February 7th was my last tweet on Twitter. It seems unreal when a few months ago, I was addicted to Twitter. My responses to posts on my various Yahoo loops have been almost nonexistent. If I think too much about the uncompleted WIPs I’ve saved on my laptop, I feel utterly exhausted. But I’m slowly making progress in discovering the passion to write again by taking small steps.
Instead of returning to my unfinished WIPs, I’ve decided to revive an old manuscript. The urban fantasy/paranormal romance has a main plot, a few subplots, at least four love stories, and multiple POVs rolled into one completed 110k manuscript.
I’m excited to revisit the stories, to use the creative half of my brain to decipher the messages hidden in the words and world, and translate what I’ve written into a trilogy of love and survival.
When I spoke with my therapist, we discussed boundaries, time constraints, control, and of course, balance. We also discussed fears. My biggest fear is losing my muse. The second is the idea of the muse returning but I’m not in any condition to follow or listen to it. However, my therapist convinced me if it’s important, the idea or dialogue will resurface. Basically, keep my boundaries flexible.
As for time constraints, I’ve decided to dedicate two weekdays and Sundays to writing rather than writing everyday. In regards to my issue with control and obsession, I’ve decided to self-publish my Fated Trilogy. For some who have read my work, the original title was Protector Resurrection.
By dealing with these aspects of my life, my therapist and I hope I can achieve a better work-writer-life balance. Wish me luck. I’ve just restarted my journey J.
Sounds good, Ashlyn. You have a sound plan. If you need anyone to talk with or run ideas past, just email me. mary_merrell@sbcglobal.net. Or if you need to call…well, just ask. I feel privileged to tag along on your journey. Thanks. Mary E. Merrell
Thank you Mary for your kind words and support. It means a lot to me.
Good for you, Ashlyn, for coming to writing on your terms. Proud of you! If you need anything, I’m a phone call away. You’re one of the few who have my uber-secret phone number! 🙂
Hugs,
Melia
Yep, I do have your uber-secret phone number. Thanks Melia! You’re a great friend.
Having a plan is the best thing you can do. It puts you in control first.
Work-life balance is always difficult. I know I have struggled with it all of my career, usually erring on the side of work and no life balance. It’s great that you are working with a therapist. That gives you a good objective view that can reflect back to you what your true desires are.
Hang in there, Ashlyn. We are all pulling for you to find what works best for you in the long term.
Maggie,
I think a plan is a good thing too. Keeps it more routine. With my day job, the work ends when I leave the office. However, with the writing, it was constant without a stopping point. I believe that’s how I lost sight of finding a balance. The last week has been good. Thank you for rooting for me. Lately, I’ve been feeling more rested and optimistic.