Fiction 2010 Poll

[dampscribbler]

I "gave up" writing in 2009, even going so far as to swear off of writing *any* fiction *at all* for the month of November (during which time I forgot my vow, entered a one-sentence writing contest, and won it). Now I'm playing with fiction ideas again, and wondering what to do next. As many wise folk do, I've decided to Ask The Internet!

[Poll #1506559]

Comments

[jillbertini.livejournal.com]

If the muse moves you, write! I, selfishly, would like to see more of you around here. Also, I have gotten some hints about stories you said you would like to write down.

But if you can write one sentence of fiction and win a contest, I say go for more fiction!

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

I've been thinking about it, and I think fiction still feels not right for now. But I do want to write more, and I think I'll be doing more journaling (including LJ-ing, I hope) and attempting some memoir starting in Feb. Thanks for weighing in!

[jillbertini.livejournal.com]

I encourage you to do what feels right - as long as it's writing! :)

I always have opinions :D.

[jelazakazone.livejournal.com]

I don't know why you stopped writing, but you need to do what works for you. If you are going crazy not writing, write. If there is something else you'd like to focus on, go for it.

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

I'm definitely NOT going crazy not writing! Ideas flitter around the edges of my consciousness, but don't demand much attention at this point. I think the muse is content to snooze, for now....

[chillyrodent.livejournal.com]

It has to depend on why you swore off writing. If writing creates problems for you, maybe it's worth hiding from your muse. Of course, this is from someone whose muse hides from her, so you can take that with a grain of (envious) salt.

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

I had to take time off from writing because I was *so* determined to write that I literally spent hours every day avoiding it. It's hard to understand, even for me and I am the one who went through it, but turning my back on writing freed up an amazing amount of energy. I'm not entirely sure what to do with all of it, but when I gave attention to the possibility of writing fiction again for those couple of days earlier this week it just felt all wrong and still mighty uncomfortable. Which told me what I need to know, for now.

[tamyranev.livejournal.com]

I think it depends how you feel when you think about writing fiction. Does it fill you with excitement and enthusiasm? Or are those feelings mixed with dread/pressure/guilt/etc?

For me it's still too loaded with pressure and expectations, so I'm avoiding it.

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

Hi, Lisa!!
Yes, that's very much where I was/am, too -- dread and guilt. I think more journaling this year will do me a world of good, though, mainly for writing practice and gaining confidence, but also for a little bit of reflection and insight. When I can find the time and structure. I'm hoping that will come soon when my class starts and Maggie's back in daycare as well as Kindergarten. Assuming we avoid most of the nasty bugs that seem to be going around right now.
Thanks for your input! Will we see more of your gorgeous photos this year? :-)

[robertainnc.livejournal.com]

If not writing was/is working for your mental/emotional and all around well being (which I had rather gathered was the reason you had taken the break)--I'm pretty sure I'm not qualified to tell you to start again, let alone which format to work in. That decision is really in your hands. If you're feeling like you're ready to put pen to paper (or more likely fingers to keypad), my only suggestion (certainly no advice), would be simply:

Write what makes you happy. What draws you, pulls you and inspires you. Write what moves you.

Who cares what the internet thinks. (-;