The 7 Stages of Grief (in Writing)

When you go through a loss or soul-crushing heart break, it can most definitely impact your writing. Whether it’s your WIP or a cathartic piece based off your grief, authors have their own manifestations of the 7 stages of grief.
 
INSTEAD OF "Shock or Disbelief":
1. Complete writer’s block, involving hours of staring at your screen/notebook in paralysis. 

INSTEAD OF Denial:
2. Rummaging through the fridge for food even if you aren’t hungry. Possibly turning on Netflix, looking up puppy videos or funny memes, or balancing a pen on your nose. Essentially, seeking any activity to avoid acknowledging your WIP's existence. 

INSTEAD OF Anger:
3. Computer smashing or head-to-desk banging. You’ve finally tried to forge ahead, but all you get is a migraine.

INSTEAD OF Bargaining:
4. You tell yourself: if you write just another 500 words, you’ll feel better about your piece of sh** WIP.

INSTEAD OF Guilt:
5. You feel bad about calling your WIP a piece of sh**.

INSTEAD OF Depression:
6. You cradle your laptop/notebook and ugly cry. The critical voices in your head tell you “you’ll never finish”, “you’ll never get published”, “you’ll never be good enough”. 

INSTEAD OF Acceptance and Hope:
7. Someone reminds you that Fifty Shades of Grey was a NY Times Best Seller, and you sit down with a latte and hash out the rest of your manuscript with a slight smile on your face.

Best of luck in your quest! 
-J. E. 
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Speaking of memes.... Enjoy a few of my favorites lately. (Thanks, Pinterest!)

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Disclaimer: This list was created for humor purposes only. Anyone who is struggling with significant loss and need help, please reach out to your family, friends, therapist, or call a help-line! You're not alone.... <3