WHY AM I NOT WRITING???????

[Ex-Pat Pats Fan]

It's late at night here, the kids are asleep, my wife is on a girlsallnight, the conditions are perfect. So why am I typing this instead of working on my six-paragraphs-in novel?

It's not like I haven't had any past success: I've had three short stories published, and was paid money for all of them. I know I can write good fiction, so why am I not doing it? Am I self-hating? Self-destructive? Afraid of success? Don't think I deserve success? WHAT???

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Lionessa]

1. Because you're free associating with the wrong topic.

My daughter used to pick a key word or phrase she felt related to her topic, then she would free associate with that, not sentences, just a blank piece of paper and pencil and write whatever words or phrases come to mind. Even if she didn't use them in the long run, it was able to create the creative shift required to set the days' issues aside and let her story fill her mind instead.

[Little Star]

2. Welcome Ex-Pat Pats Fan. We love having you here in our group...

but you may get better answers to these questions in the writing group:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1202

That's just a suggestion though. So feel free to join us here any time.

[Ex-Pat Pats Fan]

7. Thank you.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. When you are ready, you will write.

Some times, it just isn't right. Stop beating yourself up because you aren't in the mood.

[Little Star]

4. Just had a thought....

Maybe you were missing your wife?

[fadedrose]

5. I don't think conditions are as perfect as you say..

I think there is something nagging you till you get it done, and you need to get it done - paint the bathroom, the dog needs a bath... something?

Either a guilty conscience or you're afraid of failing.

Maybe if you had to wear a cast for a while and HAD to sit since there's nothing else you're able to do, your mind will be free to wonder wherever it may.

Anyway, good luck . .

[Ex-Pat Pats Fan]

8. So...I should get someone to break my legs?

Just kidding!

[fadedrose]

10. If you know someone who would do it,

that might be your problem...

not kidding

am kidding..

[mainer]

6. Because writing is HARD?

That's what usually stops me from getting back to it. There are so many other things that are easier to do at that moment.

[Ex-Pat Pats Fan]

9. You're right: And having OCD doesn't help.

I obsess over commas, semicolons, characters' speech patterns, EVERYTHING!!!

[mainer]

11. Hint: try writing longhand. If you can't see the imperfections, you'll move forward faster.

Your inner editor is shouting too loudly. You need to make her take a step back. I find that writing longhand (especially if your handwriting is lousy) quells that editorial voice. Something about seeing my words on a screen makes me want to perfect each sentence over and over again.

[fadedrose]

12. 2 questions...

What do you enjoy writing about?

Who are your favorite authors?