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Writer's Block - 12/9/2010 12:38:01 PM

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I am posting this here in hopes that some of you may be able to help me or give me insite.

I enjoy writing, but since the passing of my mom I have been unable to write.
Has anyone had this happen and how did you deal with it?
Or does anyone have any idea how to get past the block?

Thank you all in advance

RE: Writer's Block - 12/9/2010 1:19:12 PM

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My condolences on your loss.

If the passing of your mother was recent, it may simply be too soon and your mind too distracted by your loss and grief. You may need to simply set writing aside for a while (a few weeks to a few months) until you have had a chance to put your emotional house in order.

I’m not a psychologist (but I’ll play one on Collarme

) but is it possible that your desire to get back to writing is simply an attempt on your part to not “deal” with your mother’s passing? Something to consider.

If it has been a while since your mother’s passing then maybe you are using it as an excuse to not write? Something else to consider.

One technique I find works for me in combating writers block is to set it aside for a week or so and work on some other piece of writing or spend a few evenings in some other activity such as music, reading, or computer games (or spanking my gal pal

) I think one of the problems is that we go over what we have written so much that we become bored with it, after a week or so, though, it may seem fresh.

I hope things get better for you.

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/9/2010 1:23:13 PM

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Edite to say:

Opps! Double post!

< Message edited by Marc2b -- 12/9/2010 1:24:01 PM >

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/9/2010 1:49:57 PM

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Thank you Marc2b, it has been over two years now.
I have sat down and tried to write again, but it seems my mind is empty.
I have tried all the things that used to trigger my writing to no avail.
Stepping away from my writing is what I did to deal with moms passing.

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/9/2010 2:33:05 PM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: subinlife

Thank you Marc2b, it has been over two years now.
I have sat down and tried to write again, but it seems my mind is empty.
I have tried all the things that used to trigger my writing to no avail.
Stepping away from my writing is what I did to deal with moms passing.

Have you tried to write about your mother?

It doesn't have to be in the same form you are accustomed to writing in.

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/9/2010 3:13:36 PM

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I know all about the block, I'm dealing with it now by switching from my main story, to another that's been floating around in my head for a while.

But from your description, your block is a lot different than mine. All I can suggest it try putting words to paper, or monitor so to speak, and let the story flow.

< Message edited by subrob1967 -- 12/9/2010 3:14:16 PM >

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/9/2010 4:07:09 PM

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Thank you for the replies.

I have tried to write about mom but can't seem to start anyplace.
I havn't tried lately, but I will again.

Subrob, I know the feeling.
I call it my head getting ahead of my pen.
Usually I will just grab a different piece of paper and write down notes lol.

Edited: cuz I can't spell tonight.

< Message edited by subinlife -- 12/9/2010 4:09:42 PM >

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/10/2010 3:06:54 AM

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Hello,
May I suggest trying to express yourself in tiny snippets? Perhaps make a collage - with some words, create a scrapbook, make a picture book? Find a poem or article or comic strip that stirs you, put it in a frame or a book, write about that thing. What was the allure of it?

Write a letter to your mom. Tell her about your writer's block - in great detail. Try writing differently than you used to. If you wrote fiction, try writing an article for a newspaper. If you used to write poetry or songs, try writing a short story. Write postcards to your friends and family. They are small and easy to write, and people love to get them.

Have you seen the book Writing Down the Bones? It's chock a block full of exercises.

Oh, and be gentle with yourself.

best,
sunshine

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/10/2010 6:52:48 AM

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Thank you Sunshinemiss.

I hadn't heard of the book, but I will look for it.
I will try the other things you mention also.

It took me 13 years to write to my grandmother after she passed, we were extremely close.
I hadn't thought of it, but I may try writing to her about mom's passing.

All of you have wonderful ideas which I will be trying.

Thank you all soo much, from my heart.
My writing has always meant so much to me, and I miss it.

* cyber hugs* to all of you.

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/16/2010 8:09:27 PM

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Hi subinlife,

I've never yet had grief-induced writer's block. But I do sometimes have trouble writing, though.

When I look at the computer and squirm and feel uncomfortable and don't want to be there, it's often because I'm missing some important world-building or character understanding, or I don't know what happens next. I'll write down questions in a notebook, lie down, and start daydreaming and then ideas pop into my head. I scribble out the possibilities for an hour or so. Then I'm ready to write again.

Sometimes when I don't want to write, (the writing process can be tedious!) I go set the kitchen timer for an hour or whatever, and tell myself I'll write until the timer goes off. It's enforced self-discipline. The time adds up.

I hope you're able to work things out.

January

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/16/2010 11:40:23 PM

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Thank you January, at this point I will try anything.

I feel the need to write.
When I get a pen and paper or open the pages here on the computer, my mind goes blank.

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/17/2010 12:37:31 AM

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one thing I tried was to write a letter to my deceased son and told him about everything that I went through since his passing and then I was to be able to do a lil more writing

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/17/2010 7:17:18 AM

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Subinlife, I share your writer's block but not for the same reason. I'm sorry for your loss.

Might I suggest small writing challenges? There is something oddly necessary about someone 'daring' you to write about something specific. It can be short and therefore not taxing, but hopefully it will not only get you into the swing of your own particular narrative voice, but it will get the creative juices flowing.

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/17/2010 8:45:44 AM

SylvereApLeanan

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There are a number of ways to combat writer's block. One way is to create a "mind map." Take a word...any word will do but a broad subject such as movies or baseball is best...and write that in the middle of a sheet of notebook paper or a legal pad. Now write down everything you can think of that relates to your topic. Then write down anything that relates to any of the words you write down and keep branching out until you have an idea you'd like to write about.

For example, if you use the subject "pets" you might write down the following: dog, cat, fish, gerbil, bird-->sparrow, bluejay, pelican, eagle-->hunter, prey, USA, nobility-->virtue, middle ages, knights, history

When you find something that sparks your interest, do some free writing. Write anything you can think of that has to do with your topic and just let the words flow without really thinking about them. Even if they don't seem to make sense or relate to your subject, just write. See where it leads you. The point is to get words on paper or on your computer screen. Don't censor yourself, just write.

If you write fiction, you could also create a character bio. Start with the name and physical appearance of your character and then branch out into his/her job, family, hobbies, religious/spiritual philosophy, and so on. Once you've created a well-rounded person, put your character into different situations and see how s/he reacts. There could be a story in there somewhere.

Stay creative and best of luck.

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/17/2010 9:13:31 AM

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I've also used this technique:

Write 5 things for each of your senses...

I can see the lithgt shingin on my ivy plant.
I see the mess of papers in the corner.
I see a pillow on the floor.
I see the red wall hanging.
I see my computer screen.

And tehn I might write about - how the colors of the leaves change on the plant based on the light or I'll write about where I got the re wall hanging or how frustrated I am by the blank screen.

I can hear Maroon 5 through my speakers.
I can hear the clock ticking.
I can hear the pipes.
I can hear my next door neighbor trying hard ot be quiet.
I can hear my fingers clicking on the computer.

And then I write about ... my friend who introduced maroon 5 to me or the clock in my Grandmother's kitchen or how much I like my neighbor...
and so on until I start writing more freely. It's rather like the mind maps (I call them word webs) that SAL mentioned. I like having the here and now, sensory thing. It's broad enough and yet narrow enough for me.

Good luck. How's it coming? You had mentioned you would try some of the suggestions. Have you? Have they worked at all?

best,
sunshine

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/17/2010 11:54:27 AM

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try drawing, i do both and if i have a 'block' with one doing the other can sometimes get me out of it

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/18/2010 3:45:16 PM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: subinlife
When I get a pen and paper or open the pages here on the computer, my mind goes blank.

First of all, condolences on the passing of your mother.

Next, it may well have something to do with the way you write. I have sat in front of a blank computer screen and being dry as a bone. I have had no ideas.

My solution to do things differently from before. I started to carry a notebook around with me. I use it to develop raw ideas amongst other things. Inspiration enters my head and before it vanishes I write it down. I then go on to see how the idea can be developed, some call this pre-drafting.

If you haven't got any ideas you word count will be similarly non-existant. Keeping a note book helps to capture and then refine ideas. When you get behind your keyboard again you've got something to write about.

This works for me, perhaps it might work for yourself as well.

In any event, I sincerely hope the words to write return very soon.

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/19/2010 11:26:52 PM

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FR

my deep condolences.

Perhaps using your posts in this thread as a starting point would help. Take these posts and expand on them, flesh them out, keep going . . . It may not be your normal writing style or form, but it's someplace and needn't become a finished, formal piece. As Goldberg wrote in Writing Down the Bones, lay track.*

*At least, i think that's where i read it.

< Message edited by petmonkey -- 12/19/2010 11:27:57 PM >

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/20/2010 12:16:26 AM

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I write best with a foil. No one around? I go straight to collar me and read a little. There's ALWAYS something I have an opinion about. Even if I have to go to Religion and Politics. LOL! That forum is guaranteed to get the juices flowing, right? Once flowing, ride the wave.

Self-referential almost always works for me. Got this one from Truman Capote when he was interviewed by Johnny Carson.
// Lance shows his age. //
Johnny asked, "Mr. Capote, you are well know for being an intellectual. I'm wondering what you do at a party when you get bored? Do you leave or what?" Capote answered, "I figure out why I feel bored and that in itself is interesting."

In your case, you came here asking how YOU could break your block.... None of us really know. We can only tell you what we do. It's just like the "What do I do to solve the problem that I'm having with my husband / mother / Dom?" thread that comes up all the time.

So, my suggestion is to write to yourself about the problem you're having. Pretend you're writing to your good friend Ann, who has been your friend through thick and thin. Tell Ann about the successes you shared with her - the ones about your writing.... how a certain turn of phrase made you want to write that way over and over again. Tell Ann about your block and see what she tells you from her good spirit of helpfulness and from her concern for you, but mainly so that the good friend you are to her is "paid back" for your long years of helping her with all the problems she laid at your door.

I can just hear her now.... "you remember the time you wrote that piece on <____> and I told you what I really thought and you changed it even though you thought I was wrong? Remember how good it turned out after we worked on it together? Well, honey, I'll help you over this hump if I can. Let's make a pot of tea and just chat....."

Ann's a DAMN fine friend. I bet she'll be real pissed if you don't ask for help..... LOL!
--------------
Next technique:

I frigging HATE outlines. In high school, I'd write the essay, and then back it into the outline. Sometimes seeing the underlying structure would help me improve it.

So, if you're like me, FORCE yourself to write the outline..... Day-um! The writer's block disappears and the words flow. Given the choice between writing and making an outline - there is no choice. The secret? As soon as the outline starts forming in my head, I want to write the support for point A, holding point B aside <or more correctly A needs to flow into B>

Hope these ideas might help.
-------------------
My condolences upon the passing of your mother.

I have had alot of grief consueling. I'll tell you this: No one is allowed (in my world) to say anything resmbling "It's time to stop grieving. You should be over your grief by now." You hear that from anyone - send 'em to me and I'll "assist" them in developing a new attitude toward other's grieving.

// I add.... No one above did anything like that, you might have noticed. //

----------

ETA: Upon review, you might be having a problem writing since you don't know what to write about.

Are you trying to write to an assignment? Against a dead-line?

Here's your assignment:

Check out this wonderful "Random Act of Culture" on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp_RHnQ-jgU - Write a review from a "wish I had been there" POV. (You'll find that very easy to do, I'll wager.) Next explore the whole RAC concept by looking at some of the other ones recorded there. I liked the RAC of a Tango in the airport. And this concept then feeds into the "flash mob" idea - and then into the "freeze flash mob" concept (in Paris). Relate these public art performances to the technological needs to create them, especially with regards to sychronizing them over space and time and with regarsd to recording them for viewing - closest thing I can think of was an Esther williams swimming movie. The youtube link above has been viewed more than 6 Million times! Oh, and by the way, your target audience is the www.KnightArts.org web-site itself.

< Message edited by LanceHughes -- 12/20/2010 12:46:56 AM >

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RE: Writer's Block - 12/20/2010 7:03:52 AM

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Thank you Lance for the email.

Thank you all for your help.

Sorry I hadn't checked this is a few days, was lost in my kitchen baking and making candy. lol
Started keeping index cards near by to make notes on, hopeing they will lead to something bigger.
You have given me so many wonderful ideas. I have also done some serious soul searching.
My writing style used to be about what I saw and felt in life. Not in story form, but in a type of poetry.
Maybe that is what I need to change, stop trying to make it like it was.

I promise I will keep up with this thread and everyones ideas. Let you know what happens and what might work.
I wish I could hug all of you for your help and kindness.

May you have a Peaceful and Happy Holiday season.

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