To Write or Not to Write: That is the Problem

“I can’t think of anything to write about, Mr. Moen!”

I won’t even try to count the number of times that I’ve heard this sentiment expressed in my classroom. The pathetic sounding wail first takes wings and wafts across the room and to my ears from at least one, and sometimes more, of my students when I ask them to sit down and write something. Heck, I even say this to myself on those occasions when I find it difficult to get started with my writing. Of course, I don’t usually add the “Mr. Moen” part at the end. That would be too weird.

Whatever the reasons behind the complaining by those under my guidance, I can relate. As a matter of fact, I am feeling that I don’t have anything to write about right now either. Maybe I should hurl myself upon the floor and flail around wildly kicking the ground? Or, I could scream at the top of my lungs until someone notices me? Or maybe I should just cry instead? Then, I would get out of having to jolt my brain into gear and compose a blog entry for today. Right?

Of course, maybe I’m having difficulty focusing right now because I am working in an environment that is truly not conducive for creative reflection. Right now I am repeatedly distracted by the vivid pictures and sounds of a football game blaring on the TV at the same time I’m writing this - Go Seahawks! All the while, I’m also within earshot of the happy sounds of two of my kids cooperatively playing a board game in the kitchen, bombarded by the noise of my 4 year old attempting to sing karaoke through an amplified toy, and am encountering a repeated barrage from my three dogs, noisily romping and fighting all over the living room, knocking over furniture and occasionally, a small distracted child.

So, what is it exactly that a person can do to overcome these instances of “writer’s block?” Well, I have a few pieces of advice that may help you become unstuck. Here are some things that have worked for me:

1) Sit down and write anything that comes to mind – This by far and away seems to be the suggestion that works the best for me. If you feel like you have nothing to say, write that down! Maybe you should start by writing about the weather, a fly buzzing near your head, or how excited you are to clean the toilets. The point is, you must keep writing no matter what! Usually, within 10 – 15 minutes of time, you hit upon a topic that strikes a chord with you. Then, words start to flow more easily.

2) Leave – Take a break and get away from your writing for awhile. Go for a walk, do housework, shop, or dance the tango. It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you get away from your prose for a bit. And, be sure to do something that allows your mind to totally escape from the task of writing. Otherwise, you will spend your time away fretting over what you still have left to compose.

3) Eat – I know … this is probably a horrible suggestion to make to those of us abundantly blessed with more than ample girth. (Dang government BMI charts!) But, based on years of personal research, I have found that my mood improves if I can get a little nourishment and chocolate into my body. Plus, a person gets the added benefit of putting the impending task off until the digestive secretions get kicked into high gear. No more rumbling in the tummy to distract you!

So there you have it. Writing, much like other talents in life, is a learned behavior. The more you practice, the better you become at it. So, I’d encourage you be persistent. Even though the job of putting your ideas to paper may seem exceedingly challenging, I believe that you can be successful if you incorporate some of the tips I mentioned above and keep working. Plus, the more advice and help you get along the way, the more confidence and aptitude you’ll acquire. Good luck, and keep writing!

Impromptu Concert

The crowd enters reverently, voices hushed, shuffling in across the plush crimson carpet. Purses and programs clutched in sweaty, trembling hands, the audience breathlessly anticipates a voluminous performance from the master. The excitement in the room is palpable. Even though many have beheld this conductor before, a montage like today is savored by the throng in attendance for its multiple layers of sound and unexpected lyrical surprises.

Once all are seated, and the cacophony of the tuning of instruments is completed, the maestro dutifully taps his baton four times. The expectant crowd instantly attuned to the meaning of the signal to get quiet, swiftly bring conversations to an end. The conductor lifts his arms heavenward. The entire patronage of the auditorium eagerly sits upright and gazes toward the orchestra pit. The prelude is over, and the symphony is set to commence.

Silence from the masses. Then the first notes of the piece emanate from behind the conductor. Sound flows down from the rafters of the hall and envelopes the increasingly mesmerized crowd. The director has chosen a familiar tune to all. Fingers snap rhythmically, feet tap energetically, and heads bob along in a trance-like manner to the orchestra’s beat.

Soon the conductor, now acting as lead singer as well, kicks into high gear and belts out the words, “Little ditty about Jack and Diane,” in full throated glory. The leader of the band now turned vocal performer, smiles at the spectacle he’s created.

“A child prodigy!” breathlessly whispers a well-dressed woman in the front row. “Just look at the way he keeps perfect time, even with the difficult syncopated beats of the drums attempting to upend the entire orchestral composition.”

The emboldened performer, in addition to his singing with the voice of an angel, begins to thump along rhythmically with the tympanis. His directing baton magically has now transformed into a drum stick. A half-filled coffee cup, cracked saucer, and daisy-adorned glass vase become his drums. Mom’s change purse and Dad’s custodian-sized keys serve beautifully as cymbals. And the splendid cornucopia of sound reverberates.

The audience, now enthralled with the melodic spectacle of the performance, follows along intently. The artiste seems fully aware of the eyes staring at him from the expensive orchestra seats near the front to the nose bleeds in back. He smiles mischievously as he sings and plays. A song sung initially to bring joy only to him, has now captured the spirit of others as well.

As the last few measures wind down, the patrons in the coffee shop, with scrambled eggs and slices of pancakes on their breakfast plates growing cold, stare transfixed, open mouthed, with food covered forks hovering just out of reach. The final notes drift off and become history, and the audience erupts in approving laughter, wide smiles, and deafening applause.

A standing ovation is given by the woman and her husband in the front row. The woman lunges for the stage, and boldly wraps the conductor up in her arms and covers him with proud kisses. No call to security is needed. It’s just another typical day in the lives of a Mommy and Daddy, proud parents of an amazing 4 year old.

Thankful

It's been a couple of weeks sent I last added to my blog. So, I feel like today is the time to give a short update about my writing aspirations and progress to my readers.

First off, do not be alarmed ... I am still working on my quest to become a published author. However, the time that I have to write creatively has been dramatically curtailed lately due to an unforeseen situation that has arisen in my life. I anticipate that all items will be resolved shortly, and I can return to a more regular writing schedule.

So, what was it that had me preoccupied? My wife and youngest child were involved in a car accident. Thankfully, both of them were not seriously injured. But, dealing with the insurance company (who has been wonderful so far), the car rental agency, an accident appraiser, the police department, and the body shop has taken my focus and energy away from my craft. Lately, I find myself spending more time worrying instead of writing. Yuck!

When all is said and done though, I believe that going through this rough patch will help me become a more disciplined writer. I understand that there will be things that come up in life that interfere with the creativity that flows from my gray matter and onto the written page. But, I also know that I can overcome these obstacles on my way towards my ultimate goal if I am persistent. I just need to take a deep breath, resolve whatever ails me, then write. Easy as pie, huh?

As I sit here today, the one word that keeps bubbling to the surface from my subconscious is: "Thankful." I am thankful that I am surrounded by my loving family. I am thankful that I have a teaching job that I love. I am thankful that I get to write stories for children. I am thankful that I have a warm house and a safe place to sleep in at night. I am also thankful for my 3 barking dogs, 3 singing parakeets, 3 quietly swimming goldfish, and a stack of laundry still left to do that is taller than my youngest child. All in all, I have a lot to be thankful for on this glorious, rainy and overcast day in Washington.

Thank you for stopping by!