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June 04, 2012

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Quantum

Bertrand Russel once said:
“One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly important.”

He was joking .... I think! LOL

In my sporting days, nervousness before a match always sharpened responses and heightened awareness, helping performance to peak.

Same is true of writing. A little fear or anxiety sharpens your creativity but too much will paralyse your mind.

Like hard drink or strong coffee, a little is stimulating but over indulgence is a killer.

Donna, I'm confidant you can get the balance right.
The evidence is in your books. Not even a lawyer can argue with facts! *smile*

Mae Clair

I think it’s the initial trepidation of starting something new. When I’m working on a novel or a story I’m in a ‘zone.’ I know the characters and setting so well after a few chapters that everything flows, the writing doesn’t need to be coaxed.

But starting something new? As much as I love the initial flush of creativity, there is always an awkward moment of trying to find that same footing and reestablish the zone. Then the magic happens. Although sometimes it does need a little persuasion for the first spark to ignite, LOL.

This was a great post, Donna, especially as I’m starting something new at the moment. You reminded me that I need to get past the hurdle and get busy!

Donna Cummings

Q, are you trying to tell me this ISN'T important? LOL I think we can get too caught up in our own importance, and that helps to feed the fear monster. And you're so right about a little of it helping to increase our creativity. It's tricky sometimes to find that sweet spot though. I'm glad you have confidence in me! I know who to come to when I need a pep talk. :)

Donna Cummings

Mae, I'm glad you found this helpful. My posts tend to be a reminder for ME more than anything. LOL I've got a couple of projects I want to get back to, and I can't quite decide which one gets my attention. I think it's partly because I have to relearn these characters. And I'm still kinda attached to the ones I just finished!

You're so right about the magic happening, and then we're in the zone. I love that part. I'll have to jump in and let it happen. :)

Kate Warren

I have the same problem when I haven't been writing, except that I've got so many stories unfinished that I haven't needed to worry about starting any for years.

Been focusing so much on my upcoming release that I'm almost afraid to get back to work on my current WIP. Of course I don't have time anyway, but still... The nervousness is there.

And I won't be getting on a bike anytime soon either. ;)

Donna Cummings

Kate -- congrats on your upcoming release. :) I'm looking forward to it.

I have a lot of stories that are close to being finished, so I need to give them some time and attention, but it makes me a bit nervous too -- hoping I don't wreck them or something now that they're so close. LOL

We'll declare this a bike-free zone. :)

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