What did my time away give me?

It was only a week away from posting new material, although it seemed longer except when it felt shorter. I wrote daily; I didn’t post daily.

So, where is the flood of new material, Michael?

There is nothing I am willing to post here or elsewhere (i.e., discord) at this time, if ever.

So, what was the point?

I did some serious deep dives into taking on some challenges that I set up for myself, even if most were only thought exercises or cast-off pieces and didn’t produce a ton of content. As I mentioned in the beginning, I felt I needed a reset in my approach towards writing and I think I may have succeeded in tweaking my approach to get out of a rut I was finding myself trapped within.

It was largely a success, as far as I was concerned. The results are still unfolding.

But at the end of my time off, I discovered a strong rough conceptual framework for a new prose piece that also fits in with my desire to explore new territory. I still need to flesh out the idea, but I think that if I can pull it off, it will be one of my more ambitious and better stories that works to some of my strengths.

There is also the matter of personal discovery; I was able to identify what helps define my “natural voice” within the context of writing and saw a stepping off point on the path where I felt that I was leaning away from it. Reading some of my archived stories (only because I was taking a break and wanted to post something) helped point me towards that “natural voice” place. A lodestone of sorts.

Regardless, I don’t feel that my time was wasted. I certainly feel more grounded about my writing and, in my books, that is probably a good thing.


12 responses to “What did my time away give me?”

  1. erroneouschoices Avatar

    I don’t always write for posting and reading, in fact I’d say it might be less than half of what I write is with the intent for it to be read. I write for myself and the growth and understanding it gives me. Your time away makes perfect sense to me and that it was likely productive.

    There was a time when I completely shifted my writing style. Prior to that shift I was a (terrible lol) poet and a better auto biographical story writer. But something happened within my personal life and I needed a change. There was a friend i had who was a fabulous express or and he actually used to be here on WordPress. I started adopting some of his little writing tools he’d use and it worked. I eventually found my sway, my sweet spot and writing flowed remarkable. All that to say I agree with the idea of a natural voice. lol

    1. michael raven Avatar

      I’ve only rarely taken any extended breaks from posting at least one item a day, although there is plenty of writing that I don’t share. I’m not sure my motivation for doing so other than posting daily is a habit now. I probably should stop.

      I’m always happy when folks find their sweet spot with writing. It’s something to celebrate. You’ve certainly found your comfy zone 🙂

  2. chrisnelson61 Avatar

    Even time spent doing nothing isn’t wasted.
    Glad you’ve managed to find a successful reset.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Well… Thinking is not the same as doing, but I have a couple of ideas now. I felt I was lacking on that count lately.

      Thanks, Chris.

      1. chrisnelson61 Avatar

        I shall wait with baited breath…

        1. michael raven Avatar

          LOL. Well now I feel some pressure.

  3. shredbobted Avatar

    Well done, bud.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Thanks Ted. 🙏

  4. steveforthedeaf Avatar

    A recalibration is a very healthy thing Mate. Good for you. And good for you.

    I’m done writing anything too inventive until the well fills up again. I’ve decided to be a tourist for a bit.

    My current long story was written well over a Year ago and my posts are lined up for months in advance.

    So I’m just reading other people’s stuff and working away at my to read pile of books until I feel the need to write again.

    Glad you’re still posting (and reposting) though. I enjoyed seeing some of your older stuff.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Thanks.

      I’ve gone through some dry spells over the years, but I decided to keep writing something, anything on a daily basis. It might only be a lengthy email, or a non-creative post, or a technical paper for work. Some of it might be utter shite — since the 90s (when I took off almost 5 years), I don’t take extended breaks.

      Thank you, some of those older pieces were posted on whim, others were “Oh? I wrote that? Huh.”

  5. Veselin Avatar

    Blogging is not a chore and shouldn’t be

    1. michael raven Avatar

      If it becomes one than a bigger should take a break, certainly. My issue was more with how and what I write both online and off. I was in a rut in my mind and needed (need?) to break out of it. To do so I wanted to focus my energy on that process for a spell.

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