What does an artist do when she runs out of ideas? What does a writer do when the words won’t come?
In my case, it’s not the lack of ideas that is the issue. Ideas materialize but I don’t know what to do with them. Or the more I think about them, the lamer they seem. Sometimes the story is partially written and I don’t like it. It sounds like junk. I don’t know how to fix or where to take it next. Sometimes I know the essence of what I want to say but can’t find the right phrasing. These issues are sometimes called writer’s block, if they are strong enough to stop you from writing.
Writer’s block is just another name for fear. ∼Jacob Nordby
Sometimes it is looking for perfection that stymies me. Trying too hard to meet some imagined ideal and not listening to my soul. Sometimes I can write through the problem, much as an athlete pushes through muscle fatigue. I just keep going, not worrying about quality, trusting the process will help me find what fits.
Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all. ∼Charles Bukowski
To get over artist’s block, make shitty art. ∼Dave Horowitz
Sometimes I need to walk away for a while. Literally. A walk, especially out in nature, is great for rejuvenating the body and the mind. And figuratively. Concentrating on something else for a while allows things to percolate in my subconscious. Visiting an art gallery or experiencing art in other forms nurtures and heals the creative spirit. Listening to music opens the emotions.
Your unconscious can’t work when you are breathing down its neck. ∼Anne Lamott
Always stop while you are going good and don’t think or worry about it until you start to write the next day. That way your subconscious will work on it all the time. ∼Ernest Hemingway
Sometimes when I try to force the words which won’t materialize, I have to accept the universe may be telling me it is time to rest. Time to catch up on other chores. Time to relax. When I’m back at my desk the next day, the words will flow. The trick is not to stay away too long, not to wait for some magic inspiration, but try again, start writing and let the writing inspire.
Writer’s block is my unconscious mind telling me that something I’ve just written is either unbelievable or unimportant to me, and I solve it by going back and reinventing some part of what I’ve already written so that when I write again, it is believable and interesting to me. ∼Orson Scott Card
Chain that muse to your desk and get the job done. ∼Barbara Kingsolver
Loved this post ,Donna…I experience these same issues as a writer. But I have to say that 90 percent of the time, it has to do with fatigue…both physical and spiritual. I do what you do – go for a walk, take a nap, or read a good book…something that someone else wrote:)
Thanks Jacquie. I think you’re right – fatigue is often a factor.
I like the quote about the unconscious not working when you’re breathing down its neck. Also, Jacquie’s comment about physical and spiritual fatigue really does play such a role. I have a mangled, shitty first draft of my novel and it was like pulling teeth every step of the way. But it wasn’t because I don’t know how to write anymore after years of not writing creatively, there were so many things in my life (and marriage) just dragging me down in ways I wouldn’t even articulate. So now it’s time to put Humpty Dumpty back together again piece by piece.
Jeri, I think that saying about the unconscious not working when you’re breathing down its neck may have been written especially for me. I’m sorry you went through a period of being dragged down, but I have confidence you’ll put the pieces back together. I glad you shared that with me. I’m having trouble maintaining interest in my creative writing these days and reading your comment made me realize it may have more to do with my emotional state as I cope with a tough situation a family member is going through than with my ability. My Humpty Dumpty turn will come.