Trying

It's been so long since I've written anything other than a blog post or a grocery  list.  When I do sit down in front of the page I end up just staring out into space.  But quite honestly, most of the time I never make it to the point of sitting down.  I usually end up doing whatever I have to in order to avoid having to sit down and write.  Lately I just haven't been able to bring myself to pick up a pen, or more accurately, I haven't been able to bring myself to face where I am in life right now.

Like a lot of writers when I hit this point I'm always a little worried that this will be it--this will be the time when I lose it forever and never write again.  This will be the time the words go away for good.  Even though experience has taught me that writing, like all creativity, is a cycle, I still have those moment of fear that I will never write again.  There are times when I'm bursting to get the words out (and can't get them out fast enough) and times when it's more of a struggle.  Not to mention times when the words won't come at all no matter how hard I try to make them.  But I've always found that the words eventually come back.  The writing always cycles back around.

A little bit of priming the pump can help so this morning I stuck Sabrina Ward Harrison's book The True and the Questions in my purse.  I pulled it out during lunch and started working through it.  This book is one of my favorite writing prompts and I like to use it as a way to get back into the habit of writing again.  Her prompts always ask the real questions and encourage me to look deeper for the answers.

If you're looking for some writing prompts or need a good journal Sabrina's book is an excellent choice.  The pages are filled with her beautiful art work as well as her own inspiring and whimsical writing.  And if you've never checked out her website please do.  It's beautiful and inspiring.  I noticed she is planning a workshop in Ireland.  Hmmm...I might need to start saving my pennies.  Wanna join me? 

Comments

[Sue]

Hi Michelle, thank you for your honesty and for the introduction to SWH - lots to look at there, for sure. Good luck with your writing.

[Carol]

Thanks for the nod in Sabrina's direction. I have my own little notebook filled with words and favourite pictures, it's been a little neglected recently though. I need inspiration.

[Sherry]

I'm not sure what drew me here today but I needed to read this and I'm glad I did. Thank you for the finger point to Sabrina Ward Harrison...and I hope your cycle begins to spin again soon.

[leaca]

I will have to check the book out. I am not a writer but I write in a journal to keep my mind free. I just feel it helps to get the juices flowing and get the clutter out of my head, safely stored.

[kristen]

i've always wanted to visit ireland...

[claire burge]

just what i needed... thank you! maybe i'll see you at the conference.