I’m somewhat of a self-deprecating person at times, but there is one thing that I can say. I have certain artistic and creative abilities that could really benefit me in life. I used to be so inspired and full of ideas and passion. I was strong enough to take all of the crazy and frightening things in my life and turn them into poetry, lyrics, and music.
I basically pushed all of those talents I had aside when I entered my previous relationship. I figured that maybe they were a waste of time, and I’d better go back to school and get a real job since I had found someone I wanted to spend my life with.
Needless to say, she broke my heart in the worst way possible. I’m over her, and I don’t want her back. All I want is the frame of mind to build upon my life as I once had, rather than these empty thoughts. At first I figured that maybe it was a good thing. I’ve long since written of heartbreak and pain, but after actually truly enduring it, I’ve found myself drained of all the imaginative energy that used to flow through my veins.
Youth is fleeting. You’re only so young at one point in your life. I won’t be able to do what I do forever. That should be enough incentive to push myself, but it doesn’t seem to be working. I’m terrified of letting these opportunities pass me by. In other words, I’m asking for the cure to writer’s block. Any suggestions are appreciated….
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You know, everything you just said, is exactly how I feel and have been feeling for months now. Funny that. I’m currently trying to really get a book idea I have moving and get published next year.
I can’t really say what a good motivator is. For me it’s listening to music, that’s where I get my ideas from. Just listening to emotive songs, and thinking about scenarious in my head that fit the music (I typically start writing a story with strong characters in mind). But that works for me. What works for you will most likely be completely different.
Think about it this way. What do you want to communicate with your writing? Are you writing to make a statement? Are you writing about what you know? Writing to appeal to a popular market, or to give people a chance to lose themselves in a book and escape from reality?
Don’t worry and don’t delay. Unplug your modem and open up a new document and start writing.
I go through bouts of writer’s block too, so I understand. BTW, there are some things you need to write now while they’re fresh. There are others you will only be able to write after much more experience. It’s a lifelong pursuit. And even if you have to do a job you don’t like, you can still write.
i wish i could offer some advice - not too familiar with writers block though. i am the same age as you though so i can definitely relate to what you’re saying about youth being fleeting. personally, i feel like i’m really loosing time and not doing what i really want. BUT, reading your post, i’m trying to remind myself that even though your age can change the dynamics of certain things (i.e. social life etc.) there’s really nothing that can stop you if you don’t give up. your age doesn’t really matter - especially this day and age. i think that you have time - no matter what. imo, just keep pushing through. you’ll get past your writers block eventually.
Well, I need to tell you right now, Chris. Your post was such a pleasure to read. You definitely have huge talent. And I don’t just say that to anyone…
Do it a little at a time. Make a habit of writing even it’s you only start by writing down thoughts in you diary at night before bed. You just need to start making a habit of it. It’ll come back. Inspiration will hit you when you least expect it. I don’t think this is something that will go away. It’s a part of you and always will be.
By the way, can I add you to my friends list? Please invite me to your future posts. I’m not kidding. I’ve absolutely loved reading this one… and it would be a pleasure in the future as well, I’m sure.
Solus wrote: You know, everything you just said, is exactly how I feel and have been feeling for months now. Funny that. I’m currently trying to really get a book idea I have moving and get published next year.
I can’t really say what a good motivator is. For me it’s listening to music, that’s where I get my ideas from. Just listening to emotive songs, and thinking about scenarious in my head that fit the music (I typically start writing a story with strong characters in mind). But that works for me. What works for you will most likely be completely different.
Think about it this way. What do you want to communicate with your writing? Are you writing to make a statement? Are you writing about what you know? Writing to appeal to a popular market, or to give people a chance to lose themselves in a book and escape from reality?
I listen to music every day, all day. Every genre possible. It stirs up my emotions a bit, but kind of messes me up simultaneously. It reminds me of what I want to be doing. Nevertheless, I still listen. Maybe there’s something there….
As for what I’m trying to do? I’m trying to do everything that you mentioned. I want to do it all!
griffin195 wrote: Pray :)
Actually, I’ve written a lot about my lack of faith. Some of my best material comes from that. So really, the idea of praying has helped a lot. I know that’s not quite what you meant, but at least the idea of religion inspires me in some way I suppose.
Marylou wrote: Well, I need to tell you right now, Chris. Your post was such a pleasure to read. You definitely have huge talent. And I don’t just say that to anyone…
Do it a little at a time. Make a habit of writing even it’s you only start by writing down thoughts in you diary at night before bed. You just need to start making a habit of it. It’ll come back. Inspiration will hit you when you least expect it. I don’t think this is something that will go away. It’s a part of you and always will be.
By the way, can I add you to my friends list? Please invite me to your future posts. I’m not kidding. I’ve absolutely loved reading this one… and it would be a pleasure in the future as well, I’m sure.
:)
Thank you so much. I do write a little bit at a time, but I find it frustrating compared to the productivity of a few years ago. I could write pages of material for hours on end, and now I can barely compose a few sentences. You’re right, I know it will always be here, but I also know that my best work is contained within my current mentality. It’s kind of difficult to explain. I just need to tap into it somehow….
BTW, of course you can add me to your friends list. I don’t post much, but I’ll invite you when I do. Thanks for the advice, too. I really appreciate it.
Yes actually try writers groups. See if you can find yourself a group that meets every week. Most of them you can go along for free, as long as you bring in your own material to submit for discussion and review.
Maybe even a book club (if you read as much as you write that is).
I also agree with the advice of forcing yourself to write a little bit each day. Pretty sure that’s how authors like Steven King write their books. A little every day. What part of writing do you enjoy the most? As in, do you enjoy coming up with a good, complex story? Or are you moved more by characters? Theme? If you get me.
It’s hard to give advice on how to get inspiration because the very essence of inspiration is sudden and unplanned. It just happens. But you can discipline yourself to work everyday on your chosen craft (in your case, writing) and maybe inspiration will follow. Good luck :)
Answer those three questions and you can help yourself get back to where you need to be..
Life is not so simple but it’s also not so complicated as we make it.. Dream and talk, sing and put the words on paper.. Laugh and write why you feel the silly need to laugh and write about it, lol..
Getting rid of the block is easy, directing your energy is a bit of a chore, lol..
Think about your life in this manner.. You wont quit, you wont surrender, if neessary you’ll go down with the ship.. You have to be complete in your feeling of caring for and nurturing you in order for creativity to flow..
You are your greatest asset, you’re your best friend and the one you can always count on to pull you through any situation. You’ll find friends along the way that can help, but no one, and I mean no one will serve you better than you.. Be your own best friend, do these things that your heart needs to heal itself..
The good thing about writer’s block is that, like all other things, it too shall pass. As for a cure … well … I’m not aware of one. I’m afraid writer’s block is just one of those things that has to run its course. I know, from my own personal experience, that I can sit and try to break through the psychologica barrier which prevents my mind from gleaning new ideas, but minutes turn into hours, and I soon find myself at the same point from which I first started. At some point, I usually give up and go read a book or find some other activity that requires very little thought.
Imus wrote: Answer those three questions and you can help yourself get back to where you need to be..
Life is not so simple but it’s also not so complicated as we make it.. Dream and talk, sing and put the words on paper.. Laugh and write why you feel the silly need to laugh and write about it, lol..
Getting rid of the block is easy, directing your energy is a bit of a chore, lol..
Imus wrote: Think about your life in this manner.. You wont quit, you wont surrender, if neessary you’ll go down with the ship.. You have to be complete in your feeling of caring for and nurturing you in order for creativity to flow..
You might actually be right. While my subjects are often serious, I was always able to laugh before. I don’t think I smile nearly half as much as I did when I did my best writing. I had a lot more fun, but now it’s a bit sporadic. I don’t get out as much as I used to.
BTW, I actually love that song. I’m sorry, but I’m not quite sure what you mean by being “complete”. Could you elaborate a little?
I say complete because it’s the only word I know to describe what I mean, lol.. You need to let go of the fear and insecurity involved in losing.. You did everything you could, accept it and move forward.. this is what I call complete and it means go forward knowing you did your best and even if it didn’t work it was as much as you could do in the situation, therefore “complete.”
Free write pen to paper. No backspace. Not even full sentences if you can’t do them.
There’s something very intimate about the physical act of writing on paper that isn’t there when typing. Just doodle circles if your mind is blank. The movement of the pen gets your brain going. Just start with snippets no pressure. Write about yourself. Maybe respond to an interesting writing prompt.
I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and suggestions. I’ve taken parts of all your good advice and applied them to this situation. It seems to be working quite well. I even hear poetry in my dreams, and I’m able to wake up and write down what I’ve heard. That hasn’t happened to me in years. Once again, thank you all very much. It means a lot to me. :-)
Hey Chris, I too am a writer of sorts. I love to sit down with a cup of coffee and brainstorm new ideas. I am an inventor and Reality TV show writer who just had my show concept registered by the Writer’s Guild Of America. I often get writer’s block as you do and I often find that, when I “remove” myself from the task at hand I can often find myself going back at a later time. I suggest that you put your pen down, take a break and wait for the mood to “strike” you again. Carry a pad and pen at all times for when that “mood strikes”. My son is also a musician and writer, he is currently in college pursing his Master’s Degree in English. Along with this, he finds times to work part-time and stay Musically in tuned. Please give yourself the room to grow and develop your writing ideas! It will work out! Every writer experiences writer’s block and you too will overcome it. You also mentioned that you cannot do what you do forever…why not? If it is your PASSION…time and the sky’s the limit!
Marie
Hey Chris, I saw your post from a few years back. I broke up with my soulmate because he was in the “lifestyle”. Could you email me at i> small>(email removed) /small> /i>. I would like your advice.
Thank you.
Broken hearted
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