought of you all cheering me on. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Dear Gloria,
From your Post above: “…So why don’t I feel motivated?…”
Answer: Because of the question.
Say what?
Yep, we are affected by what we say (or ask).
If you can ask a different question, perhaps something like this: “…What can I do to feel motivated?…”
Say huh?
Yep, this new question causes your brain to come up with answers, it’s one of the things it does well.
Best,
Chris
P.S. It’s so easy to dish out medicine! I’m going to take some of this myself.
Thanks, Chris. I laughed when I read your response because that is exactly what I would normally say in response to someone who asked the same question as me. My ethos has always been to try to turn negatives into positives, and you’ve just done that very thing. So here I am, taking some of my own medicine just like you say you are going to do. You’ve been a great help and I am truly grateful.