Refilling the Well

It seems I’m famous for always having a number of projects on the go at once.

And it’s true. I almost always have at least 1 writing project (if not 2 or 3), an editing project while also outlining/brainstorming something new. Right now is no different.

I’m finishing a short story, revising 2 others, editing chapters of my serialized novel, editing my book and also beginning the planning stages of a new book that I’m going to write next year.

And yet…I don’t feel like working on anything. Even worse, when I sit down to write, the words don’t come.

A few days, even a week, are usually enough for me to get back into my groove but it’s been longer than that and now I’m trying to figure out why.

Am I just struggling with drafting and working toward revision (which is my usual process – I do much better with words to edit than I do with a bank screen)? Am I bored with what I’m writing? Or am I just burnt out?

I’m starting to think it’s the latter. After 4 months of writing/critiquing/discussion in one workshop and then an INTENSE 2 weeks in July where I wrote 7 short stories, I think my well has simply run dry.

Which is a bit of a problem when you’re a writer for a living.

So, I’m sort of conflicted. I know it’s a good thing, to stop, reflect, reboot, replenish one’s creative well. But I still feel that guilt of not producing, of not working, of all those goals I’ve set, sitting there, expecting to be fulfilled.

Maybe this has come at a good time, though. Summer is shifting into autumn, my favorite time of year. What better time to stop, look around, see things shift and change around me, to give my work new life.