Wednesday, September 2, 2015

The Summer of Not Writing #IWSG


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Last summer I was busy with the release of my novel "The Summer of Crossing Lines." This summer, in keeping with "The Summer of..." theme, it's been "The Summer of Not Writing."

But now that my oldest son is settled in safety at college (boo hoo), and my other two sons are about to start their sophomore year in high school, I'm prepping to dive back in.

Life has a way of getting in the way, and I'm not stressed at all about not writing. There's a time and a season for everything. This summer may have been a The Summer of Not Writing, but autumn can be The Fall of Falling Back Into Work.

How about you? Did you get much writing done this summer? If you have kids, are they back in school? Are you back in the routine?

28 comments:

  1. There is a season for everything. I've had a couple long stretches with no writing. And it's all right. You'll get back into the groove again!

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    1. Exactly! I think the long pause is actually helpful.

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  2. I'll be joining you in the boo-hoos. I take my daughter to college tomorrow. Even though she'll still be in town (so grateful for that), I'm definitely feeling how hard this change is for me. And you're right about there being a season for different things.

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    1. Oh, Natalie, it's so great that your daughter will be in town! At least she's within driving distance. But you're right, no matter what, it's a big transition.

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  3. That's a wonderful attitude to adopt. "...a time and season..." As much as getting my groove back after taking a writing hiatus always unsettles me, I honestly feel the break is much needed. I seem to grow during those writing droughts. Weird, huh?

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    1. Oh, and I forgot. I'm in the same boat as you. Finished up revisions mid-summer and began subbing a little. Now I must fire up my writing gears to writing the sequel to my YA that will be released next year. I feel hesitant, like the task is way to big.

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    2. Sheri, I think I also grown during those droughts! And yay for your YA release next year!!!

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  4. I got a fair amount of writing accomplished this summer, but fall is my most productive time, so I'm looking forward to the next couple of months. You'll get back into it then too, I'm sure.

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    1. Ken, it's so great that you got a good amount accomplished this summer! That's not an easy thing to do. Good luck as you head into your most productive season.

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  5. Too many family things this summer caused me to really slow down writing but with my daughter back at college, the house is quieter. I have no more excuses.

    Susan Says

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    1. Susan, it's great that you enjoyed her while she was home. That's what's most important!

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  6. Not much writing done this summer for me, either (actually it's been going on for quite some time). It's good that not writing isn't stressing you out!

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    1. Sarah, we'll all get back into it when the time is right. And then we'll be refreshed :)

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  7. I really love that you've taken this Summer of No Writing thing in stride! You're right that there's a time and season for everything, but I was so disappointed in myself for my crappy summer. I'm making strides in getting over it and moving on, but yeah. Anyway, best of luck! :)

    - Madilyn Quinn @ NovelBrews

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    1. Madilyn, even though we didn't get a lot of writing done, my guess is you got some reading done. That's also a good thing!

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  8. My whole life has been based on the academic calendar, so the routine for me is pretty much the same as always. Summer, bye-bye to you and my hammock. Fall, hunker down and clean up the mess I made in July on my C Drive. Have a great rest of the year, Julie.

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  9. This summer was the summer of no writing for me as well! I love your Falling Back Into Work and I'm resolving to do the same. Fall is my favorite time of year and when I have the most energy so I'm hopeful.
    Good luck and glad I stopped by here for the IWSG!

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    1. Julie, best of luck to you as you head into your falling back into work!

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  10. I had previously resolved to get a lot of writing done, but unfortunately, this was the summer of no writing for me too. Once I found out I got a job in Tennessee, all my time was occupied by the move and preparations for the new job. But now that things have calmed down a bit, I plan to get back to writing, even though I currently have dozens of papers that need to be graded.

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    1. Oh my goodness, yes, what a busy summer you've had! Heck, I'm tired just thinking about all that you've accomplished. Good luck to you in your new position.

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  11. Your title grabbed me right away because I've barely written at all this summer. It's hard when your child leaves the nest, but I know you must be so proud of him and you'll be so happy when he visits. My son got back from Australia just over a month ago and it's been so cool to see how he's grown. It's nice that you still have 2 at home and that they have each other. It's hard when one son leaves his younger brother at home (totally happening to one of my friend's kids). Have fun getting the writing going again.

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  12. Karen, why make it stressful, right? Hope you're doing well!

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  13. Oh, how nice to have your son home from Australia. Wow. Isn't it cool to see them make their own way now? Yes, it's hard not having my son at home, but I'm so happy for him and proud of him. Good luck to you as you get back into writing.

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  14. Think of all that pent up writerly energy you about to unleash. Whoo-hoo.

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  15. Summers are supposed to be my best time for writing, but this summer was a little tough with all kinds of family stuff. All good, and you're right - it feels okay! :)

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  16. Yes, I did get some writing done, fuelled by a deadline. Hope you get back into the swing of things soon.

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  17. I'm a little late to the game, here, but I enjoyed this post very much.

    I. Love. Tennis. I watch, play and practice--as often as I can. I also take it far too seriously for a recreational player. I'm such a wanna-be!

    I am so impressed with you already having played a league match! I've been playing for at least 10 years, and have never ventured into that arena! Good for you. (I'm too busy getting frustrated every time I lose to Hubby, or to a friend at work with whom I play on occasion.)

    Ah, the serve: mine isn't terribly powerful, but it is generally consistent. I do practice shots, and am seeing improvement in overall control. A fluid motion is key. (There is a court near my home where I've watched a poor woman struggle to learn it, but how the instructor teaches it really puts the woman at a serious disadvantage. Can't tell you how many times I've bitten my tongue!)

    Love the analogy! And like tennis, venturing back into writing after several months--or years--is a process. Hanging in there and practicing serves one well no matter what.

    Scoring in tennis--I looked that one up. It's supposedly based on a clock (every quarter hour). "45" is said to have been "shortened" to "40" b/c '45" took too long to say. Go figure.

    Finally, here is a great blog/website that really helps improve the game: feeltennis.com. Good luck, Julie! Thanks!

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