October 15, 2010

(First read “Regain the Passion” Part 1 and Part 2.)

How to Regain Lost Passion

If you were passionate about your writing in the past, but haven’t felt that way for a long time, there is a definite sadness mixed in with the lethargy. It feels like falling out of love, and in a very real sense, it is.

Can you stir up the fires of passion for your writing? Can you fall in love with writing and your work again, when all seems dry as dust and just as tasteless?

Yes!

Surprising Sources

Years ago, I struggled with this question, slowly becoming afraid that the boredom and apathy were permanent. I tried to muster some enthusiasm for my book-in-progress, whose deadline was fast approaching, but to no avail. It wasn’t the book manuscript itself. I knew it was finely plotted, with well placed clues and plenty of tension. The problem wasn’t in the manuscript—it was in me.

I found the answer to the problem one cold, snowy morning, and it came from the most unlikely source: my dog. We’d had freezing conditions for several days, cutting short my walks with Rhett (my black Lab.) I chained him outside for the day, then hurried back indoors. Playtime was cut short—it was just too cold and windy for me.

I paid little attention to Rhett during that week, although I’d loved him passionately since bringing him home from the pound ten months earlier. As the frigid week wore on, and the weather stayed miserable, I began to resent having a dog. I hated going out in the weather to his snug dog house, carrying water often because his dish froze over. I became apathetic about Rhett—he was getting to be more trouble than he was worth.

The Turn-Around

Then one day the sun came out, melted the snow, and temperatures soared. I put Rhett on his leash and took an hour-long walk, complete with Puppy Biscuit rewards for correct sitting, heeling and staying.

When we got home, I chained him outside near his food and water, then stayed to play. I petted, I stroked, I laughed, I cooed. (If you’ve never been a dog owner, you may need to gag here.) Anyone watching me that morning could see I had regained my passion for owning a dog.

Simple Formula

I’m sure you see the parallels. Regaining passion for your work-in-progress can be accomplished the same way:
A. Pay attention to your work. Think about it when you’re not at your desk. Mull over your theme. Ponder plot points. Have mental conversations with your characters.
B. Take care of your work. Feed it with quotes and good resource books. Do in-depth research and interviews. Immerse yourself in your subject matter.
C. Spend time with your work. Daily, if possible. If you want passion to ignite in anything (a relationship, your work, a hobby) you must spend consistent—and sufficient—time with it. We understand this principle in romantic relationships, but it’s just as true with your writing.

Don’t Settle

Part of the enjoyment of being a writer is the pure passion and pleasure of setting words on paper. Don’t settle for ho-hum, apathetic work. Instead take the necessary steps to revive your passion for writing. Do it as often as necessary to keep that spark of joy alive!

Right now–this weekend–put a plan in writing for how to regain the passion for your writing gift. If you have any ideas to share–your own or a book you’ve read–please share!

6 Comments »

1. 

   This may sound crazy, but attneding the MUSE conference has really sparked my passion for writing. I’ve never been able to attend critique groups or book clubs or anything like that, so the situation of learning and sharing has made me so happy that even my husband has seen the difference in me. I love my course with ICL, but I’m thinking of taking one or two classes on-line through a local college (since it is not possible for me to go in person) so I can continue to learn and share and keep the magic in my writing alive!

   Comment by Andrea — October 15, 2010 @ 1:37 pm

2. 

   Andrea, it sounds like you’re so excited and rejuvenated by the conference. That’s excellent! Yes, sharing with other writers is a great way to restore writing passion.

   Comment by Kristi Holl — October 16, 2010 @ 9:21 am

3. 

   Thank you,thank you,thank you! This is exactly what I’m going through right now. Your words of encouragement were so helpful and perfectly stated. I too am a dog owner and could relate perfectly with your illustration. You’ve inspired me to stop my plans for the evening (basically delaying writing) and WRITE!! Thanks again. What a perfectly timed gift.

   Comment by Stephanie — October 19, 2010 @ 6:44 pm

4. 

   Stephanie, thank you so much for your comment! I’m so glad when I hear that my posts help someone. We writers truly ARE in this together. I hope you enjoyed your writing.

   Comment by Kristi Holl — October 20, 2010 @ 7:08 am

5. 

   Just wanted to comment on the whole time issue. It’s so true. Wanna have writing passion? Then write! Wanna have spiritual passion? Then go to church! Passion for kids? SPEND TIME WITH THEM!!! My children often watch a lot of TV because all I want to do is write. Mostly, they don’t really care. I’d rather they played, but they like TV too. They still play, though. But then they want to play with me. We made a teepee in the front yard the other day. I love it when our play time reignites my passion for being their mom. TIME, time, time… It’s like there’s never enough of it to devote to ALL the things in life we love.

   Comment by Christie Wild — October 25, 2010 @ 10:23 am

6. 

   Christie, it really IS as simple as that. What we give our time and attention and devotion to is the thing we have the passion for. And it’s a real juggling act when you are passionate about family and health as well as your writing.

   Comment by Kristi Holl — October 25, 2010 @ 12:37 pm

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