Tayari's Blog: Writers's Block? Writer's Break? Breakdown?
Posted by TayariJones on July 16, 2007 11:43 AM
Filed under
Writing
I am not sure what to call what I have been experiencing for the last few days. It seems wrong to cry "BLOCK" whenever the words don't come streaming from my consciousness to the page. I have been writing like crazy for the past four weeks, but for the last four days, I am just sort of out of ideas.
At the risk of sounding weird. I feel like a bottle of lotion that is almost empty. You can press the pump top aainst and again and it makes that weird noise and you might get a little bit of product,but basically, it's time to refill.
Back when we were doing The Artist's Way, there was a lot of emphasis on Artist's Dates which were activities to nuture your inner artists. People wrote in about all of the wonderful field-trips they were taking. I am wondering if I need to get out and do something that doesn't involve sitting at my writing table, because I think I have drained myself dry.
I am not ready to say that this is a writer's block. The word block implies that something is malfunctioning. When a bottle is empty it's not that the bottle is broken, it's just empty. So, this is not a block; I am just ready to take a much needed writer's break.
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There are 4 comments on "Writers's Block? Writer's Break? Breakdown?". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by carleen ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
I COMPLETELY understand. Last night I was distraught because I didn't get any real writing done yesterday. But this morning when I woke up I realized that I was just tired. Not a failure. Not in over my head. Just tired. Hope I can remember this next time.
July 16, 2007 03:34 PM
Comment #2, by Ladylee
Man up, Tayari... it's only temporary, just like a bad cold. You'll be back at the keyboard before you know it. Just look at how much you've done thusfar!
Yesterday, I sat down and wrote 31 pages of a story that I'd been discussing with one of my blog sisters last week. I need to edit it down to about 15 pages. (My teacher said be prepared to read long for the next class, so...) But I've only been eeking out about 600 words for each of the past two weeks, which has left this Oldgirl deeply disturbed and distraught. Hmmm...
My bottle of lotion is a bit full lately... open your top, feel free to take some of mine.
And remember, it's only temporary! When you fall off the horse, get up, chase that sucker down, and jump back on!
P.S. I mailed your package today. It may be of some help to you:)
July 16, 2007 04:08 PM
Comment #3, by LL
I'm not feeling prolific, either, I struggle with revisions for my Hurston/Wright poetry workshop tomorrow.
But Audre Lorde often keeps me encouraged when I'm stuck or feeling inadequate, so here's one of my favs. I pray it helps you.
"Be who you are and you will be
learn to cherish that boisterous Black Angel that drives you
up one day and down another
protecting the place where your power rises
running like hot blood
from the same source
as your pain."
Stay encouraged! See you soon in Texas!
Hugs,
Lamar
July 16, 2007 11:47 PM
Comment #4, by Jackie
I did the entire Artist's Way back in 2005 including an artist date every weekend. I created stuff and made stuff that even my son, the artist, admires when he comes to visit. I look at what I made and am astounded that such creativity came from me.
Get out of that room and go exploring with an open mind and an open heart. Take the time to think about something else. It's time for an artist date!
BTW, I liked that sleep mask so much I just ordered one. On my way now to the mailbox to send off the check.
July 17, 2007 12:11 PM