I went to a reading last week. Seeing authors talking about their work just makes me happy. Truly, I find it so rejuvenating. If you’re a writer, you really need to be going to readings (and is it happens – I send out an email every Monday listing all the cool readings and author events happening around Los Angeles – you can sign up for it by clicking here).
But wait, I got distracted there. I was telling you about being at this reading. It was at one of my favorite local bookstores, and after the author had done her Q&A, I was wondering around the store, because books.
Brushing Up Against the Dream
I’ve reached a point as a writer and a reader, where I have a pretty good sense of the current literary landscape. There are books by the biggies – the ones that get published no matter what the author spills on the page because of who the author is. You know which authors I’m talking about. Whatever.
Then there are the books written by lesser known authors. I always get really excited when I see a new book from an author whose previous work I have liked, but who kind of flies under the radar. It’s so exciting to watch these writers build their body of work, to come to know them as artists.
It got me thinking. When I dream of the career I want to make for myself, I see my work on the shelves with those authors, the ones who build their collection of stories over time, enticing readers to pay attention when their next book comes out. I have so many stories to tell.
The Creative Panic Sets In
Then I get anxious. Like, really anxious. Because for all the stories I have burbling up inside me, I can’t seem to finish even this first novel to a level that I’m satisfied with. I start to panic a little. Then my coping brain kicks in – maybe I should be writing essays instead. Or maybe I should go back to the few short stories I’ve been toying with and spend time on those. Or maybe it’s time to put that clever pen name into action and try my hand at romance novels. But I’ve gone down those paths before. I always come back to the current novel, and kick myself for getting distracted.
There’s really no way out, is there? Except to finish the novel and then write the next one. Is this what people are talking about when they joke about the curse of being a creative person? Is this my tortured artists self? I’m not really into torture.
Forgive me from straying from my more concrete explorations of craft, but it occurs to me that this creative panic, as much as grammar and story structure, is something we writers have to deal with. I’m curious how other people handle it.
So writers, lay it on me, how do you deal when the creative panic hits? Do you find it helpful to shift projects/genres/formats from time to time? Or maybe you’ve never had this experience. Anyone?
I have tried juggling multiple projects before. It did not end well. However, when I zeroed in on a single project, it got finished. So did the second one. Both of them now sit, waiting to be edited and hopefully published someday. I don’t really experience panic about all the ideas I have. I am simply a vessel for creative activity. I truly believe that the stories I’m meant to tell are the ones that will find their way into the greater scope of the world. 🙂
That creative panic has caught me by surprise a good number of times. Mainly, any time I wasn’t actively working towards my goal of being a writer. I will say, getting the first book out of the way helped to a point. Finishing the second book and getting that ready to publish is what is helping me gain a flow. All the stories I was beginning to fear I would die before they ever saw the light of day, are flowing from my finger tips and I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! My advice is to make the time to work on your goal.I’m not an expert and I’m sure a time will come where I find myself in a bad rut once again, bit squeezing writing time, social media time, and time to work on my big upcoming project have made me feel accomplished every day and I can go to bed every night knowing I’m making progress and someday I will get where I want to be. You have to make that plan for yourself so you can feel that every day as well. And also remind that voice that you may not be finished with your first book, but that does not mean you should settle for less than what makes you happy. Follow your dreams. ✨
This is such good advice. And it’s so nice to hear from someone who is on the other side of the first novel. It sounds like you’ve really found your groove as a writer. That is something I aspire to. Cheers!
First of all I have been on a blog reading fest this past month, yours being one of my favorites of course, and I must say it is a nice habit that I have created for myself. Readings such as this and others remind me that I am not alone. All of us who want to create go through similar emotions. We have panic attacks, we become frustrated, we are through the roof happy all due to a wonderful writing day and so on. Because of that I thank you. My emotions are normal. No need to send me away to that odd looking barn up on the hill. Yes, we have those in Oregon too. Deep sigh. We are apart of somethings special no matter how weird some people may think we are.
To answer your question: How do I deal when creative panic hits? I grab my nearest notebook and write. I have two ideas on the side that are patiently waiting for my current work to end. Every now and than they whisper an idea and when they do I grab my trusty notebook and jot down their words. Never ignore those whispers. You may never hear them again. In time when you are ready to write that book that notebook will be full.
Thanks for the article. Good stuff!!!!!
Thanks Bryan,
It’s good to hear that his is common thing among us writers. I have a notebook to, but sometimes I don’t take full advantage of it. I’ll keep it mind next time.
Cheers.