Hi. First a little background. I am a traditionally published author of a memoir about discovering what my father really did during WWII. It came out in 2011.
My current project is a narrative nonfiction book about a Vietnam veteran and portrait artist who gave up an amazing career to dedicate himself to drawing portraits of the fallen for their families, free of charge. He has lead an interesting and involved life, so the project has required a LOT of research. He's also a combat veteran so gaining his trust became a big part of being privileged enough to hear his story. I've now been working on it for five years. It is near completion but still needs serious editing. But truth be told, I'm tired of it. I'm tired of working on it. I've taken breaks and it doesn't help. Five years is a long time to keep up the momentum and mental stamina for one project and I've lost that spark I once had. Writing is hard; I know that. Writing someone else's story is doubly so. I know it's a story that has to be told. I know it's amazing. I'm just tired and unmotivated to keep going.
I'd love to know that I'm not alone out here. Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Sincere thanks!
My current project is a narrative nonfiction book about a Vietnam veteran and portrait artist who gave up an amazing career to dedicate himself to drawing portraits of the fallen for their families, free of charge. He has lead an interesting and involved life, so the project has required a LOT of research. He's also a combat veteran so gaining his trust became a big part of being privileged enough to hear his story. I've now been working on it for five years. It is near completion but still needs serious editing. But truth be told, I'm tired of it. I'm tired of working on it. I've taken breaks and it doesn't help. Five years is a long time to keep up the momentum and mental stamina for one project and I've lost that spark I once had. Writing is hard; I know that. Writing someone else's story is doubly so. I know it's a story that has to be told. I know it's amazing. I'm just tired and unmotivated to keep going.
I'd love to know that I'm not alone out here. Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Sincere thanks!