If progress on a project seems to have stalled, I’ve discovered that the promise of progress is enough to get me through. It’s not writer’s block or procrastination. It is a lack of available time. I’m two weeks out from the next transition. Once that one rolls over, I’ll breathe easier, the tension in my shoulders will dissolve, and my time will revert to writing.
I’m still dabbling in daydreaming while driving. No new ideas have come forth. But I haven’t forgotten those details about the character and setting. When I’ve had 10 minutes before meeting with a client, I’ve opened the file for the next math workbook. I’ve set up most of the pages. I’m able to include some definitions and work on the formatting on a couple of pages. It’s a long way from completion, but tiny steps are better than none.
When I’ve written a page or two in the holiday story, I’m reassured that my process is in place. I drop into the story and become immersed in the details and dialogue. It’s the “micro” seeing that I’ve mentioned before. My inner critic makes sure I know she’s there. I employ a few tricks to quiet the critic and get a few words on the page.
Instead of being discouraged, I’m buoyed by the upcoming opportunity to make progress when time opens again. What do you do while waiting for an opportunity?
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