It’s a strange feeling finishing a book. I’ve been in a lost phase wondering what will happen to this story and what I will write next. I think I needed a break from writing just to let it all sink in and try to disengage my mind and heart from one story with the hope to move them onto a new one. This transitional stage left me a little bereft of inspiration and spark. As a result, I retreated from this blog for a few days in case I filled it with depressing musings and woe-to-me posts. Which would not have been fun for you to read.
My spark is slowly re-iginiting thanks to starting to send my story out to agents, booking my summer holiday (Seville here I come) and having two ideas for new stories. I also shifted myself from the house , met friends and went shopping for some holidays bits. The sun shone yesterday for the first time in weeks it seemed and that helped brighten the world up. I also found some new music and watched Horrible Bosses, which I found surprisingly amusing. I also read a lot and I’m going to post about them tomorrow. I dyed my hair back dark and I brought some new bright make-up to make sure I don’t look like Snow White with it 
What I’ve learnt the past few days is that’s easy to let yourself get into a funk, to shut the door, climb under the covers and wallow. To let yourself get strung out and start questioning everything. I get easily stressed and anxious and nervous but I need to calm the hell down. I need to chill and breathe and not worry so much. I need to go with the flow and believe that what will be will be. That inspiration will always return. The sun will always come back.
And I won’t lose my spark forever – it can always be re-ignited.
How do you re-ignite your spark?
Victoria
xoxo
Lisa Wields Words
/ June 14, 2012I’m finding that I need to be kind to myself to reignite the spark.
Victoria-writes
/ June 14, 2012That’s true, you don’t need to be hard yourself!
kford2007
/ June 14, 2012I agree with Lisa and with you. We must do things for ourselves. Separate, even if just for a few moments, from those things that weigh down our minds. It does wonders for the spirit. You should post pics of you and your new ‘dark’ look.
Victoria-writes
/ June 14, 2012That’s a lovely way to put it Jenny! Haha I’ll try but I usually don’t take a good photo
suzicate
/ June 14, 2012Sometimes it just needs a rest or to be fed and then boom it’s back! Enjoy yourself while you’re not attached to the computer!
Victoria-writes
/ June 14, 2012That’s true, it usually comes back when you least expect it!
thoughtsappear
/ June 14, 2012Glad you’re back!
Victoria-writes
/ June 14, 2012Thanks love
Bonnie
/ June 14, 2012You’re right – ‘the sun will always come back’. Love it. And Seville, oh I’m jealous!!
Victoria-writes
/ June 14, 2012Let’s hope so
I can’t wait to be by the pool!
faultlessfinish
/ June 14, 2012Yes, very glad to have you back! Everyone has those slumps, but I just tell myself that eventually I’ll climb out and find new inspiration.
Victoria-writes
/ June 14, 2012Thanks! Yes giving yourself a good talking to is a good plan
Anne Van
/ June 14, 2012Glad you have your spark back! Nothing like starting a new story to get in a good mood. : )
Victoria-writes
/ June 14, 2012Thanks Anne! I agree, it’s always a relief when I haven’t run out of ideas
Rach @ This Italian Family
/ June 14, 2012It CAN be reignited! You will get there.
Victoria-writes
/ June 15, 2012Thanks Rach!
susielindau
/ June 15, 2012I “step away from the computer” and get outside and live life!
Congrats on your book!
Victoria-writes
/ June 15, 2012Good plan Susie! Thanks
Ladygardenia
/ June 15, 2012I am doing all kinds of inspirational things, like listening music, drawing, writing, reading… whatever… or doing something completely new which will inspire me and get the spark going again
Good luck!
Victoria-writes
/ June 15, 2012I think you do all the right things!
Angelia Sims
/ June 15, 2012Horrible Bosses cracked me up. It is SO hard to stop the funk from taking over. I have wallowed in it so much lately! I think just looking for he sun and keeping a bright outlook is the best way to be.
Victoria-writes
/ June 15, 2012I laughed out loud which is rare! I agree, we should try to stay positive!
GJ Scobie
/ June 15, 2012Seems you are doing everything right. The feeling down is only natural after living with a book for so long. You are quite right to do different things – actually normal everyday stuff – for awhile and then gear up to begin the process all over again. I like to consider such periods as part of the writing process anyway, as interacting with your friends and the world at large will ignite your spark better than anything else. Enjoy your holiday
Victoria-writes
/ June 15, 2012Thanks GJ. You’re right – you can’t write if you don’t live! Thanks!
EmmaMc
/ June 15, 2012I know this feeling all to well. It’s so important to let yourself recharge and not let yourself get down when you’ve spent so much time on one thing.Just engage with everyday life, see friends, go for long walks, read more, listen to great music. My one tip (helped me last night) is listen to classical music. No lyrics to mull over and almost felt like I was writing a scene to try and fit the drama of the music. Don’t know if that makes any sense but works for me
Victoria-writes
/ June 15, 2012Glad you found something to help, I’ll have to give it a try!
Vincent Mars
/ June 15, 2012The Boy with a Hat reignites his spark by visiting the town and falling in love with girls and women from the street, preferably inaccessible ones, and then, once back to his self-imposed solitude, thinking about them, imagining how they are like. Romantic thoughts tickle my imagination, and ideas flow.
PS: Once you reach your holiday destination, make sure you try traditional Seville orange marmalade. It’s glorious.
Victoria-writes
/ June 15, 2012I hope you don’t stalk these ladies
Vincent Mars
/ June 16, 2012Oh, of course not!
I’m far too shy and clumsy to do something like that.
Not to mention that it would be improper.
I am a proper person, I think