National Novel Writing Month word counts are mounting … or not.
Writers not participating in NaNoWriMo are meeting new characters and crafting new plots … or not.
Real life threatens to interfere with writing on a daily basis for some writers; we squeeze in moments between breaths and cross our fingers and hope nothing races by that we need to see. There are days it seems easier to pushing writing tasks back and back again until falling into bed and only interacting with characters until sleep comes.
Those days, it helps to keep Ray Bradbury’s quote in mind: “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.”
Without writing, all of those tasks that seem so important can crowd your brain and your heart and build on each other until reality seems too big to manage. For writers, taking the time to write through reality can be the difference between being in control of life and having life control you.
So skip a load of laundry or order pizza — or both — tonight and take a few minutes to get drunk on your words.
How long can you go without writing before feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
Direct answer to the question: roughly 12 hours. At that point I start feeling like a failure for not having written anything – that I’ve lost it somehow. Half a day may seem a harsh judgement of myself, but I suppose I have an addiction to writing and do, in fact, stay drunk on it as often as possible.
Ooooh, 12 hours is pretty harsh. If that works for you, though, I think it’s good to know and to keep yourself on a nice, steady schedule.
“Get drunk on words” – off to fill a glass now.
Merci.
You’re welcome! Drink up
Since I’ve been writing regularly, about 1 day. There have been times I’ve found myself otherwise occupied to the point that I don’t sit down to write for a whole day but by the next it’s a noticeable lapse. Thankfully I’ve not had to go more than 1 day in a long time.
I’ve gone a few days without writing. It’s always on my mind, but the time to do it just isn’t there. I try not to worry or stress about it. Eventually, I’ll make time to write.
Sigh, an hour. And I’ve gone about 3 months I think without writing anything (this summer). I’m surprised I still have any sanity left.
I just cancelled an appearance at a neighbors home party tonight because I NEED to write and catch up (once again) on my NaNo project. I didn’t tell them the reason as they would be hurt but if I didn’t cancel I would spend the evening anxious! But I am beginning to feel sorry for my kids and the fact they are pulling clothes out of the laundry basket – clean but unfolded because I am too busy writing! They will survive, right?
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24 hours. I’m serious! Once I finish a book I get about 24 hours of relief and delight…then I need to start again. Everyone can tell when I’m not writing…moping around the house.
My family is very patient.
I can go a day or two. My mind constantly swirls with stories and I have to get the ideas out of my head. Writing invades my dreams, my senses, my soul.