I have definitely been in the creative doldrums before, too. The worst part is not feeling like myself if I'm not writing. Usually, if I'm feeling off, writing fixes it. But sometimes the words won't come and it brings on a whole host of melodramatic existential crises in me! Writing is such a big part of who I am, but I try to remind myself it's not all I am, and that it's ok to go through a barren season. The exhilaration of writing again more than makes up for it, and it might even be that much sweeter after a dry spell, anyway!
Oh, I completely relate to the existential crisis! My sister just mentioned yesterday that she can tell if my writing isn't going well because I seem more withdrawn and down. Like yourself, I keep reminding myself that writing is an important part of my life but not all of who I am. Truly believing this helps me feel calmer about the quiet spells.
My own writing storehouse is a collection of notes and pictures fuelled by holidays and visits to fascinating places. Because I'm such a slow writer, and a compulsive rewriter, the collection fills faster than I can empty it! But I certainly know what the writing doldrums is like -- more a case, for me, of losing belief in what I'm writing.
You have so beautifully and accurately described something that can feel unpleasant and yet, as you say, is also a necessary part of the creative journey. The next time I find myself in the writing doldrums I’m going to remember this cozy, mysterious image of an attic slowly filling again.❤️
Wow! Thank You Kate. Really loved how you described the aftermath of writing. The things I have written were totally for myself and never intended for anyone else to actually read. The words that I put down on paper were stories, feelings and emotions that I was compelled, driven and forced to do. Like the attic cleaning out. The description for me is that it was like a safety valve on a steam boiler releasing built up pressure. It had to go someplace!! After I jotted down the story, I felt spent and empty like the attic after cleaning. Like you mention, it's a process that has to be revisited. After some time has gone by and in some cases a few years, I've reread some of my notes and can still feel the emotion expressed. Well, if no one ever does read them, they at least brought some enjoyment to me. Maybe like enjoying the clean attic after the hard work? Thanks again!! Oh, one question. When Fireside Magic is released, would it be possible to get an autographed copy of the book?
I feel the same. Writing for myself brings a lot of enjoyment and relief of pent up emotions. And yep, like a clear out it's also incredibly satisfying! To answer your question, of course I can autograph a copy! I feel delighted you would ask. My only trouble at the moment is getting the book into paperback format...so far I've only been able to afford ebook editions of my writing but I'm hoping to manage a physical copy this time round.
I have definitely been in the creative doldrums before, too. The worst part is not feeling like myself if I'm not writing. Usually, if I'm feeling off, writing fixes it. But sometimes the words won't come and it brings on a whole host of melodramatic existential crises in me! Writing is such a big part of who I am, but I try to remind myself it's not all I am, and that it's ok to go through a barren season. The exhilaration of writing again more than makes up for it, and it might even be that much sweeter after a dry spell, anyway!
Oh, I completely relate to the existential crisis! My sister just mentioned yesterday that she can tell if my writing isn't going well because I seem more withdrawn and down. Like yourself, I keep reminding myself that writing is an important part of my life but not all of who I am. Truly believing this helps me feel calmer about the quiet spells.
What a beautiful image!
My own writing storehouse is a collection of notes and pictures fuelled by holidays and visits to fascinating places. Because I'm such a slow writer, and a compulsive rewriter, the collection fills faster than I can empty it! But I certainly know what the writing doldrums is like -- more a case, for me, of losing belief in what I'm writing.
Here's to your attic filling up in time!
I think losing belief is part of it for me, too. Almost as though the empty attic is telling me there's nothing left to write about!
And it must feel delightful to browse a writing storehouse brimming with travel memories!
Ah, there's always something to write about! And yes, the travel memories are a rich storehouse!
You have so beautifully and accurately described something that can feel unpleasant and yet, as you say, is also a necessary part of the creative journey. The next time I find myself in the writing doldrums I’m going to remember this cozy, mysterious image of an attic slowly filling again.❤️
Aw, I'm so glad you feel that way Stephanie! The attic will soon be overflowing, I'm sure...!
Wow! Thank You Kate. Really loved how you described the aftermath of writing. The things I have written were totally for myself and never intended for anyone else to actually read. The words that I put down on paper were stories, feelings and emotions that I was compelled, driven and forced to do. Like the attic cleaning out. The description for me is that it was like a safety valve on a steam boiler releasing built up pressure. It had to go someplace!! After I jotted down the story, I felt spent and empty like the attic after cleaning. Like you mention, it's a process that has to be revisited. After some time has gone by and in some cases a few years, I've reread some of my notes and can still feel the emotion expressed. Well, if no one ever does read them, they at least brought some enjoyment to me. Maybe like enjoying the clean attic after the hard work? Thanks again!! Oh, one question. When Fireside Magic is released, would it be possible to get an autographed copy of the book?
I feel the same. Writing for myself brings a lot of enjoyment and relief of pent up emotions. And yep, like a clear out it's also incredibly satisfying! To answer your question, of course I can autograph a copy! I feel delighted you would ask. My only trouble at the moment is getting the book into paperback format...so far I've only been able to afford ebook editions of my writing but I'm hoping to manage a physical copy this time round.