If you didn’t already know, I am a junior in college. I should have been a senior by now, but transferring twice has its drawbacks (among many, amazing benefits). But there has always been one constant in my writing “career” (I put that in quotes because I am unable to be actively devote the time I believe qualifies as a job (even a part-time one). I am hoping to change that with some changes to my homework schedule so I can write every day (especially for the fast-approaching NaNoWriMo 2018).
As an English major and a self-published author, many assumed I’d select the creative writing track. And they were surprised when I decided against it. I had taken 2 creative writing classes in high school, and while they were very helpful, it still poisoned (not completely) one of my favorite things to do by tying it to a grade. I decided after the second one that I wouldn’t let the same thing happen in college. Even if I had enjoyed them in their entirety, I learned quickly that I could not shoehorn the novels I already had planned into the course. Petty and short stories were always required and while I can write them (and not awfully, for that matter), I have no passion for creating pieces those categories.
What is perhaps the worst part of writing novels during school is the pure exhaustion homework often leaves me. And that leads to “writer’s block.” I say that term in the idea that I can’t just write, but not because of some external force. I know that the inability is temporary and dependent on my sitting down and writing, which takes energy and time.
I know this problem is insurmountable. I have friends who have release more novels than I have while in school and I both admire and aspire to their accomplishments. So, I have plans to improve, but it will likely be like stretching out long-unused muscles (which I’ll also be literally doing as I reintroduce exercise into my routine).
My question for you: have you ever had a situation where you couldn’t get something done that you wanted to (doesn’t have to be related to writing a novel, but if it is, all the better).