Note to self: Being in a horrible mood doesn’t help my writing process. At all. The other day I found myself in a mood I couldn’t get myself out of for quite a while. I thought about working on the book, but I just knew that if I did… my characters would suffer. It’s not the time for that just yet.
When I’m in a bad mood, my brain shuts down. It packs up its bags and tells me it’ll be back when the bad mood leaves. Luckily this time it didn’t last long, although I still wasn’t able to write yesterday. Today, I made minimal progrhttp://thestoryinme.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpess.
I’ve become okay with that lately. Before, I felt like I had to make sure I hit a certain amount of words/pages. If I didn’t, I would go crazy. Now, I’m more easy-going about it and I refuse to rush the process. If a bad mood or writer’s block hits, I take a step back and clear my head.
The only mood that holds me back from writing is anger. There’s just no way I can write when I feel like that because my writing ends up sounding pessimistic and angry too. That’s not good for a scene that is meant to be uplifting and positive. So, I put the novel away and do something that puts that bad mood away.
What kind of mood keeps you from writing? What do you do to combat this? I’d love to know your answers. 
Yes Melissa. The unfortunate thing you realize about writing is that sometimes you just can’t write in a bad mood. I don’t mean this to be a shameless plug for my blog, but really I think it might help you to read this post I wrote about motivation:
http://ollinmorales.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/motivation/
You also might try going with the anger, and using that to propel the scene forward, instead of resisting your emotions:
http://ollinmorales.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/writing-judo-3/
Good luck, and hope this helps!
Thanks, Ollin.
I always appreciate the tips! These past few weeks have been really difficult for me, but I’m taking things one day at a time and learning more about myself (and my writing). Motivation has not been my friend lately, so I’ll definitely check out your posts.
What a good post and what a good question! I know that when I have a bad writing day, it has something to do with my mood. I’m not sure I can put my finger on it, but it’s something in me that must leave before words begin to flow. Thank you for sharing.
I cannot write if my bad mood stays, so I understand completely. There is almost a wall that comes up, blocking me from writing while it sticks around. Sometimes, you just have to clear your head and relax before you can start again.
Thank you for the comment!
I admit that my writer burn-out last summer was excellent to write a scene in which my character was tired of his passion (in his case music)… I knew exactly how he felt!
As I don’t have a writing routine, I just write when I feel like writing, but probably sometimes I should use my own emotions more… mumble mumble…
Happy writing!
I’m thinking about writing a scene where one of my characters just feels so emotionally exhausted that they feel they can’t move. I really know how that feels!
I used to have a writing routine, but it’s sort of disappeared as of late. Things happen and I just have to go with the flow. I also write when I feel like it which can create some problems when I don’t feel like it for a period of time haha.
I use anger for a blistering attack against someone or some organization, like the Veterans Administration or that minister that wanted to burn the Muslim book, the Quaran. I edit heavily. But keep the flavor raw and “on edge.”
Most times, I don’t write until after meditating, and then I find inspiration rising like a Lotus above muddy water . . . I prefer an inspirational message or one that can motivate me to think.
michael j
writing on
That makes sense. I’ve been wanting to try meditation for awhile now. I was referred to it after going through a nasty bout with anxiety.
Thank you for the comment!
Hello Melissa,
Bad mood … Well, my husband says I’m never in a bad mood, but sometimes I do not want to write or do anything, just want to work on the causes that I like (I help an orphanage in Brazil). So I go with my baby, and there I talking with children orphans, they have the gift of making me understand and see that there are many reasons for me to be happy and no real reasons for the bad humor.
I like your Blog, I follow with affection.
May the Peace be with you.
Adelle (Isha)
Thank you for commenting and following!
It’s good to have you here!
Bad moods are never welcome when I’m writing. Of course, you can’t really avoid them either, but I’m working on it. Sometimes it takes time. Going out and getting inspiration is a great way to write again.
Its so hard for me to do anything creative when I’m stressed or freaking out about things. Its like my muse runs for the hills at the first sight of trouble. I’m learning how to handle it better, life will always be full of problems and you’re so right that you can’t let it hold you back!
I’m the same way. Whenever stress rears it’s ugly head at me, my creativity goes out the window. I just deal with the road blocks and continue on when I have a clear head.
I’m still looking for my muse. That has been M.I.A for awhile.
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