Writers Block
I’m experiencing a maddening form of writers block. I have plenty to write about, but I can’t shape it into a form that pleases me. I feel as if I’ve lost any small skill to write in a coherent, meaningful way. I know the way out of this rut. It’s to write, trying to keep things brief and focused. Even that simple-sounding prescription feels beyond me today, though.
The current blockage is ironic. I haven’t posted in over a week because I was out of town for a writers conference. The speakers and sessions sent a combined message of humility and hope: write, hone your skills, continue in spite of almost inevitable rejection, and someday you may be published.
Midway through the conference I experienced a whopping low. I was suddenly certain that I was a hack and that my manuscript was crap and not worth any further time or effort. Either of those might be true. But if I follow the advice to keep writing and learning, then someday they might not be true.
I hope to be a better writer, therefore I write. It’s very simple, really.
February 13th, 2005 at 8:03 am
Sorry to hear you are blocked. I am stressed and have too much to do but somehow I keep going.
It was good to see something here, though as I was worried by the silence. I loved your
manuscript and promise to send more comments soon.