It might be time for a break.

[Rob_Royale]

I've hit a recent wall of disinterest. I've posted four stories in the last few weeks and they were written very pantser-ish. Which is unlike my usual style. I was interested and invested and I think I turned out some good work. But now, looking at my files at what to write next, I'm wildly disinterested in anything in my ideas document and anything sitting in the WIP folder. I've been writing consistently now for three years and I think I need a break.

A couple years back there was a thread about pros and cons of planning vs. pantsing and someone mentioned, "If it's already done in my head, what's the point of writing it?" And that's how I feel right now. Maybe I'll finally whittle down my reading list.

 

[iwatchus]

Yeah. Take a break. Do some reading, here or elsewhere. If you are able, do something active, ideally outside.

Your brain is telling you enough for now. Listen to it. When its ready, you will want to read.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with changing your style of pantsing vs planning. Or changing it back again. It's the advantage of this being a hobby, you can walk away when you want to, for as long as you want to.

 

[dirk2024]

You've given us a lot of good stories, thank you. I'm sure you have more in there, but it sounds like a break will do you good.

Have you thought about how long, or what sign you would need to see to start writing again? Or would it be open-ended?

 

[Rob_Royale]

You've given us a lot of good stories, thank you. I'm sure you have more in there, but it sounds like a break will do you good.

Have you thought about how long, or what sign you would need to see to start writing again? Or would it be open-ended?

I'm just going to play it by ear.

 

[AwkwardMD]

I'm just going to play it by ear.

Spend some time giving feedback! New authors are always starving for meaningful engagement! I'm sure many of them would benefit from your experience!

 

[Kelliezgirl]

Take a break recharge the batteries. This is supposed to be fun, if it isn't don't do it.

 

[AwkwardMD]

This is supposed to be fun, if it isn't don't do it.

Hard agree.

 

[jsmiam]

My break has been years long and I love it. I was never THAT prolific compared to most (or to you). In my case the time commitment was the part that took it out of me. Make no mistake, I still fritter away time here, just not as much as if I were writing and posting to the forums too. Come back on your terms. Re-read the “addict” thread. Reprioritize what you want to do in real life.

 

[DanDraper]

Take a break, the mind needs to sometimes refresh, like taking a vacation from work. It happens to me a few times and I just took a break and when I was ready, I just got back into it and began writing again. Also, if you don't like the recent stories you published here you can always send a request to have them taken down and rewrite a better version of them at a later time.

 

[Actingup]

I've hit a recent wall of disinterest. I've posted four stories in the last few weeks and they were written very pantser-ish. Which is unlike my usual style. I was interested and invested and I think I turned out some good work. But now, looking at my files at what to write next, I'm wildly disinterested in anything in my ideas document and anything sitting in the WIP folder. I've been writing consistently now for three years and I think I need a break.

A couple years back there was a thread about pros and cons of planning vs. pantsing and someone mentioned, "If it's already done in my head, what's the point of writing it?" And that's how I feel right now. Maybe I'll finally whittle down my reading list.

RR, thanks so much for your fifty stories and active participation. If you're finding yourself uninterested, it's a great idea to tackle your reading list and go and do some other things. We can hope that you'll be be back soon!

 

[Rob_Royale]

RR, thanks so much for your fifty stories and active participation. If you're finding yourself uninterested, it's a great idea to tackle your reading list and go and do some other things. We can hope that you'll be be back soon!

I'll still be on the forums. I'm just gonna give the keyboard a break.

 

[Jorunn]

Keep your mind open to ideas. Things that you see. Things that inspire you. Make a few notes, but don’t develop them. Plot bunnies can still be fun to think about as you go through life.

 

[EmilyMiller]

It might be time for a break​

Detoxing from writing and this place every now and again is a good idea. I hope you come back refreshed and bursting with ideas .

 

[Voyeurkenneth]

I'm just going to play it by ear.

Pants it.

Enjoy a sabbatical! I'm sure you'll be itching to write again when you least expect it.

 

[StillStunned]

Pants it.

Enjoy a sabbatical! I'm sure you'll be itching to write again when you least expect it.

Unexpected itches are the worst.

@Rob_Royale Have fun reading and recharging!

 

[Kelliezgirl]

Unexpected itches are the worst.

@Rob_Royale Have fun reading and recharging!

The Spanish Inquisition is the worst.

 

[TheLobster]

The Spanish Inquisition is the worst.

I did not expect that.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

I did not expect that.

You never do...