The past few days, every time I think about my WIP, or one of the articles I want to write- I get a tiny panic attack. Small enough to think that it’s a mere discomfort.
I do not feel this way about blogging.
I sometimes feel this way on Twitter (I’m serious).
I sometimes feel this way when commenting.
For some bizarre reason, I feel this way when I think about reading the novel I’m currently on.
I think the reason I feel this way about my WIP is because I’ve hit one of those ambiguous spots where I have a general idea of what should happen (as in, write something that takes Z from here to there), but not specifically what should happen (as in, have Z accidently snort a bee up her nose, because that’s what’s really going to catch B’s attention and peeve off R). This spot is very vague in my already vague outline as well. But if I skip ahead, having the open spot will work on my nerves until it can be fixed.
I think I feel this way about the articles, because an article should be good and can be read at any time from the time it’s published. Blog posts are more stream of conciousness.
Twitter and comments are probably perception issues. I don’t want people to think that I don’t care by not commenting, and yet have nothing to add to the conversation. So, it’s like a mini article (this is not to say all of my comments, just some).
But why, on Earth, could reading a novel panic me? Particularly when I haven’t crossed the first chapter yet? The only reason I can think of is that I should have picked another genre for right now. But panic?
Maybe it’s too much tea and not enough water. Just say NO to caffeine!
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I’ve had these kind of personal blocks too. Recently, I got stuck in my WIP and ended up cutting a huge chunk. While painful, it freed me up to feel positive about the work as a whole.
When I’m panicking, one thing I do is time myself. As in, “I’ll only read this thing for fifteen minutes and then I can go [knit, watch t.v., shop online].” Usually it works, and I’ll end up passing my fifteen minute mark and get something valuable done.
Britta- I think the worst part is that I’m not far enough in to actually make a big cut! I’m glad it’s going more smoothly for you now, though.
I should try timing myself. I’ve always been resistant to the idea, because I can fritter away time better than anyone else I know. But then, that’s how I got 5 1/2 pages that Saturday. I gave myself a limit of 45 minutes, or 1 full page. It jogged something loose for me.