Writer’s Block Photo © by Drew Coffman — Courtesy PhotoDropper
Ughh — I’m making this way too hard. (Sorry, I’m venting.) Is this what they call ‘writer’s block’? I want to write something but not just anything. I’ve had ideas but then the mood shifts or the time just isn’t right.
Then, I think, do you really want to read random thoughts about me finally planting flowers, or the weather (Lord, we’ve had a ton of that)? (I know this is turning out to be random.) Have you ever felt like this?
And now, it’s been awhile since I last posted. I don’t know where the days go? They seem to melt away and pass even faster at this stage of my life and I find the longer I’m away the harder it is to get back.
I go over to my fellow bloggers’ sites and see they have lots to say. But, for me, I struggle with the words and what to talk about. I even have a hard time following my thoughts. They’re bouncing all over the place. It’s mentally “painful”.
But, slowly, I’m finding if I work through this (thank you for your patience) and just write what I’m feeling, my brain opens up and more comes to me. This is helping.
Another Writer’s Block Photo © by Drew Coffman — Courtesy PhotoDropper
Well, that’s where I’m at and what I’ve been up to. I think I have a couple of ideas, now, at least where I can begin. Stay tuned and I hope to soon have a real live story written once again to post.
Pat from the ol’ kitchen table
Related articles
Don’t worry about it, Pat. I went through about half a year, where I didn’t even write one post a month, before the muse returned. 🙂 There is an ebb and flow to writing, and for some of us it’s either a desert or a hurricane!
Oh bless you, Bethany. I thought it was just me. Now, I don’t feel so bad. It’s good to know there’s hope it will come back. Thank You!! 🙂
Pat, I just love your transparency! It is truly precious and so rare today. Believe me, I struggle at times and have to go over my photos to figure out what I want to write about. All writers go through this. Some just don’t write for a while. You are stalwart and faithful. Bless you, Pat. And to be honest, I thought this post had a lot to say!!
Thank you, Susan, I feel better and consider to be in good company, if you struggle with this too. I thought there was something wrong with me and maybe a part of me left and died. Your kind words of encouragement warm my heart and mean a lot, my friend, especially that you thought it had a lot to say. 🙂 🙂
You are not alone on this! I’m always behind on my posts, and struggling for something interesting to write about. I guess that is why blogging is considered nonfiction. It’s sort of a memoir isn’t it? Hang in there.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, April. I can’t tell you how much your words help in giving me a shot of encouragement. Unlike a lot of my fellow bloggers, I haven’t read or written as much so I didn’t think I qualified as a real writer. But, when you put it like you did with blogging being considered more nonfiction and taking on a form of a memoir, I can relate. That’s just what I do. I guess it is the same thing. 🙂
Your pictures capture perfectly that feeling of writer’s block. Of trying a million different things, only to crumple them up and start over. It will pass.
Oh, thank you, my friend. I know you understand my feelings of thoughts getting all jumbled up, Susan. It’s crazy. I can’t imagine what you go through having dyslexia. It’s comforting to hear that it will pass. 🙂
I often just scan google news or newspapers and mags not really looking for anything not even an article to expand upon. Ideas often come and have noting to do with what pic or words I may be viewing at the moment. Some reason the effort just makes pop up ideas.
Hi Carl – thank you for paying a visit at my ‘kitchen table’. I see there are a lot more ways to come up with ideas than I tried. You’re so right — never thought of these in terms of writing. Good feedback. I appreciate it. 🙂
I am struggling with the same thing Pat, so you are not alone :o). I attribute my blockage to the several deaths in my family over the past three months, and the fact that we are moving on the 25th. of this month. My daughter and son-in-law will also be giving birth to another daughter on July 3rd. (C-section). Added to the fact that I will turn 71 on the 29th. I am sure there is a reason for your block, and hearing my list might just spur you forward. In the meantime don’t worry, I will read what ever you post, it is always interesting. :o)
Man, Patricia, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Wow! and I thought I was just hitting a wall with being hit with more childhood issue stuff. But, life has really gotten your attention and is giving you a lot of material to write about, when you catch your breath. My heart and prayers go out to you in love and strength to feel through all of what’s there for you.
Thank you for taking the time to share. You’re right, there’s is much to process, as we go through these things, and they do give us reason to pause and reflect on what’s truly important. God bless you — I appreciate you. 🙂
See already you are seeing in a new light :o)…..Bless you too…
Aw, thank you, Patricia. I hope so. I think I can feel it, too, in moving forward a little. Your feedback speaks volumes to what a body can experience and live to write and talk about. 🙂
Pat, I feel your frustration. When I began blogging, there was so much to say. It was all brand new and topics just poured out of my brain. There was just too much inside to keep it contained. The longer I have been writing, the slower the ideas pop up. Every now and then I get a few ideas all in a row, but there have been times when a month will go by and nothing triggers me to want to write.
I finally came up with a solution. When my mind is blocked, instead of forcing something that won’t thrill me once it has been written, I read. I have found that once I begin reading and let myself enjoy a good book, that feeling of needing to write and knowing what I want to write about comes back. There have been many times I have put down a book because I have a thought that I need to express on paper right away.
Relax and enjoy a break. Enjoy times with friends, have a new experience, read a good book. Trust me, once you put energy into something else, the writing will come back. 🙂
Thank you, Wendy. This really resonates and speaks right to the heart of what I’ve been feeling. It is frustrating because I think I have to keep publishing not only to give my readers something worthwhile to want to come back but also to keep active in social media networks and up-to-date in SEO. I know you understand all of that. It’s overwhelming to keep up with it all when I only want to share what’s on my heart — plain and simple.
I get so far out following that trail of trying to keep up I freeze up and it feels like I don’t know what I’m doing anymore. So, that is what I’ve been doing exactly like you said — reading, enjoying family, putzing around the house, planting flowers — and it’s been great. (By the way, I just finished Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book, “I Can See Clearly Now”, and watching his Experiencing the Miraculous DVD’s — they’re great!)
You’re so right when you say the writing will come back, when I put my energy into something else. I can see where that’s beginning to happen for me just in putting this simple little story out there about it.
Thank you again. You’re such an inspiration to me. 🙂
Many of us make things so hard for ourselves myself included
We do, Joanne, make things so much harder than they are. I wonder why we do that? For me, I think it’s resistance from fear. Of what, I can’t really say. It’s different for everyone. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I always enjoy your visits. 🙂
follow
🙂
Dear Pat, and here I am, at last coming over to our post to read your heart-share here. I really relate. I have been struggling myself and not spending near enough time on writing my book. Keeping the balance between writing off-line and blogging online is so hard. I have found having the discipline of doing my weekly photo challenges and the mini-memoirs helpful with the occasional blog hop or awards etc. and then I try to do one of my regular posts on Fridays but I don’t stick to a strict regime as I’m worried that if I over-commit I’ll burn out. I’ve read all the responses here and yes, I would say just the same. I find getting out for a walk really helps to clear my head. I’ve been struggling with a post for ages now and got so fed up with it I had to put it aside and try and forget it. Then I just chuck down what’s in my heart and hope that I won’t be laughed off the blogosphere!!! I find that a break is great to take but then, as you say, it is then that much harder to get back into it the longer it’s left. Some bloggers take regular breaks and seem to be able to pick right up. I find even after a weekend I get so behind if I leave it and then I get stressed. Well, I’m not helping much am I? But I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in this, as you can tell, and that we will still all be here when you are ready to write. I love your posts about your garden, your surroundings, your life.
I understand about all the thoughts bouncing around and being ‘painful’ too. I’m so glad you wrote about it as I wondered if I was the only one and so you have greatly encouraged me my friend, by sharing your heart! You’ve really helped me better understand those times when I feel just like this and your images capture it perfectly.
Oh I wish I could come and sit with you at your little ol’ kitchen table right now and we could chat, go for a walk, have supper and just hang out. Wouldn’t that be so great? Well, meanwhile, here we are. Chatting through our blogs. I send you hugs and peace and prayers that you will know soon enough when you are ready to blog again and what you want to blog about…meanwhile, enjoy this quiet time and relish it 😀 <3
Aww, Sherri. After reading what you wrote and relating to it, I’m sitting here wishing you were here, too. I can picture chatting, going for a walk and just hanging out. I’d love that and I feel more connected to you than ever. You’ve become a very dear friend.
I’m glad you understand and may have experienced some of the same things I shared. Sometimes, in reading other bloggers’ posts, I wonder if I have the discipline to be a writer. I never aspired to it early on and certainly wasn’t an avid reader. But, then, I think that’s what makes me unique even if all I have in me are some stories to post and maybe another book I can eek out. Maybe, that’s just enough to make a difference and help someone.
Words can’t express how encouraged I am by your kind words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my friend. 🙂
You are you Pat, and yes, you are very unique. I suffer from self-doubt so much about my writing and sometimes wonder what on earth I’m doing, but then I know I have to keep pressing forward no matter what. I’m so glad to know that I was able to encourage you, that makes me so happy to know that. You inspire and encourage me so much and I truly do hope you will keep posting your wonderful stories for those here who love to read them. The more you write, the more memories will resurface and the more you’ll want to share. Also, I love your walks and photos of your area. Please don’t stop posting!!!! You help so many people with your stories. Keep going and you will see that come into play even more, I know it!
Have a great day my dear friend and keep smiling…sending a big hug your way and a heart of friendship… 🙂 <3
Thank you, Sherri. I will keep writing. It’s a part of me now and something I really do enjoy. I didn’t mean to come across as doubting. I know this will pass. I’m looking forward to doing more walkabouts, posting stories and photos. I’m almost there — just wanted to put something out there even if it’s a temporary lull. Sending hugs back — take care. 🙂
Wonderful! Really looking forward to reading…and meanwhile, have a wonderful weekend my dear friend and take care too 🙂 <3
Thank you, Sherri. Hope you have a great weekend, too. You’re the best! 🙂
Hugs and blessings…lovely friend… >3 😀
🙂
Pat, I keep a file on my desktop for blog “ideas” as they pop into my head, otherwise I forget them. This way, I always have a reservoir of ideas to develop and write about. I love reading your stories about your family and childhood…got any more of those on the back burner??
Those are good ideas, Bev, and I’ve tried similar techniques. I’ve got lots of family and childhood things I could write about. But, something seems to happen when I go back to pick up those ideas. The writing juices seem to wane in the connection between the idea and getting it down on paper. I have about 3 stories started but so far the words haven’t been there to finish them. I’ve even taken pictures I thought would go with them.
I’ll get it. I’m being patient with myself knowing I’m a work in progress. 🙂
I think the spring/summer weather has something to do with it…I know I have difficulty settling down at the computer when I’d rather be outdoors enjoying the weather. That’s why I love rainy days like we are getting now…so I can catch up with computer work! You’ve got a good start…it will come when the time is right.
You know, I think you’re right, Bev. I never factored the springtime weather into it and I’ve been out putzing around the yard a lot. It probably does have a lot to do with being inside and sitting down at the computer, like you said. Thank you — that helps. 🙂
I know exactly how you feel Pat, and that goes for posting tweets and on facebook two. Sometimes I’m paralysed with nothing to say. I should trawl the internet for news etc but all too often when that block happens I feel just like your picture. A walk or gardening helps, or being sociable with a real live person – that does wonders too. we shouldn’t feel compelled to write blog posts through.
When you do write, your posts are full of humour or thought provoking moments. Keep with us Pat. After all, you’d be the first to encourage us!
Thank you, Diana, your words are encouraging. It does feel like paralysis where the ideas are there but something is stopping them from coming out. Funny feeling — never experienced it like this before where the well has run dry.
I know from things I’ve read that this is typical in writing. I just have to work through it socializing and doing other things, like you said. I am and truly appreciate all the warm comments and love you’ve all sent. It’s good to know I’m not alone and that a lot of good writers, like yourself, have experienced this, too. 🙂
Pat, I don’t ever consider myself to have ‘writer’s block’ anymore, I have ‘fallow periods’. It’s just a different way of thinking about it – we all have times when our brains need to do other things – to lie fallow while new thoughts and ideas percolate. I wrote a post about it here if you want to read it, http://harvestinghecate.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/lying-fallow-2/ Just part of the writing cycle, you’ll soon be on top form again!
Thank you for sharing that post, Andrea. It helped shine a new perspective on what I’ve typically thought of as ‘writer’s block’. It’s so true that we just need to allow creativity to happen no matter what form it takes. Sometimes, we need to be a fallow field and rejuvenate.
I think I’ve been doing a lot of what you spoke of and my spirit has been enjoying it but my head hasn’t been as happy reminding me of the should’a, would’a or could’a’s. You write of a much gentler outlook to writing. That’s nice. 🙂
LoL, love the pictures! I was just thinking about Andrea’s post when reading yours Pat. Don’t worry about it too much, everybody goes through cycles like this and I think there’s a reason for that. It’s necessary to resource, take your brain off other things so inspiration may find a way back again. And by just starting to write about your doubts and anxiety of not having much to say may well start the flow back again. Just scribble and let your pen ..oops keyboard, follow your thoughts and it doesn’t need to be published but it’s good brain exercise. You’ll be surprised what comes up.
Thanks Karin — I’m finding that writing this post did start the flow back again, like you said, and it does ebb and flow in cycles. That’s nice to know hearing others like yourself say everybody goes through it. I’m working on the inspiration part. That always seems to put me back on track. It’s good to see you again. I appreciate your input. -)
I’m going through some changes in life cycles, so it’s a little harder to keep up with reading but I’ll do my best
I totally understand, Karin. Seems like a lot of us are going through life-cycle changes. It’s good, though, to keep us in tune with what’s truly important in our lives. The daily demands of life can knock us off course.
Sending you a big hug with warm thoughts to encourage you to continue to follow your heart and stay on your path. We aren’t always given what we need to know at one time. It comes it bits and pieces. I feel the same in trying to keep up with the internet and reading and, like you, I’ll try harder and do my best. Please keep in touch — I’d love to see how it all works out for you, too, my friend. 🙂
Gosh I think it happens to us all. I find it helpful to have a number of things on the go – even things like filing so that when the words don’t come you can just shift your focus so you don’t beat up on yourself. The words will return….. 🙂
Hi Irene — So good to see you. I agree that it is helpful to have a number of things we’re doing. The distraction frees up room for the words to flow. We do beat up on ourselves more than we should. Guess I’m guilty of doing some of that here. Thanks for putting me back on track, my friend.
I don’t think I’d choose filing as one of those things I’d do on the go, though. How about weed whacking (just messin’ with you – haha)? But, that’s one of those things I’ve been doing on the go — gets me outside on these beautiful, summer days and the words are slowly returning like you said. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Weed whacking sounds good. Pity I’ve got more filing than weeding. 🙂
I’ve got some of that, too, Irene. But unfortunately, with all the rain, the grass and weeds have grown in leaps and bounds. Can’t ignore it any longer. Feels good to get out and get some exercise. 🙂
I forget you have long cold winters where you are holed up inside. I’d be wanting to get out also. 🙂
Yeah, Irene, the winters aren’t too bad but the colder weather tends to drag on. In contrast, when summer finally arrives it flies by way too fast and so far this summer has been gorgeous. I’m loving it. 🙂
🙂