So guys and gals, I have writer's block.
And yes I do believe writer's block exists.
You may blink at that, "Who says it doesn't?" Well there are debates between writers over whether or not such a thing is, but it truly is a semantical debate. First off you can't deny the term exists. It does. You say "writer's block" and people know what you are talking about. But the definition changes from person to person. Some people think there are authors out there who use writer's block as an excuse to stop writing something altogether. For me it is less extreme. It's that staring at a blank page/screen and not having a clue what to write. It can last for a few moments, to even a few days, but, for me at least, you get over it. You move on. Writer's block is a hurdle to overcome, not a road block.
At any rate . . .
I have writer's block. Not for my fiction writing. No, actually the words are really flowing these days which is awesome.
But I have blog writer's block. Every time I come to write a post, I honestly have no clue what I should write about, what more I can say, and what would interest you guys. It's easier when there are exciting updates to make, but right now there isn't much to share in that regard.
So for the third time I think, I will ask to hear from you guys! What would you like this blogger to wax philosophical on? I really love specific questions on technique (both writing and acting), to help with particular problems. Heck if you are writing something and have a sentence that just isn't feeling right, let's solve the problem. Something structure wise got your goat? Got query issues? Of course I say all this with the caveat that I am just one person, and it is just my one opinion, take it all with a grain of salt, but I do enjoy working with people on . . . stuff.
Yes . . . stuff. Very articulate person me.
So yes, post your questions etc in the comments section and let's see what happens!
14 comments:
Hey balloon pirate!
While I know you were just making a joke (and yes I did start to compile a list, lol!), I am afraid your comment may seem a little inappropriate to some, and considering this is a family blog here, I felt it needed to be deleted!
As a general rule folks, even though I write this blog for adults to read, I do know kids do come across it (if they google my name it is one of the first links that pop up). I like being a writer of children's books, and I like the idea of children stumbling on this blog. I figure I can be as colourful as I want in my day to day life, I have no need to do it here. I am therefore going to have to delete any bad language or comments PG 13 or up. Please don't take offense if I do, it doesn't mean I don't think you make a good point, or that I disagree, or am personally offended - chances are quite the opposite - but as Helen Lovejoy would say, "What about the children?!"
Well I would welcome any thoughts at all about directing/acting/theatre-related things. :)
And always happy to oblige in that regard Miss Erin! Do you have any specific questions? Those are rather broad categories!
I'd like to know more about the business side of being a writer -publishing, contracts, money, deals, agents, whatever you can share! Thank you :)
Hi!
How about your writing process?
Or talk about some of your favorite books?
I'm sorry. It wasn't meant to do anything other than to stir up a post. Apologies.
Second topic: What(or should it be who) was the surliest animal you ever loved, and why?
yeharr
What about living in Canada, having books and fans in other countries (I live in the US), etc.?
And what made you interested in pirates? Where did you go for research and what are some things you learned that aren't in the book?
Adrienne
I can't claim to know what's the source of the block is, but it seems like you are overly concerned with what people may find interesting and relevant. This is an online journal after all and the folks reading it are mostly likely interested in what is rattling around in your brain regardless of it's relevancy to acting or writing.
I guess what I am saying is... I think your readers what to know what is happening with you, what inspires you on a daily basis, and what has brought you to where you are. Things happen to us everyday that shape who we are, perhaps there is a bit of that you might feel comfortable sharing with us.
Of course, what do I know?
I barely tell people anything about myself even when I am friends with them...
jo - no problem! Do have particular questions, or would you like a general overview of the process?
charles - thanks! Will totally post on both!
ballon - that would have to have been my cat Ginger as a kid. He loved us to pieces, but attacked strangers. Like actually attacked them. He was awesome.
hwalk - cool! Thanks for the questions!
eyeless - I'm not trying to please people by asking, I'm trying to use them because I have run out of ideas! It's tough keeping a blog going, and it's been a couple years I've been writing this one. Also I find blogs are more of a dialogue than a journal really, especially once you have some regular readers. At least I've always had that kind of back and forth with the readers for my blog.
I have never really been interested in the idea of writing "today I went to the grocery store" kind of entries for two reasons. One I am not a fan personally of those sorts of blogs (though I know they are popular, and I don't think there is anything wrong with that). Second because I like to keep my personal life private.
Aside from all of that, I like hearing from you guys, and answering questions you may find interesting. I come from a long line of teachers, and educating other people gives me a lot of joy.
And like I already said, the more work you guys can do for me, like suggesting blog topics, the happier I am! lol!
I was by no means suggesting that you reveal your private life or give a daily list of your day to day life. I simply meant perhaps you could share some of the inspirations (note, in my previous comment I did mention: "that you might feel comfortable sharing" in there.)
For instance, in "Alex and the Ironic Gentleman" you thank the city of Bath. I've been lucky enough to have stayed a week there, but not all the readers have had the pleasure. Perhaps you could tell us what it is about the city that inspired you.
Your privacy is sacred, and for anyone to expect you to share it is nothing short of absurd. the details of your day to day activities are none but your own. I apologize that I left my remarks open to such blatant misinterpretation. Rest assured I will be more careful in my wording in the future.
An overview would be great, with maybe time frames for acceptance, what you learned, communication with publishers, tips for contracts. Thank you :) I think it's amazing that you give your time for this!
Writer's block.
Mmm. Yes, I too believe it exists, Adrienne. But knowing it can happen is far different from experiencing it...
Which is what I am, also. STUCK! I check your blog every now and then, and when I saw this post, I thought, I have to tell her that I know how she feels.
I know how you feel.
I'm all for weird things that have happened today blog posts. Not strictly writing related, but the funnies help to inspire stuff. Though if it's been a boring day where you watched paint dry, there's probably not much funny to say about that. Unless the paint came to life and tried to take over the house and ended up painting the cat instead.
But anyway, what I'm trying to say is you can write about life things without them being personal things. It was funny that my local bookstore invented a third gender (they had labelled book tables for guys, girls and sharp witted people). It was something I came across that day, but it wasn't personal to me.
Or just rewrite an old post in pirate speak. The 'arr!' stuff never gets old.
jo - Thanks for the suggestions, I will totally blog about them!
Anna - lol, thanks for the support hon! You are sweet!
polenth - I don't mind writing the odd weird thing that happened to me today post, and I don't feel like I am allowed or not allowed to do things on the blog, it's more just a matter of personal choice. But it's nice to know that if I do post a personal anecdote, people won't mind it! I used to do that more than I do now . . . maybe I'll start up again.
A post all in pirate speak eh? Interesting idea . . .
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