Magic Thursday: Writing and brain fog with Eleni Konstantine!

 

Writing for me is most likely never going to be full time and that's okay. Because this is me. 

For those who don't know me, I suffer from CFS/ME - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - and Fibromyalgia. The bitch of it being 'brain fog'. This can cloud the mind, making it feel heavy, muffled, slow, and dull. When I push myself too far, the brain fog pushes back.  

It's the worst with writing. I can manage to design covers and write articles for Romance Writers of Australia's  Hearts Talk in manageable bursts. But thinking about writing can be like being stuck in mud with an invisible wall between me and actually drafting the story. 

Up until the last two years, I’d start a story, only to stop a few pages in. Being a pantser, I love exploring my story and characters this way, but the focus wasn’t there. So I tried planning but this didn't work either. I just kept on stalling. Again and again.   

But recently, writing is part of my life again. While my writing may be in fits and starts, it has returned. 

There are a number of reasons for this change, including changes in medication, changes in diet, breaking up my day, limiting time on screens, engaging in free writing to get things out of my mind, more reading time as a reader (though the author brain doesn't always switch off), improved sleep hygiene, having a basic routine, and getting more movement in.

The words have been mostly by hand in notebooks, with scribbling of ideas as well. I had a roll-on effect for a little and I finished a short story, then started on another. Then another.

Unfortunately there have been a few more fits and starts since then. The latest being recently with the end of year madness, and also another change in medication, so I am trying to find my new baseline. I know it's a matter of adapting my writing life to my needs using patience and perseverance. Also, it’s a matter of reviewing of what works and doesn’t work, and making the necessary changes. 

Nothing is set in stone. 

A few things I keep in mind:

Writing specific:

• The writing doesn't have to be perfect. I can fix it later. 
• Picking my time and working with my energy, not against it. 3pm is not the time for me. This is when my brain is getting sleeping and my afternoon nap calls. I've done quite a few middle of the night writing sessions. 
• Any writing is better than none.
• Not berate self for not writing every day.  
• Leaving breadcrumbs about the story, so I know where I'm going the next writing session.
• Setting realistic goals and deadlines. Not every day is a good day. 
• Stop writing before getting overtired.
• Be positive towards the writing even when the words aren't flowing. 

General:

• Getting in breaks as needed during the day, and having rest days. 
• Breaking up all tasks into manageable bits. 
• Multi-tasking is the enemy of focus.
• Treat myself kindly.
• To be patient  - there's always tomorrow.

 

So going back to my opening sentence. I know I don't have the energy levels or concentration to be able to write the amount needed to be a full time author, and to rely on my writing for the income. Not having that pressure on myself means I can be more realistic with my projects. 

Writing is first and foremost for me, as I love telling stories, but hopefully other people will enjoy reading my stories as well. 

That doesn't mean I will not stretch myself writing wise, but it does mean less stress on myself to accomplish something not in my reach, which in turn can only help my stories and characters. This also doesn't mean things will not change depending on the brain fog. I may be able to write more and lessen other tasks.  It's a matter of being flexible. 

My goal this year is to indie publish a dragon short story collection (yes, that had been my goal last year but it was a year of health investigations in what ended up being more manifestations of the fibromyalgia). 

I've got a number of stories in first draft form, and am writing a few more. I'm keeping myself accountable with sharing on the Paraloop (the private loop of the DarkSiders). And I'll be adjusting each month to be able to balance life and writing. 

Sharing here will also keep me accountable. 

Wish me luck!

~ Eleni 

Images from Deposit Photos

Enchanted Dreams

a short story collection

Be transported to fantastical worlds in this collection of nineteen speculative fiction shorts of previously published works and new stories.  From wizards to magic mirrors, dragons to ghosts, minions to goddesses, space ships to diamond slippers, there's an enchanting tale right for you.

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Eleni Konstantine

Eleni Konstantine writes speculative fiction (with and without romance) and finds enchantment in escaping the known world and entering another one. Magic and other mythical beings have always fascinated her. What’s to not like? Anything can happen! Sprinkle in a romance and a happy ending and she’s on cloud nine.

Find Eleni at: elenikonstantine.com