This is how I feel when the writing is going good. All the right words, all the right concepts. It flows, it’s fluid. It’s gooood!
This is how I feel when everything I write sucks. The words won’t come. Everything is sticky and stodgy and cliche and I’m convinced I simply can’t write, not at all.
Where’s the balance, people? What does a lowly writer have to do to find that smooth, even keel they are always talking about in life. Doesn’t it apply to writing? Why the hell not?
So, there you have it caught between Heaven and Hell and watching reality television. Ah…the writer’s life.
WC
Anita Rodgers Mystery Writer 
No one ever said it was going to be easy, did they?
I understand this post all too well, but you knew that anyway.
Before I began writing and knew nothing of the craft, I thought, how difficult can it be?
Great pics.
~m
Yup…funny how such an innocent thought can lead to so much trouble, eh? How hard could it be? 😆 I’m pretty sure I had that thought prior to just about every crazy, lame-brained and nutty thing I’ve ever done. You have to wonder why, don’t you? Oy!
WC
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holy crap that squirrel is awesome. it makes my theory of why they run in front of cars instead of waiting for them to pass true!
Yes, I have read that desolate, drunken squirrels do make excellent writers, however, they tend to be self-destructive. 😯
WC
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I wonder how people take pictures such as the one with the squirrel and the mini-bottle. Is it a real squirrel? Good luck with your writing!
LOL Catchy, I sure hope this was photoshopped and not a real life occurance. Yoiks! Thanks for the good wishes.
WC
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Just happened upon your blog and I am really enjoying it! Love that squirrel pic! LOL
I have always wanted to write and some day have a book – but so far after 51 years all I have is various bits and pieces of paper all in various boxes. However, about a year ago a friend got me to work on a blog with her – and from there I found I really like it – so now I co-author two with her, invented two on my own (this one thedietpulpit and its sister blog theonediet) – and even guest write on another (with a few other invited writers). So at least now I can stop collecting paper and keep all my ramblings online 🙂 who knows perhaps I’ll start other blogs one day for all my various writing interest. Lady Rose
Hey Rose,
Welcome to my humble abode. I’m glad you are enjoying yourself here. I took a peek at your blog and will probably be back for some advice on how to deal with my fat ass (I talk a lot about it, as you’ll see ifyou keep reading).
The pic was a fun find – glad I got the chance to use it.
WC
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Ah, the joys of writers’ block. It would be nice if there was some way to find a balance between the two wildly different extremes.
Maybe the only options out there are either to be a writer and bounce back and forth between the two extremes of the words flowing from the keys and writers’ block, or to be a non-writer and be stuck in the same boring place forever without really caring or even noticing.
~Kelsey
On most days I accept it. It comes and it goes. There is inspiration and then there is none. Some days though, it does drive me a bit bonkers. 😉
WC
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I think writing doesn’t have an “even keel.” If it didn’t have the miserable lows, writing could not have the amazing highs that we become so addicted to.
When this happens to me, I remind myself that it’s temporary. I work on a different project, preferably in a completely different genre. I do some line-editing of work I’ve already done. Anything to keep working, and yet, somehow, not remind myself that I’m having a bad writing day or week.
It will pass.
Pyro, you are such a calm and logical person – I simply don’t know what you see in me. 😆 You’re right, it does pass. But sometimes the passing takes a while.
WC
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Hi WC!
I love your post, you always entertain just like Anonymum said. I’m happy to read whatever you post and judging from your blogroll alot of other people like what you write too.
love
Kathy
Hey Kath!
Thanks, honey. I’m glad you get something out of it. I appreciate that.
WC
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Hi WC,
Personally, I drink heavily and smoke far too much, but I would probably do the same even if I didn’t write 🙂
the Grit
Hey Grit,
Nothing like Kentucky Koolaid and nicotene to get you through the rough patches, eh?
WC
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“Calm” and “logical” are not things I’m used to being called. 😉 And, yes, it may take some time to pass. So do kidney stones. 🙂
Ouch! Kidney stones. 😉
WC
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There are two primary dangers a writer faces when evaluating his or her own work.
1. Thinking every syllable is bloody genius.
2. Thinking every syllable is pure shite.
We must ignore both impulses.
Our writing ought to be in orbit around what we think/feel passionately about. We should read boatloads and then read some more.
If we want to be published (somewhere other than our own blogs) we must study markets we think our style fits, produce our best work, and submit it. Then learn from rejections, revise, re-write, and submit again. Then repeat. Over and over again, until the letter saying, “We’re pleased to inform you that we’re publishing your manuscript…” arrives in the mail.
And repeat again.
Keep writing, Writer Chick!
Blog Love,
Jim
Oh Jim, you make far too much sense for me. 😆 But, of course you’re right.
Blog love back atcha.
WC
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Sometimes ya just have to say fuck it and party with the squirrels.
Yes, and bring your own acorns. 😆
WC
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This is the 3rd post I’ve read this morning on writer’s feeling blocked. Whitishrabbit.wordpress.com posted a whole debate between her creative side and her self editor. And now you with the squirrel — quite amusing! Are rodents a recurring theme here?
Hey Ben,
Not sure about anyone else, but rodents do seem to be a recurring theme for me. Not sure if I should giggle or worry about it though.
WC
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Reality television. .. . that stuff is funny! Ohh I know how you feel, when you can just write something and it comes, and then sometimes you struggle like forever to think of something. Loveee the squirrel pic btw. =)
~H
You know, Hannah – maybe it’s just the process of the writing mind. What do you think?
WC
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For someone with writer’s block, you sure write a lot. 🙂 I think what you’re wanting is that next level, you managed a successful blog. So what is next for one writer chick? A collection of essays?
It’s an interesting thought but I think I take too many liberties as a writer to ever really be an essayist. But a new level would be something I could sink my teeth into.
WC
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Being a dabbler in writing myself, I overcome this by shutting off my brain and putting my hands into overdrive. I write exactly what is impulsed, and I don’t mull it over with myself. Editing can be done later.
This is why I haven’t written anything in months. It used to work for me, but now not so much. It might do the trick for you.
LOL – the DT rapid fire method of creative writing. It has a snappy premise – I’ll give you that. My only problem is that I can’t actually shut my brain off. I must be missing that switch. 😆
WC
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Well, I think you write wonderfully. Life is full of ebbs and flows, no matter what you are engaged in. I sure do know what you mean though, and there’s no writer that hasn’t experienced writer’s block. Just remember your advice some posts ago. Writers write. I think you just find a way to get to the other side of the block and keep writing. When the writing flow gets jammed you might want to try reading instead for awhile. Reading someone else’s writing will inspire you, and next thing you know an idea will spark to life and you’ll be hitting the keyboard. Or try a bit of mentoring. That’s bound to unblock some writing. Hopefully, I’ll be ready soon. Rough times though now, here in Alabama.
~ PG
Hey PG!
Good advice, all and as usual.
Rocky waters, out that way? I’m thinking of you, hon. Call me if you need me.
Love,
Annie
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