Montenegro Girl x
What writer’s block taught me about following a dream
Writer’s block is a real thing. It has been turning up for me every time I want to write something great on my blog. My hope and determination are high and ready for action, but the actual flow of words has declined the invitation. They lie shrivelled up in a corner like a dry bone. I have realised that I need to loosen up the writing muscles a little. They have been vegging out on the sofa for some months now and are out of shape.
But I have a plan. 500 words a day. I’m lowering the bar of expectation and keeping it simple. Maybe something great may appear in time. Maybe not. But at least I am going to follow the call of my heart and write.
After some internet smooching around, it turns out that I am not alone in this approach. I am both reassured and encouraged.
Writer’s block, the pandemic & discipline
First of all, apparently, lots of writers are experiencing a very dry spell as a result of this pandemic. According to Stephanie Duncan Smith of Slant Letter it is not unusual to be struggling to come up with creative ideas and flow at this time. Hitting the “pandemic wall” is real. For writers and for us all.
And secondly. Turns out writing 500 words a day is a fantastic practice to become a writer. A writer, who does not just talk about writing but actually produces something. Jeff Goins discussed this in his very helpful article The secret to developing a regular writing habit.
So, as I turn my focus back to the blog and try to balance my frustrated desire, my high expectations and the bone-dry core of my writing soul, I am wondering if I should apply some of the Montenegro Girl ethos into my attitude to writing. (No brainer really, huh?! Why didn’t I think of that before?).
Here’s what it is saying to me.
Overcoming writer’s block and following a dream
Acknowledge the burn to write. But recognise that greatness (even, good-ness!) doesn’t happen in a day. It comes from practice. It comes with the ups and downs of trial, persistence and development. It is good to have dreams, but living a creative life isn’t born out of pressure. Keep it simple. Be gentle on yourself, but disciplined. Because a writer becomes a writer by writing.
And to that I want to also add this.
A life is lived, by living.
Because whether you have aspirations for writing or some other call beckoning deep down, we follow our dreams one step at a time. Over the months and years. Through the highs and lows, the obstacles, the wrong turns. And the enforced pauses.
Perhaps as it is in writing, so it is in life.
If you are hitting your “pandemic wall” right now, let me encourage you.
Acknowledge the burn to do what your heart calls you to inside.
But recognise that greatness doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from practice. It comes with the ups and downs of trial and persistence.
It is good that you have your dream, but living a creative life isn’t born out of pressure.
Keep it simple, my friend. Be gentle on yourself but develop discipline.
Because you can only build the life of your dreams, by actually living the life you have in front of you.
Montenegro Girl x
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Really great advice, practice, trial and persistence, it works for everything. Although with writing, I’m kind of the opposite. When the world is open I tend to bang about, busy, travel, whatever. Writing slides away. In pandemic, it becomes a friend, can do happy, sad, funny, adventure, fantasy, all in fiction, my choice. My daily goal is edit previous bits and add new scene. My procrastination is fixing up my apartment. To me, that’s work, and tiring. I try to do one thing each day, clear a top, sort a file, throw or give away a bag. I definitely applaud and admire your efforts there, moving to a new country and fixing up a home, that’s huge. Writing is easy or at least sitting and making up stuff is, whether it’s good or not is another bucket. But it’s kept me going, day after empty day. Research for projects is learning something new, keeping the brain engaged. And how I came to this blog! Now, if I could put the same thought into exercise, oh well, we all need room for improvement. All I ask of myself is to each day be productive, whatever arena. Generally, I’ve managed to avoid pandemic wall, sometimes just knitting a scarf relaxes enough to move forward. One of my best tricks is to each morning make a plan, a list of what needs doing, it helps to stay focused. Even if I don’t get to it, it serves as motivation and purpose. Staying grounded is success.
Hi Kathy. Sounds like you have a great attitude and have found a very positive way to keep going and stay motivated during these strange times – without pressurising yourself. I agree on the tip for the planning list each morning – it is something I find very helpful too. It is a really great opportunity to write at the moment as you say, as there are so many less distractions and it is also very therapeutic. It is good to remind myself of that. Thanks so much for the encouraging and inspiring comment. And all the best with your writing!