This is beautifly honest. The tension between obligation and inspiration is something many creators face but rarely articulate this clearly. I burned out in similar ways and found that structured constraints—like your 12 stories challenge—actually liberated me instead of limiting. The muse responds to commitmant, not just vibes. Your granddaughter book idea is such a personel way to rebuild joy in the craft.
I can tell you what dampens it (temporarily, I hope) - getting sick. So far, FebWordAry word count is stuck at zero.
In the past, when stuck on a project, I worked on a different project (that's how a lot of my Substacks got written). Or I start a short story (got several 'in development' now). Movement creates...movement.
The 12 stories challenge sounds like a great idea and plan for you; a reachable goal each month. You have been excited about the idea of the magical creature chapter books for your grandchildren since it came about. I think that will help get your 'writing is fun', joy and creativity back in the saddle. Time to look forward and stop looking back, it's time for a new chapter or even a whole new book!
This is beautifly honest. The tension between obligation and inspiration is something many creators face but rarely articulate this clearly. I burned out in similar ways and found that structured constraints—like your 12 stories challenge—actually liberated me instead of limiting. The muse responds to commitmant, not just vibes. Your granddaughter book idea is such a personel way to rebuild joy in the craft.
I can tell you what dampens it (temporarily, I hope) - getting sick. So far, FebWordAry word count is stuck at zero.
In the past, when stuck on a project, I worked on a different project (that's how a lot of my Substacks got written). Or I start a short story (got several 'in development' now). Movement creates...movement.
Unless you're sick, and then forget it. 🤒
The 12 stories challenge sounds like a great idea and plan for you; a reachable goal each month. You have been excited about the idea of the magical creature chapter books for your grandchildren since it came about. I think that will help get your 'writing is fun', joy and creativity back in the saddle. Time to look forward and stop looking back, it's time for a new chapter or even a whole new book!