This Tired Writer is More than Tired

Sometimes you need to focus on things other than writing. That's okay

This is a short entry in "The Tired Writer" series.

Sometimes you need to focus on things other than writing. That's okay. I had my appendix out Monday and also have Covid. I think that's a good excuse to do less this week – but you don't always have to have an excuse other than "I need a break." So be gentle with yourself.

There are several types of procrastination:

• I just don't feel like doing it. (You should probably start doing it anyway – you may get past the block.)

• I'm stuck and don't know how to move forward. (Maybe you need to do more brainstorming, planning, or studying advice, so you can move forward.)

• I've lost my enthusiasm. (See the previous answer, or put the project aside for something that's exciting you more right now.)

• I have personal or family health issues or another crisis. (It may be time to set the ignore the writing To Do list, or replace it with a pared-down version of Absolutely Must Do by a Deadline and let everything else go.)

The first step is identifying why you're struggling. Then you can either work through it or put things on pause for a while, whichever is appropriate.

Resource: Kristi Holl wrote Writer’s First-Aid and More Writer’s First-Aid. They discuss things like writing despite disability/pain/emotional trauma, finding time with children at home, dealing with disappointment and jealousy, and setting habits. Learn more her: https://www.kristiholl.com/writing/