Category: Writer's Block

The Writer's Pause

11/13/2022

What is referred to as "writer's block" is closing in on me and I'm not sure of what to do, but I plan to step back, take a break, and then I'll be able to see the road in front of me.

Almost like coming to a roadblock, enjoying the pause, and then going forward to a place you've not seen before.

The trick may be not to call it writer's block, but a pause before inspiration strikes. And sometimes you just have to enjoy the view in front of you even if you can't go forward at the moment.

Photo Note: The bison are at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

0 Comments

Muse, Muscling Through, or Motivating

8/17/2019

When the Road Closed sign was in front of my house due to flooding, various drivers took the sign differently. At first, everyone turned around because it would have been disastrous to continue. Then, after the water went down enough to see the road signs and judge the depths better, some drivers of sturdy trucks chanced it. It may have been more of a risk than they realized as the pavement could have washed away. Luckily, the flood waters didn't damage this street.

Sometimes writers face something which correlates to the sign. A blank screen without a visible path. The options are similar to the ones for the people on the highway in front of my house. Power through and hope you don't get swept away, and have to replace the vehicle. Or, turn around—take another path. Spend a little longer on the process, but arrive at the destination. Different days result in different choices.

For the Road Closed sign at my house, something surprised me. I had a lot of conversations with people who told me they'd turned around in my driveway. I had no idea how many acquaintances knew where I lived. I chatted with a neighbor I'd never before met.

I hope the flood waters do not ever return—particularly for my friends who were devastated by the situation. I'm pleased it's behind me.

But whichever path a person takes, either on the street or the page, the results are the same. A choice to get to the destination.

Photo credit: Liz Tyner

The Writer's Pause

Muse, Muscling Through, or Motivating

Archives

Categories