Writing course or just crack on?

[brightbluegentian]

My novel has been a work in progress for years - since before DCs got in the way. It’s historical fiction and the plot and characters are largely written for me. I am stalled though - mainly due to life getting in the way. I am keen to get started again but I wonder if I should take a creative writing course?

I am aware that I will have limited time to work on it - thanks to Covid I am currently home and the DCs are back at school ( for the time being). I may never have a better opportunity to get on undisturbed, so would I be wasting time doing a creative writing course or would the results be worth it? Procrastination is my weakness so part of me thinks the course idea is just because I am putting off getting back in to it. It would likely be a free course if that makes a difference.

What have your experiences been?

It sounds like you've considered the implications so it seems to come down to a balance between using the course to manage your procrastination if all the writing exercises can be based on your novel against cracking on. I'm usually in favour of (and fail at) cracking on but you're struggling with that though equally, the course could become another displacement activity.

I've no firm answer. Good luck.

Is there anything stopping you doing both?

If you have five hours while the kids are in school, do some sprints until lunchtime and then have 'study time' as a reward during and after lunch?

I'm basically in a constant cycle of doing craft courses because I always find it motivates me to write more. In some ways it's probably procrastination, but it's constructive procrastination 😁

I appreciate this isn't the answer to your question, but I have a big problem with procrastination and what really helps is the pomodoro technique (set a timer for 30 minutes and do your writing, and only that, until the timer sounds). Also using a manual typewriter, weird as it sounds.
You could try the course on Futurelearn, which a few people on here have found useful.

Thanks @MaMaLa321. I have found the write or die app to be very useful.

Thanks all for the input. I have decided to get on with it for a bit and see how it goes.

Have you considered doing a history course? I dont mean a degree, but see if there's an online or local course or module you can take or sit in on for the period you're writing about. You might find the structure helps galvanise you, and that your imagination is sparked by some small thing.

History courses are good! My story comes from an event I discovered as part of a History MA that I did years ago. I’ve had it in my head a long time. I just need to get it down now.

Still DC2 came home from school with a cough and temperature yesterday so it looks like writing is one hold once again.