As I write this post there’s a manuscript sitting on my hard drive, waiting for my attention. It came from my editor and includes some requested rewrites for my new release this spring, Cria. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s hard. The document sits on my desktop, the little shortcut icon taunting me with its high priority. I’ve opened the word file numerous times over the past week and stared at the comments like a deer in headlights. I understand what the editor wants. I even agree that it would make the story stronger. Yet… nothing.

What’s wrong with me? As I was drafting this story, the words flowed freely. I was on a high. Diego and Aleta were real, more real than some people I interact with on a daily basis. I loved them, they loved me. Life was good.

Then something happened between my letter of acceptance and the edits — something big. I lost my mojo. My drive. My inspiration. Anything and everything is distracting me, and I can’t seem to focus on what I need to do.

Maybe part of my problem is that these edits are more difficult than ones I received on previous manuscripts. It requires a fair amount of rewriting and digging deeper into the story and its characters. For some reason, I just can’t do it, no matter how hard I force it.

Aha! ~ Maybe there’s the problem. I’m forcing it. Maybe taking a little break will help get me back on track. So yesterday I closed the document and saved it on my hard drive. I’m trying to focus on something else, but it’s still calling to me, whispering that my deadline is fast approaching. Time is running out and I feel no closer to my goal than I did a week ago. What’s a girl to do?

I did what any self-respecting writer would do: complained to my author friends. My critique partners came up with some wonderful suggestions and I’ve included them here in case some are struggling like I am. Although they were speaking about writing, I think these ideas could be to anyone who seems to have hit a mental road block.

Look at what you are doing. Maybe there is a reason why the enthusiasm
isn’t there. Sometimes making small changes can take you in a whole
new direction.
~ Barbara J. Hancock

Watch or read something special to you. Often seeing what others
created leaves you with the feeling of ‘I want to do that.’
~ Lauren Hawkeye

Surround yourself with people who have the same goals. After a
writer’s meeting I often get an extra boost of motivation.
~ Juliana Stone

Try something a little out of your comfort zone. Sometimes working
outside the box can give you the extra inspiration you need.
~ Grace Conley

Sometimes life can get in the way of inspiration. Journaling through difficult times can help declutter your mind and refocus your thoughts.
~ Amanda Vyne

Grab your ipod (or other music device) and head out for a walk. Fresh air and good music can help set the mood and often gives me a creative boost.
~ Elle Ricci

Allow yourself to do something that isn’t scheduled. Sometimes giving yourself permission to try something new can help with creativity.
~ Dara Snow

We might not all be writers, but we all experience times when we feel unmotivated. So my question today is… how do you find your motivation (or inspiration)? One lucky commenter will receive a $10 Loose-Id gift certificate. The winner will be drawn on Friday, January 29th and announced in the comments section of this post — so be sure to check back to see if you won!

Suzanne’s latest book: Up on the Housetop
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You can buy the book HERE
And view the trailer HERE

Blurb for “Up on the Housetop”:

Desperate to escape her controlling family, Chloe Bradford scrambles up to the housetop of her Texas home on Christmas Eve. There she discovers a sexy stranger cloaked in shadow. He convinces her to shed her good-girl image and give into her most secret desires. The man’s low, raspy voice tugs at her memory as much as it awakens her passion. Is he a Christmas miracle, or some figment of her imagination? When he tries to leave, she follows him, eager to learn his identity.

Zach can’t stop thinking about Chloe, or their reunion on the roof. His wolf-half urges him to reveal his identity and claim her, but he doesn’t dare. For both their sakes, he must remain in the shadows until he can control his inner beast’s bursts of rage. After a decade of struggle he thought he could handle his curse, but Chloe’s presence causes his control to slip. As the moon-rages become more frequent, he knows he’s slipping toward the insanity that claims many of his kind. Only Chloe can save him, but will she want to after he reveals his identity and the reason he broke her heart over a decade ago?

Website: www.SuzanneRock.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Suzanne_Rock
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/suzanne.rock
Embrace the Shadows Blog: http://embracetheshadows.wordpress.com/
Embrace the Shadows Fan Club: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/embrace_the_shadows/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2982868.Suzanne_Rock

This coming Monday (01/25/10 at 8-9 EST) I’ll be hosting a chat over at Night Owl Romance with all of the other Embrace the Shadows authors. Drop by and we can talk – there will even be a prize or two! http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/chat/chat.aspx