In the past few weeks I have developed a curious case of writer’s block. That’s not to say I’ve been unproductive. I’ve already finished two novels since December 2009, published an e-book and marketed the release of PULSE in mass market and INSTINCT in hard cover. Then there is all those other small projects in the works (BENEATH hard cover special release, comics, iPhone apps, etc). And from the 8th of July to the 11th I was in NYC at Thrillerfest. I came home eager to get back to work. But today, having just finished the last round of edits on THRESHOLD am itching to write something new. I haven’t written since finishing my YA novel a month ago.
But my brain is not cooperating. When I try to think about the story, or the words to start it, my brain just shouts at me, “Leave me alone!” And every day I’ve had free to write, I haven’t written a thing. Instead I’ve been playing Modern Warfare 2, paying bills and am about to continue reading FEED by Mira Grant (so far, so good). So I’m examining potential causes. Maybe you have the same problems?
1. Burnt out. I’ve never really experienced this, or writer’s block, before. This is unusual for me. But I have been working on a lot of very different projects involving high learning curves. So, maybe.
2. New York. Four nights with four to five hours sleep a night may have done me in, though I’ve slept fine for the past two nights since getting home.
3. Retire early. I’ve run out of good ideas and should just retire now.
4. I’d rather be blogging. Well, that’s what I’m doing, isn’t it? I must love this more. Maybe not, I don’t question the validity of spending time writing a novel, but I’ve been questioning this blog post since I started typing. I’m really just posting it so I can feel like I’ve accomplished something today.
5. Lack of creative input vs. too much creative output. For me to be creative, I need to experience other creative mediums to get recharged. I have been reading more than usual, but I don’t think I’ve seen a really good movie in a long time. I’m going to see Predators this weekend, but I have a feeling that won’t cure me. But if it gives me just one good one-liner I can quote 20 years from now, that people will instantly recognize: “I ain’t got time to bleed.” “Up there. In them trees. I see you.” “I’m a sexual Tyrannosaurus.” “Get to the choppa!” I’ll be happy.
6. All of the above. I’m screwed. I’m burnt out, tired and lacking creative input to match my output, which has led to a strange desire to blog.
Solutions? I know you have some.
I know what burn out feels like. I am self employed, so it takes a lot of drive to keep the wheels going. I was working 40-60 hours per week and then doing additional projects on the weekend. I burned out.
The trick for me was to start working on a personal project that really interested me. Something exciting that could be fun.
Applying that to what you are doing, and how much work you have been generating, I’m betting its burn out. Your writing flexes the creative muscles but they need rest if they are to be any good in the long term.
I say take a break. Find your happy place. Being driven is a powerful force, but if you can’t pace yourself you will go down in flames.
If I recall, you just moved into a new house. Maybe take some time to work on the place. Or, spend some time pimping out your office. Get it set up to be the most comfortable place you can think of to work in.
Some fresh paint… get the computer gear organized, maybe buy yourself a new chair. Who knows. It might help you purge the block and reinvigorate yourself.
Comment by Steve Manke — July 15, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
Try reading something out of your usual genre, like some “chic lit” or something. It’s kind of like rebooting your computer. It works for me.
Comment by Toby — July 15, 2010 @ 4:39 pm
THRESHOLD? i missed that this was your next book, Mr. Robinson. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, the other two Chess team stories. Is there any hint as to what THRESHOLS is about? I hope the bloc goes away soon. Your stories are too much fun.
Comment by greg — July 27, 2010 @ 11:40 am
Hey Greg,
I’ll be posting the cover mockup (not the final cover) for THRESHOLD in just a few minutes. I’ll also be posting the current story description. Might be different on the book. Not sure yet.
– Jeremy
Comment by Jeremy Robinson — July 28, 2010 @ 11:32 am
Oh yeah, and the block is long gone. Currently rewriting my YA book and working on a top secret project involving the Chess Team. Will be announcing that when its close to completion. Maybe in a month or two.
Comment by Jeremy Robinson — July 28, 2010 @ 11:34 am