I deliberately switch to "input" and rest when I'm too unwell or booked out with obligations to "output". And re-reading my own work often feels delicious.
Also, getting into nature and on non-writing art adventures refuels my inner Artist's cornucopia.
Another thoughtful post. I haven't been writing for several months now, but I have been reading. I'm comfortably resting in the knowledge that the writing will be there for me when I'm ready, but I will say that it's easier for me to be comfortable knowing that this fallow period is of finite duration.
Thank you for a thoughtful post, good advice, and optimism. And if we're not busy enough or overwhelmed by solitude or a writing halt finds us for other reasons, these strategies are important to change our mind set and boost us out of doldrums.
Thanks for a great list, Radha! I particularly appreciate (and use) #4. I read several books at a time, especially when I'm trying to solve a problem with a poem. I could find a spark for a metaphor, a strong verb, a call to go deeper. I'd also add to the list - go outside and notice, really notice.
Thank you for this list. I particularly love the idea that we must surround ourselves with people who know we write and who "cherish" what we write. My mother was a poet and I'm afraid as a teenager I didn't let her know that I cherished her work. It was hard to sit for her impromptu readings! :)
I deliberately switch to "input" and rest when I'm too unwell or booked out with obligations to "output". And re-reading my own work often feels delicious.
Also, getting into nature and on non-writing art adventures refuels my inner Artist's cornucopia.
Another thoughtful post. I haven't been writing for several months now, but I have been reading. I'm comfortably resting in the knowledge that the writing will be there for me when I'm ready, but I will say that it's easier for me to be comfortable knowing that this fallow period is of finite duration.
Thank you for a thoughtful post, good advice, and optimism. And if we're not busy enough or overwhelmed by solitude or a writing halt finds us for other reasons, these strategies are important to change our mind set and boost us out of doldrums.
Thanks for a great list, Radha! I particularly appreciate (and use) #4. I read several books at a time, especially when I'm trying to solve a problem with a poem. I could find a spark for a metaphor, a strong verb, a call to go deeper. I'd also add to the list - go outside and notice, really notice.
Thank you for this list. I particularly love the idea that we must surround ourselves with people who know we write and who "cherish" what we write. My mother was a poet and I'm afraid as a teenager I didn't let her know that I cherished her work. It was hard to sit for her impromptu readings! :)
I no longer put my credit card on line. Do you have PayPal or apple pay?
Barb please reach out to me at hi@poettopoet.com