When the Writing Stops
When you feel like you're not good enough.
There are so many things that make us writers. Let’s not kid ourselves; we know inspiration is all around us. There are times when you bang out five thousand or more a night on a good one, and there are times when you stare, hovering your fingers above the keys.
Call it a block or imposter syndrome; whatever you call it, what do you do when the writing stops? And is there anything? Let’s get into it.
Many people will tell you to stay positive, keep writing, push through, or take a break. And every one of those voices is valid and helpful for your writer’s esteem. One way is to post it. Social media is the best place to hear you’re the best. I love you so much, or anything else for a boost. But does it help you in the end?
Some people bounce back in a heartbeat. A few kind words, and they snap out of it. I commend anyone who can get past self-doubt and feeling inadequate. For those who don’t, the kind words and cheers aren’t there when the screen goes black or the laptop closes.
It’s back to a flashing line, trying to piece together something—anything in the broken puzzle of dialogue and scenes. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have twirled around in my desk chair with a Twizzler in my mouth with the Real Housewives playing in the background. Usually, I end up scrolling through feeds, which makes me feel worse. When you know, you know, right? Plus, questions arise like: Why can’t I write anything? What’s wrong with me? Should I change my phone background?
When the writing stops for me, I go a little crazy. Story ideas merge, characters hang out with others, and the voice in my head tells me to go wild. And I do - why not have a character sit on a roller coaster next to a 12-foot alligator wearing a Give Me King or Let Me Die t-shirt as Oozy Osborne gives a thumbs up? I could dig.
Great idea. Yet, nothing flows from my fingertips.
The next thing you know, you are on TikTok searching for alligator outtakes and shoving popcorn in your mouth. Trust me, they were hilarious.
Time has to be the best thing. But not giving up. Opening that laptop and continuing to tell a story that will make people laugh, cry, and smile until their cheeks are sore or looking over their shoulder, thinking you hear someone breathing in your ear,
When the writing stops, don’t stop yourself.
You’ll get it back. Just ask the alligator who just bought you a cherry slushy.
