I like to write, but sometimes it’s unbearable.
Sitting down to watch the cursor blink as if it is mocking you. Words not coming. Suffering in the madness of your decaying brain.
At least that’s how it feels at times.
People call it writer’s block. I don’t like that term as it makes it sound like there is something in the way. In reality, nothing is in the way.
People could argue that it’s yourself, shame, fear, ego, etc. All things that are not real. Figments of imagination.
At least nothing grabbing your hands and removing them from the keyboard.
What I Use
This is how I get through it. These are all practical and can be used on the daily. I use at least one per day.
Start Writing
Set a 10-minute timer and start writing.
It doesn’t matter if you have a subject, an idea of the direction you want to go, or even the right words.
Put words to paper. Anything that pops into your mind. None of it is stupid, juvenile, or crap. It needs to get out of your mind and you need to be the conduit.
You have to practice showing up like a professional. Every day.
This exercise is a great way to kickstart your brain.
Songwriting
Try another form of writing.
I love music and songwriting stretches your brain in different ways.
Learning how to write in different ways is like taking up a different form of physical art. Water coloring and sketching are totally different, but some techniques can carry over or even help what you’re doing.
Composing a story with different parameters is challenging and really fun.
Have Someone Give You a Prompt
Having a basic prompt helps with the creative process.
Take a few simple things like green house, poor cousin, Mt. Rainier.
I’ll use green house.
My grandma lived in a green house in the southeast side of Washington. She always made sure there were tulips in the garden out front. It was her way of showing that the house was peaceful and welcoming. They gently waved in the wind.
Where can I go from there? Anywhere. I can take it in any direction after that.
Doing this every day will unlock your creativity in ways your imagination will have trouble believing.
Conclusion
Do it every day. Some things I write are dog shit to me, but the fact that I show up tells my subconscious that I’m ready to get that stuff out of my head.
You’re awesome. Take the 10 minutes and unlock your world.
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