It's that time again. The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is the first Wednesday of each month. We support each other in our writing fears. Anyone is welcome to join. Simply click on Alex's name and sign up.
This month's co-hosts are: PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, Gwen Gardner, Pat Garcia, and Natalie Aguirre.
This month's optional question is: Where do your story ideas predominantly come from?
Most often they spark off something I saw or heard. A what if based on a twist or a quirk. While I'm a vivid dreamer, dreams are very rarely a source of my stories. In fact, I can't think of a story I based off a dream. Which is weird, because I've seen that's a huge source of story ideas for a lot of people. Most of my dreams are pretty nonsensical.
While a different project is on hold, I'm editing a WIP. I've been making good progress on it. Not as good as when I wasn't working, obviously, but I've been able to work on it nearly every day, because I'm making myself cut out of work by a certain time. As I mentioned last month, I'm really trying to work on work-life balance. Unfortunately, "work" includes the day job, writing/publishing, and the podcast, so just as many of you have to do, it's getting all that established and still ensuring I have time to rest, as well. I'm giving myself a brain off day every other weekend and I've been walking again after finding some solutions for arthritis in my knee. (Walk one day, rest one day, exercise bike one day; ice and Voltaren gel on walk days as needed).
The job balance is improving and I'm getting so much more reading done this year than last. I'll be hitting my Goodreads reading goal early this year, which makes me happy.
How do you reach work/writing/life balance? What are your insecurities? Where do your ideas come from? What are you working on right now?
May you find your Muse.
14 comments:
Balance is so important. I'm getting better at it. I feel your knee pain. I just purchased a video on exercises for knee pain. Keeping my fingers crossed. And love Voltaren.
Hope your new pattern is helping your arthritis.
I'm glad you're trying to figure out the right balance. It's hard to find when you have a day job. I have one too so I understand your struggle. But it's important to have enough time for family, friends, and relaxing.
Balance is tough. I usually end up with chaos being my balance.
Balance is such a challenge - especially when you're managing so much and a family as well. Taking time for fun and for self-care is so important!
Ouch. Arthritis is terrible. I have it in my wrist and it sucks. I hope you find solutions for your knee!
I hope you find a good balance between work and life. It seems when you do, it makes both parts better.
Balance is hard, but if you find it, it can also be awesome. With or without it, looks like you're getting it done. Way to go. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
My ideas come from all over and are usually inspired by a what if question. A few have come from dreams, though.
I'm doing better on the work/life balance since I'm not watching my granddaughter all day, every day.
I started to think I was a rarity who doesn't get ideas from my dreams.
You're always so busy! Balance is important and often, I think, is a game of knowing when to shift at the right time.
I appreciate that Goodreads Challenge each year. It gives me a goal and I do read more when I set a number of books. I'll have to come by your page and see what you've been reading.
Balance has always been a challenge for me. Just when I "think" I've got it, something throws a wrench in and I wobble and have to start over again. But when it's working, I feel so much better and get so much more accomplished!
I've only had two dreams ever turn into actual story ideas. Like you, my dreams are usually too crazy and nonsensical to be turned into anything.
I'm continuing working on my collection of short fiction and I finally put together my summer reading list! Most years I try to get that done around beginning of June.
I hope you overcome your arthritis soon. I know that's no fun. Its run in my family and even I have a little bit of it in the neck and shoulder. I manage okay though with meds.
pain is a real downer:( I have arthritis in wrists and ankles so I can empathize with yours - nope only two dreams have had any impact on my storytelling - however those two are among my favourites - look afer yourself
Post a Comment