Wednesday 6 May 2020

IWSG (MAY 2020)


Thanks to host Alex and this month's co-hosts :

This month's question is - Do you have any rituals you use to help get you in the zone to write?

This is a good one for these times I think. Like many I have been struggling to write, to create new words has seemed like the last thing I should be doing, or indeed the last thing I want to do. There is so much going on around us right now and my mind has been pinging around and unable to focus on any one thing for long.

I did think maybe I shouldn't even try to write. In the last few weeks everything has changed. I can't work as normal, I can't see my children as they are grown up and live in their own homes. I can't meet my friends for a walk or a chat. Even popping to the shops requires planning. And this is happening all over the world. 

So, writing of any sort for me was on hold for several weeks. It is only very recently that I have been able to dive back in. I started with some editing and in the last couple of days have managed to write a new chapter. New words, it feels good. A nice escape from reality so I am hoping my creative muse agrees to keep me company moving forward. 

I don't necessary have rituals. I like peace and quiet. No playlists for me. A mug of chamomile or ginger tea. Sometimes a bit of chocolate or a biscuit to nipple. If I have the choice I prefer to write in the mornings, I've never been that productive later in the day. 

So for now, I will celebrate the fact that my muse seems to have returned and I am getting enjoyment and comfort from writing. 

How about you? Any rituals? Are you able to write at the moment at all?

Stay well and thank you for visiting.

28 comments:

  1. I took a short break (cleaned/organized the entire house) but now I'm back on the writing track!

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    1. That's good, hope your writing streak continues.

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  2. I did take a small break when the lockdown started, but now I'm writing a lot. Glad your muse has returned.

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    1. This seems to be how a lot of people reacted. Good to know it wasn't just me.

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  3. It seems a lot of people took breaks when this all kicked off. It's hard when you're naturally a social creature and suddenly you can't go out. I'm an introvert through and through and am perfectly happy indoors on my own but I get why people struggle. Glad you're muse is back :)

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    1. Thank you. I would class myself as an introvert too. It's the lack of routine and having something else to think about I miss. And not seeing the family is the hardest for me.

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  4. If I have any rituals to get into the writing zone, it's cleaning up my writing area which somehow accumulates all kind of stuff whether it's related to writing or not. Currently I've been taking advantage of the nice weather and doing stuff around the yard and house that I haven't done in a long time. Writing has not been happening...

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  5. For a while, I wasn't able to write because of everything that's been going on. But after a couple of weeks, I, too was able to dive back in.

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  6. My daughter and her boyfriend live down the street from me, but I'm not seeing them either. It's hard. Glad you're getting back into your writing. I plan to soon but am updating my agent spotlights right now.

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    1. It's hard isn't it. I hope you get to see them soon. Great that you are getting ahead on your agent spotlights.

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  7. Everyone is struggling now. But use it as your escape, because escaping is really needed as well.

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  8. Tea is a good comforting drink to have while writing.

    I think all of the responses to your post hit the nail on the head. Life under quarantine is hard right now for all of us. You aren't alone.

    With Love,
    Mandy

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    1. Thanks Mandy, we are all coping in different ways.

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    2. I did try to visit your blog Mandy but it isn't working for me right now for some reason. Will try again. Thanks again for visiting.

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  9. An escape from reality sure can be grand indeed. Should one's muse agree

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  10. Yes Suzanne life is dreadful at present with not being able to see family and friends. I have been isolated now 8 weeks and I find it so awful, the loneliness and fear. Please take care and hope you and family remain well.

    Yvonne.

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    1. It is hard, missing my family the most. Stay well too.

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  11. I'm glad your muse is back. It's very hard to live without one buzzing around. hehehe

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  12. I know where you are and have been, Suzanne. Me, too. Unfocused, unmotivated. The great thing about this group is the understanding and encouragement. I hope May is a great writing month.

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    1. Thanks Diane, I think many have been sharing similar thoughts. I wish you well for May too.

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  13. Hi Suzanne - so pleased your muse has returned; and yes ... life is pinging back and forth isn't it. I am getting on with other things that needed to get done and off my plate - but they are going slowly forward - still moving on though. Take care and all the best - Hilary

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    1. Nice to hear from you Hilary, glad you are getting along ok.

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