When you write, especially the way I do, trying to make it perfect the first try, you come across the dreaded writer’s block. I thought I was going to have that problem today. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of thoughts and issues to write about, but you’d probably appreciate it if those posts were interesting. I can’t say that today’s is with 100% assuredness.
I have written a lot today. I started with filling out a form for the youngest granddaughter to have her last name changed. It was her idea and one I can’t say I hadn’t thought about myself (for her, not me. I’m going to go ahead and finish out my life with the last name I have). I was doing fine with the filling out part, but when it came to the “attach documents” part I hit a road block. ID for an eight-year-old? Proof of mailing address? That child gets no mail. She hasn’t even been declared pre-approved for a car loan. So, I moved on.
Next, I fixed a piece of writing for one of my books I’m working on (Nursery Crimes: The Dirty Underbelly of Mother Goose). I chopped it down two two pieces and saved the second for another day. After revising and editing, I sent it off in an email to the person who inspired it. More writing. I included a revenge poem as well. So I had to explain everything so she didn’t think I have lost my mind completely.
I then revised, edited, and formatted a previous post from the blog into an actual poem. I hadn’t been too far off with the original post. The way the blog formats things is a little wonky, but the words were there. Now it looks legitimate. I also tinkered with a couple other older poems that I wanted to make adjustments to.
Next was to get my syllabus and hand-outs ready for a poetry workshop I’m conducting in my writing group Authors Anonymous sponsored by The Mount Vernon Library. It’s a great program. The library actually hosts lots of writing programs. If you are from the area, check them out. I was honored when I was asked to conduct the workshop and I hope I do them proud. I may have gone overboard with the hand-outs as my printer has not stopped churning out pages. I’ll find out tomorrow night when it all happens.
I wrote a response letter to the ten-year-old’s teacher who wrote me a very complimentary note about my book Resurrecting Onions. My granddaughter had mentioned in class that I write poetry and the teacher asked if she could read it. I sent her a copy and she responded quite positively. Instead of my standard text reply of “Thanks”, I actually wrote her a lengthy reply. So much writing today.
Tonight, also at the library, I start a workshop on biographical writing (or autobiographical writing). I have the idea in my head, I just want to learn how to go about it. It is never too late to learn, especially if it’s something you enjoy. I hope to one day fuse prose and poetry into an autobiographical book. Resurrecting Onions was autobiographical, but it was entirely poetry. I’m looking forward to the workshop.
Lastly, I wrote today’s blog entry. A whole lot about nothing. When you hit that writer’s block, anything can possibly get your creative juices flowing. You can read, make to-do lists that you want to avoid, send a note to an old friend, or, you can fill out a change of name form for the courts. I wouldn’t do the last one more than once. Regardless, do something. Make the pencil, pen, keyboard move. If you work with a pencil like I do, use the pointy end for writing and the chewy end for erasing that writer’s block.
Let’s talk soon…
The Renaissance Maniac 