Write on Through

Dear Maggie,

Are you able to write even when you’re having a bad day?

Sad in San Diego

Dear Sad,

The older I get, the more I realize just how complicated life can be. At this point, it’s almost a guarantee that really wonderful things will be happening in my circle at the same time as some really difficult things. I wrote a post over on my other blog with more thoughts on living fully despite this duality. You can read that HERE.

You’ve asked specifically about writing when I’m having a bad day, so I’ll focus on that. Some days, writing is hard. Maybe the words aren’t flowing, or my writing time is interrupted by an unexpected emergency, or I don’t feel well, or I’m worried about something or someone I love. Any number of things can interfere with my focus. Winter itself can be an obstacle for me too. I live in the northeast where the daylight is diminished. In fact, we just set the clocks back and it gets dark here by around 4 pm. When the temperatures head toward frigid, all I want to do some days is hibernate.

So, what do I do when I’m off my game? Deadlines don’t go away and projects need to be finished, so I’ve had to find ways to keep my head in the writing, regardless of my state of mind. Here are a few things that help me through the bad days.

I treat writing like a job. Despite the fact that I have a good bit of flexibility on how to do the work, it still has to get done. To that end, I have a set schedule and I do my best to stick to it. On the other hand, as with any job, I can take a sick day if I’m really sick or a personal day if I truly need it.

Some days, I have to lower my expectations. It would be ridiculous to think I could function at full capacity despite any obstacle or challenge in my life, but rather than put writing aside completely, I lower my expectations. Some days, my only goal is to write a paragraph, or to read the last chapter I wrote to keep my head in the story. I might even just scribble a few plot related notes before I to bed. If I can keep my head in my work, even just a little bit, it’s easier to dive back in and ramp up my productivity when circumstances change.

I take care of myself. During the winter especially, my tendency is to let things go that I probably shouldn’t in the self-care department. I don’t feel like doing much when it’s still dark in the morning, I want comfort food and a glass of wine pretty much all the time, and I live in my pajamas. Instead of fighting these tendencies, I try to incorporate them in a healthy, balanced way.

A few examples…

I try to get more sleep. I need it and the longer nights promote it. I pretend I'm hibernating! 

I’ll try to make my work space more pleasant with candles and twinkle lights. Seriously. They make the darkness, which lasts so much longer in the winter, feel cozy.

I practice more yoga. It's great exercise, I’m with a group, and it's hot. Did I mention it's hot?

I still get outdoors. It takes more effort, layers, and proper footwear, but when I hike with my friend, or even take a walk around the neighborhood, I'm in a better mood afterwards.

It’s definitely a challenge to be creative when my head is someplace else, but life is messy and that isn’t going to change. So I do my best to be present, be gentle with myself, and move forward, even if I’m only taking small steps. Thanks for the great question!

Do you have a question for me? Send it to maggie@msmaggieclare.com, and I’ll answer it here on the blog.

In other news…

I am available for book club events, virtually or in person, so please reach out!

On Saturday, December 11th, I will be at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI from 9 am - 3 pm, for the RI Author Expo. Signed books make great holiday gifts, so do check out this fantastic event.