Why I’m Not Writing
Returning guest blogger Sunny Frazier, whose first novel in the Christy Bristol Astrology Mysteries, Fools Rush In, received the Best Novel Award from Public Safety Writers Association, explains why she might not be writing at any given moment.
I’m very adamant on the Internet and elsewhere that I don’t believe in the notorious “writers block.” Most former journalists and newspaper people will agree with me. We couldn’t couldn’t look up at the editor in despair and whine, “I don’t know, sir. The words just aren’t coming to me right now.” That doesn’t fly when there are column inches to fill and lay-out people impatiently tapping their toes. Writers block = pink slip.
What I DO get are diversions. Here is my Top Ten list:
1. Housework is suddenly more compelling than writing the next chapter.
2. The cat is sitting in front of my computer screen and I can’t bear to disturb her.
3. Hoping for a phone call—from anybody, even a telemarketer.
4. I need to finish a book because (a) It’s overdue at the library; (b) I must return it to a friend; or (c) it will turn into dust. Could happen.
5. What’s in the refrigerator that wasn’t there ten minutes ago?
6. Tea break!
7. Must plan next year’s vacation NOW.
8. The desk needs organizing. I can’t work on a messy desk (yeah, right).
9. The sun’s out. Vitamin D is important. So is sunscreen as I lounge by the pool.
10. BLOGGING. Ha! Tell me that’s not a productive use of my time. You’re reading this so you’re guilty too!
June 8, 2010
Posted in: Guest Blogs
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9 Responses
I agree, there are just too many attention gremlins that wind up being vastly more important than writing. Like the swedish fish that must be eaten or else they will swim away. Like it or not, there will always be distractions, the trick is to keep them from keeping you from writing.
My biggest distraction is Johnny Depp. If only he’d leave me alone for a while.
I’m not writing because I took time out to read this blog and post a reply. Looking forward to seeing you in Vegas–you’d think we lived miles away from each other.
May I add:
Child/dog/cat/husband just had an accident/spilled something/ate a non-food item/dropped the phone in the toilet. (The options are pretty much interchangeable depending upon the day.)
See ya in Vegas.
Holli Castillo
Gumbo Justice
Deborah,
Send Johnny Depp to me NOW. I will gladly relieve you from that distraction!
Ladies, see you in Vegas!
I’ve research to do…very, very important research. Like, for example: Cracked.com (ten most ?) or (five most?) lists…Once I get started, I can’t stop.
Jeffrey Donavan of Burn Notice is nice, too. He emails me. Well, the studio does (the show episodes), but one can dream.
Anyone wishing quintessential Johnny Depp should really watch 21 Jump Street. It’s available on Net Flicks. And whew!
Burn Notice is one hell of a great tv series, i love spy movies and tv series like this one.;”‘
i used to watch Burn Notice on our Cable TV but unfortunately they did not play the next season,’;
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