THE WRITING ASYLUM

From Non-Fiction Burnout to Fiction Daydreams

I wasn’t going to write because I feel flat. The brain doesn’t want to work. I’ve burnt myself out with all the “show pony” writing aka Tannille’s non-fiction. In all fairness, I love it. Show off my smartarse side. To laugh. To make others laugh. But today the words don’t come. I’m quiet. And the brain wants to switch and enter The Land of The Muse. Live stories. The fiction kind.

My brain can’t cough a writing tip this week because, well, to do that, I need to be working on my novel or something creative. My source of inspiration for these types of posts. Blank, blank, blank. 

There is a tug to enter fictional worlds. On YouTube, I just finished watching a review of the 2000s TV series “True Calling”. Does anyone else remember the show, about a woman who worked in a morgue and the dead person of the week asks her for help and she has a gift to travel in time to save them in “Ground Hog Day” style? 

Tru Calling hadn’t crossed my mind in years. Another show axed before it had time for a home run. I sat, taking in the recap of forgotten storylines and unanswered questions. Ending a series abruptly should be a criminal offence. The audience deserves conclusions. Apparently, the producer came out a few years later and offered fans insight into where the story was heading. Intriguing. It’s a shame it’ll never be. But these stories left up in the air are valuable because, as writers, we can wonder and ponder over what could have been. And yes, it’s bloody frustrating. At the same time, it’s triggering my muse. I know she’ll recreate her own version. Might not be today. It’s a planted seed. She’s digging around. Fertilising with her pee. She gave me the finger. Charming muse. 

My unarticulated point is, after writing a shitload of non-fiction and being social online, my brainwaves slowed down watching the “Tru Calling” recap. I’m left wondering about storylines. This is the state I need to be in for novel work. To play in my world. It’s like a dreamscape. I can jump across to The ImmorTales. This is a different state of mind. Quiet, introverted. The non-fiction posts are loud and extroverted. Wait, did I just call writing an extroverted activity? Yep, because I’m writing to you, the reader, the audience. It’s like being on a virtual stage. And I expect you to throw roses at me or stuff cash in my undies. I’m not picky.  

It’s okay to feel flat. It’s okay if the words don’t come and your brain is a black abyss. Take it as a sign to recharge. Forcing is counterproductive. Write with joy. Relax and let the muse do her thing if she tugs. You won’t kill your blog or social media if you miss a post. True fans and friends love you, anyway. 

So there we go, that’s my tip… Or maybe I’m just plucking cash out of my arse. 

~*~

Do you have trouble entering your muse’s playground? Or can your mind make the switch?