Writer's Block or Burnout?

In 2010 I belonged to the book a month club. What’s that you ask? It’s where I wrote a 25k book every month and submitted them to my former editor. Let’s just say 2010 was good and bad. I was fully engulfed in grief after the loss of our son. I poured my grief into my books. Needless to say I was very productive.

As 2011 came along I started feeling a little better. My grief was there but I didn’t need an outlet for it. I had learned to deal with it. Then I became pregnant with our daughter. I wrote what I could because I knew time would be scarce once she arrived.

I continued to write, but now I was produced three books averaging about 30k. Then one day I sat to write and I couldn’t. The words just wouldn’t flow. I had published almost 20 books in a few short years. I tried and tried to no avail.

Instead of trying to force it I gave up. I thought I’d never write again. For so long I’d been able to write a book, edit, and submit, turn around and start a new one. Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

During that time I read. I lived life. I forgot about writing. Then I sat down and wrote three more novellas. I thought I was back in my stride. Nope. Again the words weren’t coming. I was pushing myself too hard to be everything – mom, wife, writer, and full-time employee. I realized I was burnt out.

Something paid the price and it was my writing. Now I can see the signs. When I don’t want to sit and write because it feels more like a job than fun – it’s time to step back and smell the roses.

Now I take a break to read, get a massage or just live. It may take a few days or week, but I know I’ll return to writing. It’s in my blood. 

Amber's in a Funk!

I’ve been in a funk for way too long now. I need to snap out of it. Newbie’s often ask how to overcome writer’s block and I always answer just do it. Just sit down and write. HA! I’m a hypocrite. I faithfully open my wip every day. Every day it sits there untouched. I did manage around 500 words on Saturday, while sitting in the lab at the hospital. I do NOT want to repeat that blood test again! Those 500 words were the first in a long time. I’m going to shoot for 100 today, just to get my motor running.
I’m so glad it’s a fresh week. Last week was a bear. I do have a ton of work meetings this week, but nothing as stressful as last week. Only 8 days 'til vacation! Woo Hoo. Not going anywhere, but just to have 12 days off from the job is exciting.
In other news my sister in law is at the hospital getting ready to deliver my first niece. I’m so thrilled. I can’t wait to meet her tonight. :o)
Me, on the other hand thought I’d deliver yesterday. I was having very painful contractions that lasted most of the day. I told the little one she’s not in competition with her cousin and she has to wait the next 6 weeks out. I refuse to allow her to arrive early! I’m not ready and neither is she. LoL
So back to the funk…what do you do to shake writer’s block?

Dreams

A lot of writer’s I know say that sometimes their story comes to them in dreams. I’m not one of those lucky people. I tend to dream about people trying to kill me or harm someone in my family. Wouldn’t make for a very romantic story.
I’ve been stuck lately. Not sure why. Not really stuck, because I re-read one of my wips and thought, this isn’t half bad. I was excited to get back to writing it…until I opened the document. I also started my cougar story as part of the cougar challenge. Wrote the first ten pages and feel I’m off to the right start. Still when I open this document – nothing. I just stare at the page and type nothing.
The other night I dreamt of being with another man, other than my DH. He was a very sexy Italian. I was standing on a stair, he was ground level. I wrapped my arms around his neck and the words I love you were on the tip of my tongue. Yet, I was too scared to say them. I feared they wouldn’t be returned. But I could feel the love radiating off him as he hugged me. He held me like he never wanted to let me go. And then he whispered those three magic words and my heart melted. I remember squeezing him tighter and returning his sentiments. Then I woke up.
BUT…I was left with an overwhelming feeling of love all day long. That giddy, toe curling, feeling you get when you first fall in love. The feelings have stayed with me the last few days. I want to use them when my H/H get to the point they confess their love for one another, but I have to get there. I have to write a few more scenes before they can realize their love for each other.
How do I get the words to flow so I can finally use one of my dreams?