Thursday, August 14, 2008

"Writers Block"

I took a little time away from my writing this week. An author I admire, with a writing style similar to mine (lots of sarcasm and plant metaphors), commented on the fact "writers block" is not appropriately named. The term block, she notes, implies the idea that you are stuck or that something is in the way of that naturally perfect writing we all hope to put down, when in reality its more that you are simply empty. So what this means, for me that is, is that one more little piece to the grand puzzle that is writing has been found and rescued from underneath the couch - where it hung out, collecting dust, while I continued to search the box.

Sometimes you just have to get out of the way. I tend to over-analyze things. Especially while I drive. I can literally spend a good forty-five minutes deciding whether or not I'm going to get pulled over and given a ticket by going 15 over the limit in comparison to the six other cars that just passed me doing 35 over, all the while factoring in the day of the week, the remoteness of the area I'm driving through, the time of day, and the location of the nearest Dunkin' Doughnuts.

Just recently I started doing this with my writing. I was actually spending more time wondering if I was any good, what my odds were of actually being successful - let alone making a career out of it, and trying to figure out what to write about, than I was actually writing. As it turns out I was just having an "empty" week and my constant worry-some nature took over.

So thanks for the supportive comments - it really means a lot!

Lizzy

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I tend to over analyze things too.

In fact I was just doing that about my job before I decided it wasn't going to help so now I've moved on to checking the new posts on my blogs. Heh.

Unknown said...

I find that when “empty” it’s a simple matter of filling up. How, you ask? Lots and lots of ginseng, caffeine, and sugar. Perhaps it’s cheating, but give your body enough, and oh it will find something to say. Well, now you know my secret. Shhh, don’t tell.