Motivational Difficulties

17 September 2008 by The General Published in: Research and Writing 7 comments

Every once in a while, I get into a rut where I just don’t feel like writing, especially not writing something new. These spells come and go. They usually last a few months and then something comes along to shake me out of my malaise.

I seem to be deeply mired in one of those periods just now. I just can’t seem to be able to motivate myself to undertake writing anything new. The thought of the process of pulling this stuff together to construct a new narrative is very offputting at the moment. I think abut it, and I just don’t want to do it. I think that the fact that we haven’t had a vacation since May 2006 probably factors into this heavily. I’m tired and on the verge of being burned out, and I desperately need some down time.

Fortunately, I’m going to get that in about three weeks. Susan and I will be spending the first full week of October in the Outer Banks with some friends, and I suspect that I will end up with a much-needed attitude adjustment once we get there and I get away from the practice of law for a few days.

Hang in there with me. I’ll be back working on another book again soon. It’s just a question of when.

Scridb filter

Comments

dan

Wed 17th Sep 2008 at 9:29 pm
eric,

your output is really astounding.
you’ve got nothing to prove around here.

take a break, go fishing, etc.

heck, you could always review “passing of the armies” by chamberlain.
then you can read hood’s :advance and retreat” to get all riled up.
or even longstreet’s “from manassas to appomattox”.
then, when you want to take a break you can read freeman’s four volume “r. e. lee”.
then, when you really want your head to spin you can check out this online story. it’s about RE Lee’s mom! According to a Lee descendant she was buried alive and it was pure luck and “a miracle” (according to a tv journalist) only that Lee was born in the first place.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=4226712&cl=9767588&src=news

Take it light, and have a good vacation.
daniel
Charlie Knight

Thu 18th Sep 2008 at 8:59 am
Outer Banks, huh? Sounds like you need to take a slight detour north to Norfolk to visit Douglas MacArthur…
Brooks Simpson

Thu 18th Sep 2008 at 3:49 pm
I guess the Blue Jackets’ home opener won’t do it for you?
tomrod

Thu 18th Sep 2008 at 7:51 pm
Fresh seafood in Corolla sounds good (if you are in the area). There is this place called “Steamers” (I think) that has these good sized pots filled with crab, mussels, clams ect. you just put in on the stove and you have a tasty meal!

Tom
Don

Fri 19th Sep 2008 at 12:15 pm
Eric,

I’m with Brooks on this one. I think the Blue Jackets will be worth the price of admission this year, and should shake off your malaise if a little time “down island” on the Outer Banks doesn’t do it.

I know a former cavalryman who runs a bakery now down there with his wife, will send the name your way if you’re interested. Two locations, Kitty Hawk and the other escapes me at the moment.
The General

Fri 19th Sep 2008 at 12:57 pm
Don (and Brooks),

There’s no doubt that on paper, this years CBJ look to be, by far, the best squad they’ve ever had. I think it’s going to be a good season. I have a ten-game partial season ticket package, and I just bought tickets to the Pittsburgh game on March 12, so that means I will be attending 11 games this year. Last year, it was only 2.

Please do send along your friend’s contact information. I’m always happy to patronize a cavalryman’s business.

Eric
Don

Sun 21st Sep 2008 at 9:51 pm
Bagels to Beef
5549 N. Croatan Hwy
Southern Shores, NC
(Kitty Hawk Island)
27949

I haven’t been there, as we moved back to CO just as they were opening, but I hear it’s quite good and know they do their own baking. The owner, Patrick Coyle, served with me in the 2nd Cavalry in Louisiana.