Imagine writing an entire novel in a week. It’d be pretty sweet, huh? Creating an entire adventure in seven days sounds like an amazing experience to me.
That wasn’t my plan this week. My original plan was to get a bunch of writing done, though. After all, the week after Easter I usually take a break from ministry and just concentrate on writing. Or relaxing. Either way. This year, though, I intended to get a good start on the next novel. I had time to dedicate hours to writing every day! I could get so much done!
But as I sit here at my keyboard… sure, I’ve written some, but not nearly as much as I intended. In fact, I’ve written less than I do in a typical week when I have far less time. What gives?
It’s pretty simple, actually, as long as you understand that writing is work. Creating worlds takes energy, and if you don’t have energy, you’re not going to be creating a whole lot.
I’m a pastor. The week before Easter is often as stressful as the week of Christmas. There are lots of church services to plan, people to contact, and, well, just work to do. It’s joyous work, but it is work. That’s why the week after Easter I usually take it easy from my ministerial duties.
But it also explains why I just don’t have energy this week. I’m tired out!
It’s something I forget. Writing doesn’t just take time. It takes energy, too. My brain needs to function if characters are going to speak, explore worlds, or survive conflicts. It’s not just watching a screen. It’s actually figuring out the proper vocabulary, the right tone, the exact movements.
Writing is work, and work takes energy.
If you’ve not been able to write lately, check your energy levels. What do you need to do to get them up? For me, it means getting more sleep (doable this week, but not normally!) or reading simply for pleasure. So I guess… it’s time for me to spend time reading instead of writing for a little bit!
Sure, I’m not writing a novel in a week, or even two weeks. But that’s okay. I’ll build up my energy, and then get back to it!
If you haven’t yet, check out Madelyn of the Sky! The Kickstarter goes live on May 3!
Jonathon Mast: Author 