Is Writing Frivolous Right Now?
I’ve been hearing many writers say they have been too depressed to write, and that with everything going on in the past six months, they can’t even focus on reading a book for pleasure, never mind writing one. And worse, what does it even matter, whether they write or not? Or they worry their subject matter is too frivolous – who really cares about some made up stories when there is so much Really Important stuff going on in the world?
I get it. We are collectively going through a tough time right now, on so many levels. For those writers beating themselves up, feeling they should be getting more done, I’m here to tell you: it’s okay. You have my official permission, for what it’s worth, to step back and take a breath. You don’t have to power through. I’m big on making a commitment to writing, and to steady progress, but sometimes it’s okay to acknowledge that you’re overwhelmed, that you Just. Can’t. Do. It.
But I also want to offer some advice, which may sound contrary: by all means, take a break if you need to, but don’t give up writing. It may not seem like it, but the world needs your stories now more than ever. If they are “frivolous” so much the better. I am personally gravitating away from heavy, deep stories (in books or on film) and toward lighter fare – comedies, fantasies, anything that doesn’t reflect the challenging times we’re living in. I want worlds where problems can be solved by the right magic spell, or that revolve around nothing worse than crossed wires or miscommunication. Or where they are physical and thus either immediately dealt with, or not (in the case of Eco-Challenge Fiji: The World’s Toughest Race which I enjoyed way more than I thought I would.
So, I hereby offer some advice that may help if you are feeling hopeless about writing right now:
1. Beware of online doomscrolling. It’s easy to get sucked in, with COVID-19, the U.S. election, social unrest, and all the other uncertainties roiling around us. It’s more important than ever to limit mindless web surfing. Use Self Control or another app if you need to control your time online. There is a fine line between being informed, and being overwhelmed. It will only suck you down into a morass of despair. If something comes up, and there is something you can do about it, do it. Otherwise, recognize your limitations and move on.
2. Set goals, but be kind to yourself. Now is a time when the idea of taking just 15 minutes a day for your writing can be ideal. Ease up on the goals as much as you need to, but try not to get completely disconnected from your story, as it will be that much harder to gte back into it later.
3. Schedule your time. This relates to #2. Setting down a designated writing session in your calendar prioritizes it, and makes it more likely you will actually do it. Doing even a short session will galvanize your energy and promote a positive feeling that will make you more likely to continue.
4. Artist Dates! I’ve written about these recently. If writing isn’t working for you right now, try a new art form, explore a museum online (so many major global museums have online tours now), go for a walk in a new neighborhood or place, get a “grab bag” of books from your local library, bake or cook something new… commit to doing something that will fill your well, reconnect you with activities you love, or help you explore something new.
5. Find a writer’s community online. Facebook, Reddit, Manuscript Academy… or take a course at one of the many places that offer online classes (here’s a small sample):
Grub St. - The Leading Creative Writing Programs and Writing Center
UCLA Extension - UCLA Continuing Education Online
Gotham Writers Workshop - Gotham Writers Workshop
The Loft Literary Center - A Haven For Readers & Writers
Be kind to yourself, but also beware: every time you tell yourself “I can’t” you create and reinforce that belief. Writing has survived for millenia, through plagues, wars, civil unrest, political upheaval, natural disasters… human beings have a need to document their experiences, to entertain and be entertained. This is not going away. Writing is not frivolous, and neither is your practice of it.
