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 Loads of half-started posts; ideas that didn't go anywhere; completed articles that remain unpublished because I didn't like them.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The “completed articles that remain unpublished” hurt a bit.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.
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.
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.
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 ;-)
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 💜
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.
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.
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.
🤣
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. ;)
Oooooh--mysterious and aching! May your (your protagonist's) well flow freely in time.
Thanks, Nadia. I hope that many wells fill soon.
Cheers to that!
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!
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. 🤗
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.
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 👍🏼
Apathy… you need a LifeR! it’s only temporary, take solace in that. And soon you’ll be at the precipice to finish Brae! ;)
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 💜