This is all about finding your inspiration when you think it’s lost. Because it never is lost, not really. It’s just covered up with other stuff, like life, fear, sloth and insecurity, among other things. Writer’s block is in our minds and we can use our minds to overcome it and find our muse again. Want to find your muse? Having a regular writing practice –no matter what you write–gets the pump primed. Make it habit each day to sit down and write whatever comes out, even if you think it’s crap. It may be. But it’s like the rusty water that comes out of a tap that hasn’t been used for a while. Run the water for a while and the water turns clear. Be patient.
People who are not writers may think what we do is easy, and it is, for some of us. But for others, especially those who write first person, it’s like bleeding on the page. And it’s hard work. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, only what you think. Keep writing.
My well rarely goes dry, but it did a few weeks ago. I sat with it a day or two, and then I started looking around me. What was going on in my sphere and how could I write about it? Yes, sometimes it doesn’t magically appear. Sometimes you have to hunt inspiration down with a club.
Like me, I know plenty of people who say they’re writers but don’t write. As someone once said to me years ago, “Writers write.” Yep. So true.
This is so true for me and maybe it is for you, too. Sometimes, in the process of writing an opinion I change my mind. Isn’t that interesting?
Chekhov knew of what he spoke. If you can’t write anything else, describe your surroundings or things that have happened in a few different ways. It’s a fun writing prompt.
This is my favorite reason to not write: I can’t figure out a way not to hurt someone. Well, Lamott is right. If people wanted me to write warmly about them, they really SHOULD have behaved better!
It’s tempting to rest on our laurels after the first draft, but that was the easy draft. The second draft MUST follow and I love this advice.
What an interesting though this is. Thank you, Samuel Johnson.
I’m writing, writing, writing, writing and writing…and then writing more.
Hemingway is so right at that. Although he was a master. Did he know it? I think we feel we never become master writers and that’s a good thing. It keeps us growing
This is my new mantra. Funny how it adds up.
I hope these little tidbits helped you on your writer’s journey. If you’ve got something inspirational to share–or anything at all, including a lament–a differing opinion–whatever–do so in the Comments section. Thank you!
I have so much to write about this month on events I’ve attended or items I must review. I want to finally start writing my book but can’t seem to find the time to do it. That seems wrong but for the life of me I can’t seem to figure out to carve out time for it AND have a life! Writing, writing, writing – yep – that’s the way to go, Carol.
I have only recently added daily thoughts to my blog. Not particularly that other people would be interested but to dump what’s in my head. I can’t believe when I free myself from the rest of my blog, how I find something to write about. It gets me into the habit of writing every day. I love this post!
I honestly haven’t completed any one project in 25 years, I definitely think there is a drought in my mind. The only thing I can manage to write is my blog, and only when the mood strikes me. Totally frustrating..
You are not only prolific but every post is interesting and in the last year of reading you I’ve never read a “filler” post. These are great posts and helpful for me now as I struggle with having precious few new ideas to write and share. But I keep writing (almost) daily.
Superb advice for artists too Carol. Will apply immediately. Brush or pastel stick to the paper, inspired or not. Thank you for this important encouragement and reminder that the creative process is actually a “practice”.
I’ve experienced a bit of a drought lately, but then I realize how much I’ve written and it doesn’t seem so bad. The difference is now I’m writing for more than my blog and, let’s face it, there’s only so much time in the day (and night). I love all these quotes, and your words ring true!
b
Hi Carol! Awesome tips for sure. I am a big fan of Julie Cameron’s the artists way and I do my morning pages every morning no matter what! Of course some days it comes easier than others but I have learned after writing so long that I CAN write no matter what! (of course some times it’s crap and needs to be completely rewritten!) But at least I now know that I don’t have to have anything special happen in order to get it out. ~Kathy
This is terrific inspiration Carol. I pinned this so I could go back again and again. I’ve not found that I’ve had writers block, but I have felt that it may not be good enough sometimes. Then I remember that it will all not be “gold”.
They make it sound so e-a-s-y don’t they. Writing is like bleeding yourself in front of a crowd- that’s me btw. BUT- all great advice. I think I’ll slap them on my forehead.
One of my faves: The simple but true, “Writers write.” If I claim to be one, I better be writing. Good, bad, for myself, for others. It matters not. Writers write.
Hello Carol, I’m a freshman in this lovely group of woman who support and applaud each other! You breathe inspiration into me, thank you. For me, writing provides such a high but not until I’ve finished, which of course takes like a cazillion edits. When I click “Publish” excitement kicks in and I feel free and fulfilled.
I have most of these quotes in my office and I just love them. I don’t have any trouble finding something to write about my trouble is finding the time to write everything I want to write.
Of course if I am honest I do get side tracked by social media, phone calls and nice weather. During the summer I decided to get up a bit earlier to get some writing done.
After reading this, I realize I have to make the time to write things other than blog posts. Just write and use my imagination. Thanks for the quotes and post!
I am not yet a writer for pay so I have never been on deadline. If I ever get into freelance writing I hope that my daily blogging practice will provide me with the skills to work through writer’s block.
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I have so much to write about this month on events I’ve attended or items I must review. I want to finally start writing my book but can’t seem to find the time to do it. That seems wrong but for the life of me I can’t seem to figure out to carve out time for it AND have a life! Writing, writing, writing – yep – that’s the way to go, Carol.
Time, if only we could expand it!
I have only recently added daily thoughts to my blog. Not particularly that other people would be interested but to dump what’s in my head. I can’t believe when I free myself from the rest of my blog, how I find something to write about. It gets me into the habit of writing every day. I love this post!
I’m so glad you do!
I haven’t run out of things to write yet but I imagine it will happen down the line and I’ll be keeping some of these in mind! ~ Leanne
Once in a while it does happen to me. But not that often.
I laughed out loud at the club quote. I had no idea anyone else did that 🙂
Ha! I had mine out the other day. It’s bloody now!
I honestly haven’t completed any one project in 25 years, I definitely think there is a drought in my mind. The only thing I can manage to write is my blog, and only when the mood strikes me. Totally frustrating..
Ah! Very sound advice from many voices — but most relatable is yours. Thank you for glossing these in a very “now” (or is that “write now”) way.
I needed this today. Perfect, Carol.
So glad!
You are not only prolific but every post is interesting and in the last year of reading you I’ve never read a “filler” post. These are great posts and helpful for me now as I struggle with having precious few new ideas to write and share. But I keep writing (almost) daily.
That is such high praise, Laura, thank you! I love to read you, too. And I was glad to hear Beatrice is doing well.
Writing in the first person is ten million times easier than writing in the third person. By a mile.
I SO agree, Robin! But you do bleed more in first person writing.
Superb advice for artists too Carol. Will apply immediately. Brush or pastel stick to the paper, inspired or not. Thank you for this important encouragement and reminder that the creative process is actually a “practice”.
Thanks for the share, Robin!
I’ve experienced a bit of a drought lately, but then I realize how much I’ve written and it doesn’t seem so bad. The difference is now I’m writing for more than my blog and, let’s face it, there’s only so much time in the day (and night). I love all these quotes, and your words ring true!
b
These are great tips that are sure to help. I often over-think things, so I’ll have to remember these! 🙂
Hi Carol! Awesome tips for sure. I am a big fan of Julie Cameron’s the artists way and I do my morning pages every morning no matter what! Of course some days it comes easier than others but I have learned after writing so long that I CAN write no matter what! (of course some times it’s crap and needs to be completely rewritten!) But at least I now know that I don’t have to have anything special happen in order to get it out. ~Kathy
These are great ideas … I have hit writer’s block so many times (usually when I have a deadline). I appreciate you sharing!!
This is terrific inspiration Carol. I pinned this so I could go back again and again. I’ve not found that I’ve had writers block, but I have felt that it may not be good enough sometimes. Then I remember that it will all not be “gold”.
They make it sound so e-a-s-y don’t they. Writing is like bleeding yourself in front of a crowd- that’s me btw. BUT- all great advice. I think I’ll slap them on my forehead.
These are great!
One of my faves: The simple but true, “Writers write.” If I claim to be one, I better be writing. Good, bad, for myself, for others. It matters not. Writers write.
Hello Carol, I’m a freshman in this lovely group of woman who support and applaud each other! You breathe inspiration into me, thank you. For me, writing provides such a high but not until I’ve finished, which of course takes like a cazillion edits. When I click “Publish” excitement kicks in and I feel free and fulfilled.
Very inspirational post and quotes – thank you!
I love all of these! They are so motivating!
This is really helpful. I often have specific thing I can write about but my boyfriend is a novelist and can have periods of writer’s block.
I have most of these quotes in my office and I just love them. I don’t have any trouble finding something to write about my trouble is finding the time to write everything I want to write.
Of course if I am honest I do get side tracked by social media, phone calls and nice weather. During the summer I decided to get up a bit earlier to get some writing done.
After reading this, I realize I have to make the time to write things other than blog posts. Just write and use my imagination. Thanks for the quotes and post!
Anita
I am not yet a writer for pay so I have never been on deadline. If I ever get into freelance writing I hope that my daily blogging practice will provide me with the skills to work through writer’s block.
I’m a sucker for quotes, and you have some marvelous quotations in this post! If I really need to vent, I write for other blogs under another name.
You are the ultimate inspiration because you write every day. Thanks for the prompts.
These are some great tips here. It’s always good to capture those daily reflections.
Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. I really enjoyed all the quotes.
Very awesome and inspiring post. Surely helps people like me to go and write more daily. Thanks!
Summed up perfectly and succinctly, Carol! Thank you!
I love the Flannery O’Connor quote . It really does take for me to write in order to know what I am really thinking. Thanks for sharing via #mdblvd 🙂
I like Anne Lamont’s quote.
Also, you look just like one of my college friends. Did you change your name? lol
Found you on Inspire me Monday.
Name I was born with!
Love this. Will share.