Walking on Wednesday - Writers Block
So I totally skipped this post today, well nearly. It's 11pm right now, and because I have struggled all day with trying to write, I have not written anything until now. And what am I writing about?
I am writing about not being able to write.
It's not that I don't have ideas! In fact, I get ideas almost every day, during my walks. (And yes, you would be proud of me that I have been walking regularly for about 4 weeks now.)
I noticed that during my walks, I get ideas. Ideas about what to write about, ideas about what to make, ideas about how to get certain things I was struggling with to work creatively.
I started jotting down my ideas when I got home on a note pad. I even went so far as to start drafts of posts about my blog ideas! But today, I couldn't finish writing those, I couldn't get the new ideas from scrap paper to beginning blog post. I just couldn't 'feel' it.
Has that ever happened to you?
How do you get past that? For me, right now, I just forced myself to write what I was thinking. It was the guilt of not posting my Walking on Wednesday series that got me here, so I am just writing my frustrations.
But this won't work next week, or the week after that. I will need to be able to write about things other than not being able to write!
I have found, if I am not feeling it, I can't write it. Same as creating, if I am not feeling it, the creation does not turn out, that is if I can even start that creation.
So I want to know:
How do you get past the 'feeling nothing' to feeling like doing that thing you don't feel like doing??
Maybe your idea will spur a wave of 'feeling it' for me, and others, and our writers block will be cured.
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| Writer's Block Elixir photo courtesy of http://mattplappert.com/ |
This makes me laugh! I have writers block every day! I often have crafters block as well - I actually have MANY ideas (too many ideas) but often when I start, it just doesn't "feel" right and I stop - I have stopped midway and taken weeks to go back and complete a project... I don't have an answer - I just wait until it is right.
ReplyDeletePat yourself on the back and accept this virtual (((HUG))) as you do a fine job of putting finger to keyboard (2011 version of pen to paper). What to write hits us all, and as Deni said, just wait it out.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Deni, I wait it out when I have a case of writer's block. This can become a problem when I have to write a piece for work and I have a deadline, but I've learned to go do other stuff for a while and then usually inspiration strikes when I least expect it and I manage to write the piece in time. Sometimes it doesn't all work out so smoothly ... but that's life. ;)
ReplyDeleteHoney, I had writer's block for TEN YEARS (from birth of first child really) so don't KICk yourself over one day. And how often do you blog, anyway? I try for weekly, sometimes biweekly, and that gives me time to formulate ideas. I've actually taken to what you're doing, writing on actual PAPER. Yes, PAPER! And pen! I've even imagined splurging on a special notebook and pens I relaly enjoy the feel of...havne't done that yet. But I'm jotting down ideas a lot. Having been a professor of writing for some years, one rec I always gave my students is to just resort to sheer description: describe something in great detail. (as Proust did!) Out of a pure description of something can come rumination on that something that can lead to other somethings...try it!
ReplyDeletethat is a great idea, Sandra! just descriptions....love it. I think that would get the juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteI try to blog 3 times a week, have Music Mondays and Walking on Wednesday, and Friday is sorta up in the air, just post something that I like, various things. I sometimes miss Fridays, but really try to be consistent. It is a challenge for sure. Thanks for your tip, though, it could really come in handy.
~Rebecca
I don't think you have writers block, you just wrote a wonderful post about writers block. I have writers block all the time. When I get like that I make lists. Lists of ideas, plans, things I have read, and usually when I am done and I re-read the list I seem to find something to write about. Sometimes you just have to step away and take a break. The break may be a few hours to a few days, but a good break can be good for your creative spirit.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
This is such an awesome post! The pictures especially had me smiling.
ReplyDeleteI get writer's block all the time too, so I really do feel your pain (as it were). I've always found that reading helps me overcome it. I take a break from writing and indulge in a good book.
I also like to surf around websites on places like Flickr and Tumblr where there are tons of gorgeous, inspiring photographs.
I think that writing challenges like NaBloWriMo are helpful too.