June 12, 2006 05:38 PM
A Case of Writer's Block
It has only happened to me a few times in my life. Once after a friend died, and just after I gave birth to both of my kids. These are the only times I can remember having really terrible cases of writer's block. And I guess since I am writing this right now, I am not completely blocked like I was on those occasions. Still, I am having trouble expressing myself these days. I just don't know why.
Birth and death are, inarguably, two of the most emotionally draining experiences we humans go through. When I had my kids, I was so tired and out of it that I could hardly put together a verbal sentence, much less a written one. It took me a couple of months to snap out of those blocks. And once when I lost a friend, I had a terrible case of block. But not right after he died--this came when his death really hit me, about a year later. I would sit at the computer or even with a pen and notebook in my hand, unable to think of a single thing to say. It was a painful experience, since I'd written regularly, professional or recreationally, since I was a child.
So I don't know what's happening right now. Well, actually, I have had a lot going on in my life. My mother is dying, I'm planning vacations, my kids are a bit of a handful right now, and I had been sick for a week. But this is pretty much normal, day-to-day stuff for me and for most people. Nothing really traumatic is going on other than my mother's illness, and to be perfectly honest, I'm used to that because she has been deteriorating for three years now. Yet I sit down, each day, trying to think of something to share and my mind just goes blank. The only thing I could think of to write about today is that my mind is blank. Well, I guess that counts as a topic, huh? You get the idea. I'm not totally blocked but just feeling stuck lately, like I have nothing really important or entertaining or of any value to say. So I'm going to try to dig around for inspiration. I'll try to come back with some wit or wisdom soon. Or at least just to say hi ; )
Comments
We'll look forward to your next glowing entry.
But, honestly, LC, I've seen a lot of folks dealing with blog block lately. May be a moon cycle or something...
Posted by: Tammy at June 13, 2006 03:43 PM
I'm so sorry about your poor mother. I can imagine how hard it is to see the health of your parent deteriorate gradually like that. All I can is, stay strong, for her and for you!
As for the writer's block, I can totally relate. But when I try to think too hard is when nothing comes at all. I think you just have to be in the right mood to write. I also think that you should write what you want to write, and not what people would like you to write. After all this is your blog! ;)
Good luck!
Posted by: Cinthia at June 13, 2006 04:55 PM
maybe it's just summertime... sorry about your mom. it has to be hard, even if you have been 'preparing' for it...
Posted by: Karen at June 13, 2006 10:08 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. Take the time you need. Your readers will be hear waiting for you. I know I will. :-)
Posted by: sugarmama at June 16, 2006 01:18 AM
Just wanted to echo those comments posted about your mother - the process doesn't get easier just because it's not a sudden thing to deal with. We went through a similar situation with my grandfather, who deteriorated with Alzheimer's at a very advanced age, which was still hard to deal with despite all that.
Don't worry too much about the writer's block - sometimes the best stuff is written after a wee break :)
Posted by: a feminist at June 22, 2006 03:16 PM
