Entries in February 2008

This video is a song by Just Jack called Writer's Block. Kinda captures the angst.

Actually, I should clarify that the 'shmiter's block' quote is not meant to mock what can often be a painful experience but rather, to suggest that writer's block can be conquered with great results!

I got an email from a young lady named Ciara (gorgeous name!) who was wondering what she can do about her poorly timed case of writer's block.

Well, I have to say that in all my years I have never had writer's block. I have certainly had writer's lag, which is the disease of procrastination but this is different. It's not that ideas aren't marathoning through me, it's just that some days I hate the idea of being the solitary writer and so, instead I find myself breakfasting with my friends. And then there's lunch and shopping and dinner and.....

Writer's Block on the other hand is more severe in that ideas seem utterly blocked from view. I think this comes about from putting too much pressure to perform and not trusting the fountain of experience. Everyone has a story..millions of stories. But when we pressure ourselves to present them...with perfection no less...then we can cut ourselves off from the flow. 

Here are some things to think about: What makes you mad? Sad? Super happy? What has moved you in the last thirty days? What bores you to tears? How do you feel about your school, work, siblings, parents? Do you have a great secret that no one knows about? Did you once see something or hear something that made your heart skip or speed up or die? A car crash or a beloved's beautiful voice? Has your heart ever been broken or healed? Do your knees hurt? Why? Does your head hurt? Why?

When you get into feeling mode, ideas flow. So let them. Don't edit. Don't get scared because they are thoughts that may hurt someone's feelings. You can always change names or circumstances later. Just let it out. And trust above all else that there will be a gem in there that you can mold into greatness. As Hemmingway said "The first draft of anything is crap"...well, actually he said a different word that I won't repeat here but you get the gist. Writing is re-writing, certainly. But first you must get it out there, vomit it all over, feel it so intensely that it has no choice but to come out or burn your innards. Then, my friends, you have the clay with which you can mold your art. Have fun with it! Go easy on yourself! 

There are many websites devoted to writer's block and its many causes and possible solutions but I wouldn't get too focussed on it. Instead try to remember that passion you feel when suddenly your mere words become a thinking, feeling, loving, lusting, hating, eating, sleeping, crying character and a wonderful, meaty, luscious world and the collision of moments so throbbing that time literally stops and before you know it hours have disappeared before your happy eyes!

Okay, now you see that pen over there? Pick it up and go write!

Go forth into the frothy, shiny lineup of hearts I say!

How one woman found herself pampered by the Masters!