I’m at just over 50,000 of my 80,000-word rewrite. That’s just over 62% through the revision! Better yet I only have about 12 scenes left to write! With most scenes averaging around 1,500 words or 2,000 words, I’m looking at only 18k – 24k words! It’ll be a little less than 80,000, so I’m further than I think.
The problem I’m facing is a bit of project burnout. I’ve been working on this project for over 2 years and feel a bit…creatively drained. Do I want to finish it? Heck yes! Am I in need of some creative refueling? Also big yes.
What am I doing to refuel?
I’m starting by letting myself take a break and not beat myself up over days I just can’t bring myself to write. The only caveat I’ve made is that I need to do something that is “creative refueling” in its place.
Finding things to refuel is pretty easy since I’m already inclined to read, watch, and play things that are inspiring to me. I’ve been reading a lot of light-hearted reads (specifically romances because I’m a big softy), watching a lot of kdramas (for the same reason as the reads), and playing a lot of wholesome craft/collecting forward games (loving the early release of my time at sandrock).
I’ve also really been enjoying diving into short story craft. I’ve bought a few short story collections that I’m going to slowly work through. I’ve said it before, but I really feel the need to give myself some shorter projects. You know, get the quick wins sometimes. My current dilemma is finding a story that is good for a short format. Hence, the refueling to try and re-spark some inspiration.
I’m hoping I can get myself back on track and write more than just my one to two days per week. Even if it’s not necessarily on my larger project, I think it will be good for me.
Have you ever experimented with short-form fiction when you’ve been strictly noveling for years? Any tips you’ve picked up for succinct storytelling? I’d love to hear them!
Happy Writing!
Rachel
Subtle Stories 