I love writing. I love setting my mind free and letting my fingers walk across the keyboard as words I dind’t know I had inside of me appear on the screen. But lately I feel as though I am kind of hitting a writer’s plateau. It’s been a while since I wrote of anything other than my daughter’s newborn antics or what I ate for my afternoon snack. And as riveting as those topics are, I feel as though there are things of greater depth and substance simmering under my skin, but I can’t get them to surface. This feeling takes me back to the days of my high school creative writing class when I would sit and stare at a blank page of loose leaf paper, pen in hand, and try to come up with an idea for a poem or short story. I have always had a hard time coming up with good ideas. Does that mean I don’t have any? Or that I just have to dig a little deeper than some to find them? If you have to really sit down hard and search for a writing idea does that mean you’re trying too hard and really shouldn’t bother?
The motto for writers seems to be: “Write what you know.”
So, what do I know?
Lots of things, I guess.
It’s just that my life thus far has been pretty charmed and there aren’t any tragic tales to recount, aside from how it kind of sucked being the fat girl in elementary school.
Maybe if I wear my bookish glasses I will be flooded with inspiration.
Avelyn is waking up now. She is learning to laugh.
And I had a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream for my afternoon snack today.
This is what I know.
19 Comments
You always make me laugh, just like Jen does. Birds of a feather…
I love reading your blog regardless of what you have to say. AND I think your glasses are brilliant!
Mint chocolate chip ice cream sounds good to me.
it is just a different kind of writing. You are witty and entertaining and have a wonderful gift
I write best when it just is THERE. I’m compelled. I generally suck if I try to force it. I want to be compelled more often though.
Props for even trying to write with a little baby. I doubt I’ll be as successful!
I know what you mean. I used to post at least once a day and they would be these long posts with lots to tell. Now I find myself posting twice a week with nothing new to tell. In creative writing class, when I got stuck, I would doodle. There’s no forcing what isn’t there.
If you wrote a daily newspaper article, I would buy the paper and read it every day! You always crack me up!
You KNOW I read you faithfully and you make me laugh in person as well :)
Thirty years or so ago, a young mother-to-be started doodling cartoons to display on the ceiling of her obstetrician’s exam room. She stuck to what she knew and Lynn Johnston is still doing quite well with “For Better or Worse”
I am also a faithful reader because you have a way of telling life events that makes me feel like I know you personally and like I’m right there in the room with you as you tell it. Many a times, I’m laughing so hard- still can’t forget the crystal light slurpee story- I almost peed myself laughing!
I have enjoyed reading your ‘stuff’ for a long time. You always have something to say. And you’re witty. I like that!
Amanda, I like what you write, no matter the topic!!
You’re a great writer, Amanda; I always enjoy your funny tales.
It really isn’t fun trying to write when there’s nothing there. I read that art is best when it’s done out of an irresistable compulsion, and I’m sure it won’t be long before you feel that again.
If you are interested in taking a fiction and poetry writing class, there is one being offered through SADI for free on Nov 18th, 9-4. It is in Penticton at OUC. The only cost involved is your time, as payment they would like it if you would volunteer for an elementry Breakfast Club. Let me know if you are interested.
Amanda, I love (and always have) your writing.I propose you write what you know, and try the structured thing again with some kids stories. PRINCESS PICKS-A-LOT will be famous…you are the next Muncsh. “You can DO EEEEEEET!”
This happens to me all the time Amanda. Every day I think…this is the day I have finally run out of things to write. Fortunately or Unfortunatelydepending on your view I keep on trying. You’re doing fine, just write what’s on your mind. I keep coming back here because I think you’re not only a good writer but a great person so I like to read about the baby and the day to day activities, keep up the good work.
…I think you’ve got some great ideas in there… recall a little tune “bumpy rumpy”? Definitely a classic.
Some people are different on their blogs. Like if you were to meet them you’d be surprised that they’re not at all like that. But, you are exactly how you express yourself in your writing. Which is pretty cool because everyone like your writing. Thus… we all love you!
Especially me.
I think it goes in waves. I am currently totally uninspired. And, don’t doubt your writing, lady. Or the sauciness of those glasses.
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