Sympathy does help with creative block. Not only from others but, most importantly, from yourself as well.
I went through such a phase earlier this year where I lost all joy in my writing. I wanted to write and I wanted to love it but I simply couldn't. Trying to force myself through it wasn't working either so I tried the opposite - being gentle and kind to myself. And that did the trick.
Now I am in a better relationship with my writing. We still do have our ups and downs (every relationship does) but nothing too drastic that would completely bring us to a halt.💖
I absolutely love this! It's funny how things connect. About a year ago, I discovered this "parenting" advice that changed my entire relationship with my son: children/toddlers need to be seen, heard and validated. They need to know that you see them as they are in that moment whatever they are going through. This is exactly how I feel too. As a writer I need someone to understand when it's hard when I feel that I can't write (anything good)....to see me as I am in that moment.
Just sent this quote to my community, for which I feel (thanks to you) suddenly grateful: “More and more, I think this may be the crucial component to sustaining a career as an artist—not talent, self-discipline, the perfect routine, or even the money to afford to do your thing (though that does help) but a community of people who are invested in your work, in a real way, happily standing by with endless supplies of whiskey and endless praise.”
Community is so neglected, perhaps not by everyone, but especially by me. How many blocks could have been undone, or avoided all together if I could manage to be good company?
Even if we can't hope to hear a new person daily telling us we're a good writer, it helps to hear that this might be the solution. Sounds right to me. You really are a great writer and it's so heartening to me that you deal with blocks and/or resistance yourself.
Oh yes! 🙌 And it's interesting how sharing about one's creative blocks makes other people uncomfortable + their tendency to want to jump into problem-solving right away. I find the same applies to many sensitive topics and conversations where people struggle to just listen without jumping in to "fix". People have a hard time with doubt and uncertainty! Most of the time though, what people really need –– is simply to be heard.
I would have given up years ago without my nearest and dearest who listen to me kvetch endlessly and tell me when I am even vaguely distraught that I should keep writing. That regardless of whether or not lots of people ever need me to keep writing, they do.
What a truly wonderful idea. And I can't help but agree. My partner in writing and life recently offered his ear as I let loose all the things I felt were stopping me from finishing my first draft. He was the perfect sympathetic ear. He asked thoughtful questions, and validated my feelings before giving me the age old practical advice of 'just write (even if its shit)'. And honestly it helped. The 'block' all of a sudden seemed a little lighter and I was able to shift it to the side a bit and squeeze through to keep writing.
Mason, somehow you wrote exactly what I needed to hear. As a new writer who recently committed to my first bigger project and am currently getting my butt kicked every day I sit down and write, I needed to be reminded that other people's support and sympathy can mean so much.
I may not need sympathy from a new person every day, but maybe a new one for every day of the year. I hope there isn't a leap year coming up, because that's going to make things hard.
I think I need both my sympathizers and then a sprinkled in few who will tell me when I can do better, and help me sit down and figure out what today's better looks like.
Oh, yes, a supportive community is absolutely essential for a writer. And also, Amy Reardon's advice made me laugh--"Just do a certain number of pages every day. Good or bad, never mind; let the pages be finished." If it were only that easy!
Is the solution to a creative block . . . sympathy?
MASON, YOU ARE A GREAT WRITER!😀
Sympathy does help with creative block. Not only from others but, most importantly, from yourself as well.
I went through such a phase earlier this year where I lost all joy in my writing. I wanted to write and I wanted to love it but I simply couldn't. Trying to force myself through it wasn't working either so I tried the opposite - being gentle and kind to myself. And that did the trick.
Now I am in a better relationship with my writing. We still do have our ups and downs (every relationship does) but nothing too drastic that would completely bring us to a halt.💖
I absolutely love this! It's funny how things connect. About a year ago, I discovered this "parenting" advice that changed my entire relationship with my son: children/toddlers need to be seen, heard and validated. They need to know that you see them as they are in that moment whatever they are going through. This is exactly how I feel too. As a writer I need someone to understand when it's hard when I feel that I can't write (anything good)....to see me as I am in that moment.
Animal care and housework. The most potent remedy was employed last. Una was smart.
Just sent this quote to my community, for which I feel (thanks to you) suddenly grateful: “More and more, I think this may be the crucial component to sustaining a career as an artist—not talent, self-discipline, the perfect routine, or even the money to afford to do your thing (though that does help) but a community of people who are invested in your work, in a real way, happily standing by with endless supplies of whiskey and endless praise.”
Community is so neglected, perhaps not by everyone, but especially by me. How many blocks could have been undone, or avoided all together if I could manage to be good company?
Even if we can't hope to hear a new person daily telling us we're a good writer, it helps to hear that this might be the solution. Sounds right to me. You really are a great writer and it's so heartening to me that you deal with blocks and/or resistance yourself.
Love goes a long way. The ripples are incalculable. It has the power to alter trajectories in impossibly wonderful ways!
Oh yes! 🙌 And it's interesting how sharing about one's creative blocks makes other people uncomfortable + their tendency to want to jump into problem-solving right away. I find the same applies to many sensitive topics and conversations where people struggle to just listen without jumping in to "fix". People have a hard time with doubt and uncertainty! Most of the time though, what people really need –– is simply to be heard.
I would have given up years ago without my nearest and dearest who listen to me kvetch endlessly and tell me when I am even vaguely distraught that I should keep writing. That regardless of whether or not lots of people ever need me to keep writing, they do.
holy art dogs!!! that is a spectacular photo
I'll buy u the finest whiskey, as so as I sting some change together lol. Ty
You ARE a very good writer, are you weary? 🤗😙😊
What a truly wonderful idea. And I can't help but agree. My partner in writing and life recently offered his ear as I let loose all the things I felt were stopping me from finishing my first draft. He was the perfect sympathetic ear. He asked thoughtful questions, and validated my feelings before giving me the age old practical advice of 'just write (even if its shit)'. And honestly it helped. The 'block' all of a sudden seemed a little lighter and I was able to shift it to the side a bit and squeeze through to keep writing.
Mason, somehow you wrote exactly what I needed to hear. As a new writer who recently committed to my first bigger project and am currently getting my butt kicked every day I sit down and write, I needed to be reminded that other people's support and sympathy can mean so much.
I may not need sympathy from a new person every day, but maybe a new one for every day of the year. I hope there isn't a leap year coming up, because that's going to make things hard.
I think I need both my sympathizers and then a sprinkled in few who will tell me when I can do better, and help me sit down and figure out what today's better looks like.
All that to say, great piece, as always.
I am going to try this in others!
Oh, yes, a supportive community is absolutely essential for a writer. And also, Amy Reardon's advice made me laugh--"Just do a certain number of pages every day. Good or bad, never mind; let the pages be finished." If it were only that easy!