Hello Everyone,
It’s been about a week since my last post. I’ve been wanting to write something, but every time I sit down at the computer I can’t think of anything. I keep writing a sentence or two and then deleting it. Even now, I’m finding it hard to figure out exactly where this post is going. So maybe, we’ll just take a journey through my train of thought and see where it leads us.
I’ve never been very good at handling writer’s block. I always sit there for a good while, before giving up and going off to do something else. That is actually one of the things I love about having this blog. It forces (in a way) me to write. I feel an obligation to write at least once a week (and yes I am aware that doesn’t always happen, but life can be busy). I believe that this expectation I’ve put on myself has helped me learn how to get past writer’s block. It has helped me, as my mom would say, prime the pump for writing.
Before I started Scribe’s Canvas, it would take me a long time to be able to produce a piece that I liked or worked on to completion. Also, before this blog began I only wrote every few months or so. I always found it hard to get my thoughts flowing and words on the page. I would quickly become frustrated or stuck when I did sit down to write.
Now however, after these eight months of writing a blog, I am able to sit down in front of a blank page and just start writing. This week has been difficult though. I don’t know if it’s the stress of upcoming finals (“yay,” she said sarcastically) or the fact that this past week was the last one before our spring break. But whatever it is, I’ve been having a hard time thinking of what to write about.
So here I am sitting in my pj’s, writing out the thoughts and frustration that surface alongside writer’s block. Maybe I’m just tired, or stressed, or hungry (I really should go eat lunch), but whatever it is, I’m going to try my best to break down this wall.
I know that a week is not very long to have writer’s block, but it’s a little scary to not feel the inspiration that I normally have when writing. I’m sure it will pass, and that’s why I’m writing this random post. I need to write something to stop this blockade in its tracks.
I have some fun things planned in the coming weeks, hopefully that will help break down these walls. In the mean time, I will continue to do my best to write at least one post a week.
Anyway, I think I will end the post here. Thank you for being here; in this little corner of the internet. I hope you are all doing amazingly!
-Acire
Sounds like you need a muse 😉 Seriously, I have such admiration for writers and their patience.
A muse is exactly what I need 🙂 You nailed it! I too, am amazed at the patience that writers are able to embody.
Maybe try some new writing techniques.
1) Automated writing: sit down and set a count down timer to 3-5 minutes. Then write down whatever comes into your head without editing, adding or erasing anything. Only stop when the time runs out. You can come back later and try to find inspiration in what you wrote.
2) Music prompted writing: Set your music player to shuffle and press play. Listen to the music and write down what comes into your mind, e.g. a character, scene, plot etc. You can also skip tracks or choose a new one whenever you like.
3) Picture prompted writing: Works the same way as 2) but with any source where you can find pictures.
4) Take a notebook to a cafe and observe people. They’re often an inspiration.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
Thanks! I’ll definitely be trying these
You’re welcome!
Pretend your writer’s block is a block of swiss cheese. You can look through the holes.
Thanks 🙂 that’s a great image!
I am sorry to hear that you’re blocked but you wrote something! That’s a great start.
Thank you 🙂 it is indeed
At the risk of giving unsolicited advice, Acire: Sometimes when we are blocked it’s because we’re looking for the familiar things. Blockage should be a sign you want to innovate. You want to go in a different direction and blockage is the conflict. What is the most impossible thing you can think of. Not readers; only you. Write that one scene. What can’t happen is always a good story.
Thanks 🙂 you’re advice is very welcome
I know the experience of words put down and then pushing the backspace button to wipe out phrases and even a whole sentence. My loving suggestion: stress not, do something pleasant, think spring!
They say that a pro doesn’t wait around for inspiration. They sit down and get shit done. So you’re well on the right path. 🙂
I’ve found the same to be true with regards to having a blog. There have been a few times that I wouldn’t have been able to get up the motivation to go to a poetry reading were it not for the blog.
Thanks 🙂 it’s good to know I’m not alone in this