Tuesday, December 13, 2011

and then i quit the internet for some days.

A of all:
I won!
Which is totally old news, since it's been hanging out over there on the progress ticker for weeks now.
*takes down progress ticker*
Anyway, yay! And a slight bit of "good riddance," too.

I say "good riddance" because, well, my brain got fried. I proved, once and for all, that I can write 50k words of a sh**ty first draft in 30 days. Good for me. I don't think it was a complete waste of creative energy. I made a few good, strong discoveries and shaped a couple of exciting and compelling characters (a couple. meaning, like, TWO, of the 50-or-so that came into being. yeesh). But, ultimately? I blanked on how to write with intent.

Two weeks ago, I went back to my *real* WiP, and here's what I thought:
"Crap. This one has to make sense."

Thanks, NaNoBrain.

And then, in true Julie-fashion, I gave myself a little too much space. I haven't written anything, and I mean ANYTHING (note the almost-three-week blogger absence), since November 28. In my defense, I *have* been doing other things. The play, for one! Happy sigh. My current literary dry spell is nothing compared to my recently assuaged, theatrical dry spell (two and a half years = longest I've been not-on-stage since I was 12, for reals). So, at least I have that.

And then I quit the internet for some days.
Twice.

And then my mother-in-law showed me this:
found somewhere in here!
Books. Christmas lights. Tea lamp.

And, for some reason, things changed. Yes. I can still do this.
I can write and act at the same time. I can be BOTH.
Duh. I even mentioned writing in my actor's bio.*

Why am I always the last one to figure this sort of thing out?

*No, seriously. I did. And now EVERYONE who comes to the play will know. The secret's finally out... (eek.)

9 comments:

  1. Big ol CONGRATS on winning! You're a regular Charlie Sheen. I mean, you're a non-crazy Charlie Sheen. Or something like that ...
    Break a leg in the play! I miss my performing days too. Sigh...

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  2. This entry made me very happy! I love you! You were created with wonderful gifts...gifts that mesh quite nicely...enjoy experiencing the things that God brings for you to act upon. Psalms 139:13-14 - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
    I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,I know that full well.

    Oh yeah!!!

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  3. And the internets are happy to have you back. :-D

    I had a similar reaction to NaNoWriMo - "Yay, I succeeded, though it's really kind of a mess. I should go back to those short stories I was working on in October... Crap, I forgot how hard it is to write clear, submittable prose. I'll procrastinate for several days instead..."

    Fortunately I got back on the writing and editing wagon eventually, but now I wish I had also auditioned for a play, quit the internet, or built a tree out of books. Mostly that last one.

    Best of luck balancing all your creative endeavors - I'm sure you'll do splendidly!

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  4. Good to see you back, and I'm glad you've been doing something else you love :-)

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  5. Loved your thoughts and love your blog! I am also a writer who acts, or an actor who writes, but mostly a guy who watches more reality television than is healthy for anyone. And I'm also from Kentucky. We're practically the same person. I hear you on/in the struggle of a creative. Authenticity sucks and is wonderful all at the same time. Hang in there, sister!

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  6. It's the truth. After you give your all for so long, like NaNoWriMo, then you need a break. But I'm glad your back :)

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  7. THAT TREE IS AMAZING.

    And yes. Yes you absolutely can! And I think both your acting and writing will be better for the other. It's all stories, hey?

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  8. Augh that is the best Christmas tree ever... I think I should set that up in my living room next year and see what my family says...

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  9. Quitting the internet for a few days is very healthy. Good for you. I love that book tree! Wish I'd seen that before I put up my Charlie Brown one.

    Just stopping in to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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