I didn’t mean to stop blogging. It just sort of happened. Feels like I blinked and June (when I wrote my last post) became November. How did that happen?
I can blame it on Summer and the long, hot sunny days filled with cook outs, music, and dancing in the warm night breeze. Or maybe it was the day trips to NYC or Mystic, CT. I can blame it on the short vacation getaway to Puerto Rico where we feasted on authentic cuisine – I’d forgotten how good Puerto Rican food is! Or maybe it was toying with the idea of going for a new job. “Toying” is the wrong word – I seriously considered it. Took the time to prepare in case I decided to go for it, I had to be ready. I researched, redid my resume and contemplated all the pros and cons. One of the cons I worried about was the fact that I wouldn’t have as much time for my writing. In the end, the right decision for me was not to go for it, but maybe the time I took off to prep slowed my momentum.
I could blame it on the transition to Fall and the distraction of football Sundays, Fantasy Football and Knock-out pools. So what if my team (NY Jets) is 1 – 8, I live in New England where I can count on the Pats winning and spending my Sundays rooting against them, while I try to defend my team with our slogan, “There’s always next year.”
Whatever the reason or excuses, I haven’t taken the time to blog. The good news is I’ve worked on my novel-in-progress and have almost completed the first draft. The not so good news is I’ve been a little stuck on the last few chapters over the past few weeks. I’m so close — I have the last chapter and know how it ends, but I just need a bridge to get me there.
I have to get back into my writing routine.
I have to stop letting myself get distracted.
I’m not sure what that means for my blog. Maybe I can resurrect it. Maybe I will still have a few followers out there who will be happy to see a post from me. Maybe getting back to blogging will help spark my creativity, which can only help me with my novel.
Either way, I do plan on finishing my first draft. I like the story and maybe, just maybe, this will be the one I have the guts to share with others for feedback.
Stay tuned, but don’t hold your breath. I’d hate to be responsible for causing harm if I blink and another 5 months go by before I blog again.
Writing Pieces of Me 
I’m always happy to see a post from you no matter how much time falls in between them! So glad to hear you’ve made progress on your novel. That’s wonderful. And glad to hear all is well. 🙂
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Thanks Carrie. You’ve always been so supportive and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it! I know how many followers you have and how many comments you have to reply to so taking time out to send over a little encouragement my way is awesome! 🙂 Glad to be back. Funny how a quick, short post can spark one’s creativity! I’m very much looking forward to getting some writing done today!! 🙂
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Glad to hear about the spark of creativity, and you’re very welcome. Happy writing!
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Sometimes a little break is all you need to energize your writing.
It’s awesome that the novel is nearing completion, and that you had a great summer. I don’t think you need to feel bad about missing a few months–writers need time to refill the well, after all.
So whatever your posting schedule, I’ll be along for the ride!
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Thanks Kirsten. I was feeling bad about not making time for the blog and for not keeping to my writing schedule, but I’m beginning to realize you’re right. A break is okay and just writing this small post and getting a few positive comments is already doing me wonders 🙂 Thanks for always being so supportive!
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Breaks are good, although we missed you. That’s awesome though about your story. Keeping my fingers crossed for you on bridging that ‘gap.’ Keep up the good work.
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Aw, thanks Char. I’ve tried to keep up with reading posts from other bloggers so you may have seen a “like” from me now and then but even taking the time to comment seemed strenuous. Not sure why I needed that break, I guess I just did but I’m feeling good to be back reconnecting with other bloggers and getting such positive comments, so thank you! I’ll be stopping by your blog soon to catch up and see how you’re doing with your writing as well 🙂
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Don’t worry about the break. It’s necessary at times so we don’t get completely burned out. And my writing is going good. I should have 3rd book out by mid January or sooner. Yippeee!
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I don’t follow many blogs, but I was happy to read your “bi-annual” post. 🙂
Blogging for me has been a way to write out all of the mess in my head that keeps me from writing on whatever my current writing project is. (So sorry to be vague, but I have to be.)
Even if you write out about all of the things distracting you from finishing your novel, then you’ll be better off to actually finish it.
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Hi there HRH! Yes, maybe if I consider this a bi-annual blog I won’t feel so stressed out about not writing. That line had me laughing! 🙂
You are so right and it’s funny how I had thought about blogging and thought about it but didn’t write anything, all the while sputtering with the end of my story. Then I write this short piece about how distracted I’ve been and today I wrote out 4 scenes and only have that last one to go. How the heck did that happen??
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Really appreciate it!
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I didn’t know you live in New England — so do I! Hasn’t this autumn been incredible? At least, it has where I live. Supposed to be in the 50s all week. 🙂
But, we all need to take breaks. I’ve certainly had my fair share of them. They help us stay healthy, mind, body, and soul! Good to see you back in any case.
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I’m in CT (that’s why I’m always taking day trips to NY – it’s close enough). Yes, Fall has been beautiful, sunny, mostly warm. I have been loving it! Enjoy it while we can because I hear winter is coming 😉
I’m definitely glad to be back and I do feel like the break was needed. I didn’t realize it while I was in the middle of it — I thought I was being lazy, procrastinating, falling into old patterns. But based on my recent production since writing this post, seems like it was needed, and I’m glad I decided to get back to the blog. Not blogging wouldn’t have been my old pattern – just giving up, but maybe by making the conscious choice not to give up, it sparked something.
Feels good 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by, commenting and for the support!!
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You haven’t lost me! Sometimes we need those breaks. And to have spent time working on your WIP is a darn good reason to have been away. I think any blogger who “sticks with it” needs to step away now and again to replenish the idea well and get some fresh air and perspective.
It’s great to see you back—on whatever schedule works for you! 🙂
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I was just having a conversation with a friend/collaborator about the question. Of “why blog” vs. other deadlines; self-imposed or hired. In the end deadlines help get stuff done, but one should be creative with their creativity as well.
Which I guess is a round about way of saying “beaks are good,” particularly when professional demands are as such. New job offer? Catch me up when we next chat.
Also I’m a bit surprised you haven’t jumped into NaNoWriMo…
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I’ve actually purposefully avoided NaNo. Too much pressure and I’d probably have to take a two week vacation from work and totally break my normal routine to be able to get out that many words in 30 days. What’s that? Break my normal routine? You ask. I know. Hear that dramatic music playing in the background and just the thought of it 😉
It’s not to say I couldn’t do it. I don’t know if I could but writing that fast is not my style. I support everyone else who participates in it — it’s a great challenge and I’ve actually read some books that started from NaNoWriMo, which is pretty great inspiration.
I think I’m realizing the break was needed — I didn’t realize it at the time. I felt like I was slacking, avoiding, but it turns out it really was okay. Working on the last scene of my WIP right now 🙂
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I’m glad you’re back to blogging. Just in case you don’t check, I wanted to let you know you won a signed copy of my book, Thorns of Rosewood. Send your mailing address to my email: ginabarlean@gmail.com.
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Thanks so much Gina! Lucky me 🙂
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LOL. I think writing has to come first. Your blog buddies will be here when you have time for a post. Hugs + Happy New Year!
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So proud of you girl!!! Absence is never a bad thing when you’re working on your books!! Best of luck and we’re sending good wishes and good writing your way! 😉 xoxo
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Best of luck on your draft… that should definitely take priority! Though, if I’m honest, it seems like the latter half of 2015 was very hard for a lot of bloggers, so don’t worry too much about it. 🙂
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