My biggest emotional challenge related to writing coincided with the pandemic.
I had previously spent a couple years writing a three-book fiction series, Prisoners of Hope, and released the first two in October and November of 2019. The third released in late January 2020. The books totaled more than 1,100 pages.
After writing and rewriting all those words (my hubby calls me a perpetual editor for good reason!), I was physically and mentally exhausted. Added to my fatigue was the emotional aspect of portraying a heroine trapped in a controlling religious cult based on a compilation of real cults. What I learned in the research was horrifying at times. (But the books all have happy endings—I promise!)
I gave myself time to recoup mental, physical and emotional energy before I tackled the next novel, but just when I was ready to hammer the keyboard again, the pandemic hit. As so many of my author friends experienced, a weird ennui set in, something I had not experienced before. I’m not sure why, but maybe it had to do with our uncertain future. Although we all know the future is never certain, nearly all aspects of our lives were jolted in one way or another.
Also, I wondered if I should be helping humanity in a more valuable way than writing books people read once and drop in a donation bin. You know…feed the hungry, cheer the depressed, fight domestic violence. I wasn’t sure how to go about any of those activities, other than to contribute to related causes, and I still had the next story percolating in my head.
I Prayed About My Confusion and Concluded I Should Keep Writing
God gave me the ability to write and a love for the process. Plus, my fans rave about my books and beg for more. Through the novels, they’ve not only been entertained, they’ve also been encouraged to fight human trafficking, beware of religious cults and see incarcerated individuals as ordinary people who deserve our friendship and compassion.
I prayed about my confusion and concluded I should keep writing but be more available to friends, neighbors and family.
During the two-year push to complete a series, I participated in my regular groups but limited phone calls, one-on-one lunches and coffee get-togethers. As you might guess, the pandemic brought those few interactions to a screeching halt. I discovered I missed seeing family and friends in person.
But now that coffee shops, restaurants and parks are open and people are less fearful of gathering, I am interacting with others whenever possible and enjoying all the wonderful people God has put in my life.
Some Recommended Coping Remedies for Keyboard Warriors
I began pounding keyboards way back in the days of manual typewriters, with few breaks between then and now. From dry eyes to hand, wrist and finger pain to a sore back, neck and shoulders, I’ve paid my dues. Yet, I still love what I do.
Here are some coping remedies I’ve latched onto over the years.
- Preservative-free eyedrops recommended by my ophthalmologist
- Copper jewelry for pain relief (necklace, bracelets and rings)
- Fingerless gloves for cold days
- Arnica lotion/gel/cream for muscle pain (homeopathic remedy)
- Standing platform for my keyboard or laptop (many models available)
- Regular chiropractic visits and occasional massages
- Healthy but limited snacks
- Stepping away from my computer every 20 or 30 minutes
- Exercise in various forms
Because moving our bodies is so important (use it or lose it!), here are some additional thoughts about exercise.
- One of the best tools to keep a body moving is the Pomodoro Technique. According to the HealthyDeskDweller.com, the method was developed by a man named Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s to improve productivity. Since then, individuals have also utilized it as a reminder to walk away from their desks for several minutes.
- Plenty of exercise prompts are available on the internet, but I find this four-minute workout perfect for short breaks. It hits all the muscle groups and gets the blood flowing. Plus, it’s energizing. The doctor who leads the workout, Zach Bush, MD, suggests we do it three times a day. You, of course, can do it more or less often, depending on your schedule and needs.
- A chiropractor once visited our writing group and recommended these quick, simple shoulder/neck exercises. While standing tall, extend your arms into an “L” and then switch the upper and lower arms to form another “L.” Then make a “T” by stretching your arms out at shoulder height, then a “W” by bending your forearms upward. And finally, make a “V” by raising your arms overhead. Do that several times and your shoulders will be much happier. She also recommended a 30-minute walk every day.
- My daily routine includes 20-40 minutes of yoga first thing in the morning, two rounds of the four-minute workout spaced several hours apart, and a 40-60-minute walk around my neighborhood. Nothing beats fresh air for clearing the head.
The Real Key to My Creativity
The first response that comes to mind is reading. A good book always inspires me. But then I think of my critique group. Their submissions and critiques along with our lively discussions stir my juices.
But I suppose the real key to creativity for me is to sit down in front of my computer every morning, expecting to write something, even if I wouldn’t show the first draft to the dog.
My Solution to Writing Discouragement: Editing
My solution to discouragement is to return to an article’s beginning or a book’s previous chapter and edit it.
First drafts do not readily flow from my brain into the computer. I find much more joy in fixing and polishing, which gives me the courage to continue slogging through the rough draft, so I can fix it later.
I am also encouraged by scripture, which reminds me of God’s constant presence and love. I daily ask for his help with my writing.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
The Most Enjoyable Way to Sell Books
Oh, how I wish I could say I discovered a magic formula for marketing. However, that’s not the case so far.
I’ve tried all kinds of online advertising with so-so results. Currently, I’m playing with Amazon’s sponsored brand ads for eBooks and have had a few sales but nothing to brag about, yet.
My daughter recently hosted a raffle-based fundraiser with the prize being all my print books packaged in a cute handcrafted basket. She sold a lot of tickets and considered the promotion a big success.
An author friend ran a marketing campaign for a single print book, promising to give a portion to a related charitable cause. That approach worked great for her.
The most enjoyable way to sell print books is to join other authors for book signings. Whether we sell any books or not, we get out of our solitary worlds and have a great time yakking about our favorite subject, writing. If life in America ever returns to normal (what is that?!), maybe we can host book signings again.
How I Give My Writing Brain a Break
In addition to writing, I serve as a mentor and editor for a variety of authors and genres. My motivational challenge comes from the fact that editing can be tedious at times.
I discovered I can give my brain a break by flipping between editing and writing projects. If I have a scene or thought hanging in the back of my head, I can download it right away instead of waiting, which is also restful for the brain.
That’s my theory, anyway.
Advice for a Young Writer: Never Let It Rest
Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Paint, paint, paint. Dance, dance, dance. Practice, practice, practice. My mother used to say, “Good, better, best…never let it rest…until the good is better and the better is best.”
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Becky Lyles lives with her husband, Steve, in Boise, Idaho, where she serves as an editor and as a mentor for aspiring authors. In addition to writing nonfiction, she writes award-winning fiction and has two published series—The Kate Neilson Series and Prisoners of Hope—plus has another series in the works.
She also hosts a podcast with Steve called “Let Me Tell You a Story.” For more information about Becky and her work, please see her website and podcast as well as her Amazon author page, or connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Winds of Wyoming:
Fresh out of a Pennsylvania penitentiary armed with a marketing degree, Kate Neilson heads to Wyoming anticipating an anonymous new beginning as a guest-ranch employee.
A typical twenty-five-year-old woman might be looking to lasso a cowboy, but her only desire is to get on with life on the outside—despite her growing interest in the ranch owner.
When she discovers a violent ex-lover followed her west, she fears the past she hoped to hide will imprison her again.
Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Shattered Dream:
Cassie True jumps at an unexpected opportunity for early release from jail—right into the clutches of a controlling religious cult. Court-ordered to enroll in the church’s rehabilitation program, her goal is to conquer alcoholism and reestablish her music career.
But the ironfisted cult leader has a different plan. When Cassie and her friend Corban help her roommate reconnect with her family and young children return to their parents, they endanger not only themselves but those they seek to help. Can they hide their friendship, lead others to freedom and escape the leader’s far-reaching talons?
Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.