When the Words Don’t Come by Debra H. Goldstein
There are days when I don’t like blogging or adding to my work in progress. Those are the days that a random idea doesn’t pop into my head. I know I need to get words on the page, but whatever I write doesn’t feel right. In the very old days, I probably would have torn the piece of paper out of my electric Smith-Corona and thrown it on the floor, but nowadays, I simply hit delete.
When I can’t come up with an idea that satisfies me, I have different options open to me. I can take a nap. On my computer, seated in the same position in which I would normally write, I can play card games (solitaire, canasta, or bridge), try my hand at Mah Jongg, read the news, or glance at different social media sites. Most of these don’t spur thoughts in my head, but they are fun.
Sometimes, out of desperation, I look out the window, surf TV channels, or listen to music. Being truthful, I find these are excellent distractions, but not much fodder for writing.
It is disappointing when my words don’t flow. Some people would call it writer’s block, but I don’t believe in that. I know that eventually something will come to me. It may not be my best writing, but hopefully with editing and revision, I will be pleased with the final product.
Do you ever live this scenario?
I think we've all been there, Debra. Sometimes we need to "refill the well." For me, that usually means, getting out of the house. Talking a walk. Visiting a museum. Having coffee with friends. This gets me out of my head, clears the mental cobwebs, and usually means the next time I sit down at the computer, the ideas start to flow again.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that your distraction means needing to get out of the house -- away from your workspace. Love your books, so it obviously works!
DeleteAw, thanks, Debra.
DeleteI periodically suffer bouts of moderate depression that make any task feel like I am walking through water at the deep end of the pool. Knowing what I should do to "fix" my problem only makes me feel guilty. That feeling, for me, has been my first step toward recovery: it's the moment I recognize what is going on and I begin to face it. You've gone through a lot of hard changes over the last couple of years, fully coming back may take time, says the guy with a BS in math, MBA, and not a single medical credential.
ReplyDeleteI'll take your wisdom no matter what your degree. It's funny, as I'm getting more "settled," words are beginning to flow again. As I noted, I don't believe in writer's block because it always seems like the mind still is churning. Thanks, Jim!
DeleteUsually my difficulty can be traced to too many things swirling around in my head and an inability to focus. So I procrastinate. If a brief break doesn't get me back on track, I channel my father shouting at me, "At least get one damn thing finished!" So I guess it's been a problem since childhood.
ReplyDeleteLove it. I will try to adopt his advice
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. Lately it happens more often than not with blogs. Back in the day, I ran a blog and was responsible for posting two or three days a week depending on my blog buddies. Never had a problem even though I also had a full-time job and a book contract. Now I struggle from time to time until inspiration strikes. Usually after a change of venue or a walk in the woods.
ReplyDeleteBut you have found your work around to clear your head.
DeleteYep. Disappointing. Depressing. Probably some other dis words, too, but heck if I can find them today. I don't believe in writer's block, either, though, Debra. I do believe in hope (and in sitting back down and writing).
ReplyDeleteExactly
DeleteThanks so much for sharing what many of us go through. I've been there too, for way too long. Hope the words flow soon.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Lori!
DeleteThey will. Hug the grandkids, relax, and an idea will pop into your head.
DeleteI just had "the great shazaam" moment today. I've fretted for months about my next book: I had the opening scenes in place...and then a big void before the victim is found. Today, the answer came to me as I reviewed a photo session we had last weekend with 7 adults and 2 grandsons. It took lots of patience plus the belief that the moment would happen.
ReplyDeleteA great feeling when you have that moment, isn’t it?
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