I experienced that malaise a few weeks ago, Nathan. Loads of half-started posts; ideas that didn't go anywhere; completed articles that remain unpublished because I didn't like them. (All writers are their own worse critics.) The main difference between you and me, though, is how beautifully you express it. Me? I drew solace from a blues song by Bo Carter: My Pencil Won't Write No More.😁
The “completed articles that remain unpublished” hurt a bit. I’m there with you though. It’s the fear of publishing content that doesn’t mean your standard and losing the attention of your hard earned readership.
Yes, definitely David. As Terry said, we're often our own worst critics. For me, I've learnt to be a bit better than I used to be at accepting something and sending it out, but the issue has been the drive and ability to see things through to where I want them to be.
Yes, exactly. Interestingly, I had to submit a piece to a writing class I'm on, and because of my telecoms provider messing us about it had to bash something out and send it in with 3 minutes to spare. I genuinely felt it was rubbish. I felt embarrassed. But people liked it. I really do think we're often our own worse critics .
Well, I think this is a perfect description of the writer's world, Nathan. Nothing amiss, all normal. I question the health benefits of the coffee / negroni overload, but at least you are not stabbing yourself with a fork. You maybe might need a completely different change of scene for a week or two to reboot? Works for me. Sometimes a handy bottle of scotch on my desk while I work can be helpful.
Julia Cameron talks about how "filling the well" - spending time reading in the sunshine, coffee and negronis, and play - resupplies the well we draw from. Sounds like you are already on the right path, Nathan.
Nathan , you write the most gorgeous soliloquy while lamenting drought conditions. I ‘got in touch with’ one of your favorite authors, I hope this helps🧐🤭. ( No doubt you have previously read this, but always worthwhile to re-read words from the wise).
All I can say—not that you’re asking—is trust the dry well apathy. She too is part of the cycle. And just as soon as you befriend her, a monsoon will come rushing in.:) Even as you turn toward her in these few paragraphs, I could feel the first few drops of rain.
I'm right there with you, brother Nathan. Sometimes it's the half written stories, the ones I have fallen out of love with, that hold me back. I feel like I should finish them before starting something else but it's difficult to bring any energy to them after the thrill is gone.
Sorry to hear you’re feeling a bit blue, my friend. However, even brief introspections like this bring me immense pleasure to read, as I adore your style and choice of words. The well only needs time to replenish, and I’m sure it will happen soon.
This resonates, deeply! A number of drafts in varying stages, and stalled on energy to jump back into anything in particular. Life sometimes (often) demands the bulk of energy, with little left to create. I remind myself that creative energy seems to come in waves and we just need to be present so when it comes we can ride it. That, or, the creative drive will be there when we’re ready to come back to it. Reassurances, aphorisms, etc. But I think they might be true!
Ahh Nathan, I too have countless drafts open and unfinished, the well of words fizzled to nothing, run dry... perhaps this is normal, perhaps not but the frustrations (and self condemnations) worm their way into us with such violent and incessant wriggling's depleting every eloquent word of prose we have... I hear you my friend - I fear we have to just ride the storm and hope the wells are replenished when its done!
You still manage to send us something beautiful, despite the drought - incredible!
Sorry to hear you’re struggling, Nathan. Those wells will fill up again soon. I think it’s King that speaks about going to an internal place to get his ideas and, if they’re not there, he doesn’t write. In Lisey’s Story he refers to it as Boo Ya Moon which is like an alternate reality so it effects even the greatest
I’m having a similar issue, but rather than apathy, I think it’s anger that’s blocking my creative plans. The story I’m publishing next week is grim and not my usual style at all. I’m sure my wells will fill again soon too though 👍🏼
You describe what reality is like in a surreal way (even if just the surreal aspect of floating language, metaphysical in its essence). Nathan, this feels painful! But also - I know this shall pass. It’s so good to allow yourself to feel it and engage with it on this level. Be well 💜
Hmmmm...how strange. After reading your Beautiful Complaint about the state of things, I feel like I just had a long cool drink from this well of yours. So thank you ;-)
I experienced that malaise a few weeks ago, Nathan. Loads of half-started posts; ideas that didn't go anywhere; completed articles that remain unpublished because I didn't like them. (All writers are their own worse critics.) The main difference between you and me, though, is how beautifully you express it. Me? I drew solace from a blues song by Bo Carter: My Pencil Won't Write No More.😁
Hehe, blues is a fine choice and that title does it all!
Thanks, Terry. The fact that you have many unpublished articles sitting there is testament to your commitment and drive to keep writing.
Thanks, Nathan, that's kind of you. I saw it more as a testament to the fact that my writing days are over. 😂
Hahaha hardly.
🤣
The “completed articles that remain unpublished” hurt a bit. I’m there with you though. It’s the fear of publishing content that doesn’t mean your standard and losing the attention of your hard earned readership.
Yes, definitely David. As Terry said, we're often our own worst critics. For me, I've learnt to be a bit better than I used to be at accepting something and sending it out, but the issue has been the drive and ability to see things through to where I want them to be.
Yes, exactly. Interestingly, I had to submit a piece to a writing class I'm on, and because of my telecoms provider messing us about it had to bash something out and send it in with 3 minutes to spare. I genuinely felt it was rubbish. I felt embarrassed. But people liked it. I really do think we're often our own worse critics .
Whatever gets you there, Terry. I spent the last three days binge-watching a netflix series, because I couldn't do anything else.
It happens. Did it help, writing wise?
no , not yet
It will. We all need down time, and sometimes binge watching is just the ticket.
Was it any good?
Yes. Weird, neurotic, but good. Amazon production 'Transparent'. Distracted me for three full days.
Well, I think this is a perfect description of the writer's world, Nathan. Nothing amiss, all normal. I question the health benefits of the coffee / negroni overload, but at least you are not stabbing yourself with a fork. You maybe might need a completely different change of scene for a week or two to reboot? Works for me. Sometimes a handy bottle of scotch on my desk while I work can be helpful.
Thanks, Sharron. Certainly in need of a break from work and some real detachment from there and rest. I'll be sure to limit the indulgences. ;)
This is probably one of Nathan's stories again. A kind of dramatic monologue in the style of Robert Browning. I've met his sort before.
Haha.
🤣
And yet, beautiful writing pours out…☀️
Loved this line, and the whole paragraph around it…”To put it another way, creativity succumbs to things outside the well.”
Thank you my friend!
Julia Cameron talks about how "filling the well" - spending time reading in the sunshine, coffee and negronis, and play - resupplies the well we draw from. Sounds like you are already on the right path, Nathan.
Ah this is excellent to know, Troy.
Well, I have today off as I do my best to start chipping into my overflowing annual leave balance, so hopefully that will start to refill the well. ;)
Apathy… you need a LifeR! it’s only temporary, take solace in that. And soon you’ll be at the precipice to finish Brae! ;)
Hehe, Ah yes, those two things I desperately need to return to!
Yes, and return you will! Right?
Yes…
Nathan , you write the most gorgeous soliloquy while lamenting drought conditions. I ‘got in touch with’ one of your favorite authors, I hope this helps🧐🤭. ( No doubt you have previously read this, but always worthwhile to re-read words from the wise).
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/nov/05/i-want-to-open-a-window-in-their-souls-haruki-murakami-on-the-power-of-writing-simply
Ah, how wonderful. Thank you for reaching out to him. Do say hi from me and that I'm enjoying his latest.
I've not read this interview but I shall do so immediately.
All I can say—not that you’re asking—is trust the dry well apathy. She too is part of the cycle. And just as soon as you befriend her, a monsoon will come rushing in.:) Even as you turn toward her in these few paragraphs, I could feel the first few drops of rain.
The muse of rain builds within the clouds.
Thank you, Kimberly. Appreciate it. 🤗
I'm right there with you, brother Nathan. Sometimes it's the half written stories, the ones I have fallen out of love with, that hold me back. I feel like I should finish them before starting something else but it's difficult to bring any energy to them after the thrill is gone.
Ha! Channeling B B King, I see!
Yes, I feel that too, and that very feeling can be a weight on the mind and suppress a sense of freedom. Thanks, Jim!
Sorry to hear you’re feeling a bit blue, my friend. However, even brief introspections like this bring me immense pleasure to read, as I adore your style and choice of words. The well only needs time to replenish, and I’m sure it will happen soon.
Thanks Silvio, appreciate it. :)
This resonates, deeply! A number of drafts in varying stages, and stalled on energy to jump back into anything in particular. Life sometimes (often) demands the bulk of energy, with little left to create. I remind myself that creative energy seems to come in waves and we just need to be present so when it comes we can ride it. That, or, the creative drive will be there when we’re ready to come back to it. Reassurances, aphorisms, etc. But I think they might be true!
Thanks, Stephanie. I'm with you there.
Being present for creativity is the best we can be.
Ahh Nathan, I too have countless drafts open and unfinished, the well of words fizzled to nothing, run dry... perhaps this is normal, perhaps not but the frustrations (and self condemnations) worm their way into us with such violent and incessant wriggling's depleting every eloquent word of prose we have... I hear you my friend - I fear we have to just ride the storm and hope the wells are replenished when its done!
You still manage to send us something beautiful, despite the drought - incredible!
Holidays are close - hang in there 🤗
Thanks Susie! I'm holding in. 🤗
Hope your week has started great.
Sorry to hear you’re struggling, Nathan. Those wells will fill up again soon. I think it’s King that speaks about going to an internal place to get his ideas and, if they’re not there, he doesn’t write. In Lisey’s Story he refers to it as Boo Ya Moon which is like an alternate reality so it effects even the greatest
I’m having a similar issue, but rather than apathy, I think it’s anger that’s blocking my creative plans. The story I’m publishing next week is grim and not my usual style at all. I’m sure my wells will fill again soon too though 👍🏼
Thanks, Dan. Appreciate it.
That's super interesting about King and Boo Ya Moon.
Sorry to hear of the anger, though I share that with the state of certain (many) recent world events.
Looking forward to your posts (have your watchlist one to get to shortly!).
You describe what reality is like in a surreal way (even if just the surreal aspect of floating language, metaphysical in its essence). Nathan, this feels painful! But also - I know this shall pass. It’s so good to allow yourself to feel it and engage with it on this level. Be well 💜
Thank you. 🙏
I think that this is indeed part of it -- accepting it and being at peace that things will flow again at some point soon.
Hmmmm...how strange. After reading your Beautiful Complaint about the state of things, I feel like I just had a long cool drink from this well of yours. So thank you ;-)
Hehe, glad to have provided you with such filtered spring water.
Thanks, Nadia. I hope that many wells fill soon.