I’ve the next chapter waiting in the wings, but my son’s been quarantined because of a case of Covid in the nursery. Furthermore, the laundry’s piling up, and there are groceries to buy, and everyone needs their tea.
This is the kind of writer’s block I experience. The words are always there, but sometimes I have to ignore them. I’ll admit to sneaking off for a surreptitious writing break when the kids are watching TV. This is how I made it through two lockdowns: retreating to my writer’s lair at every available opportunity.
Sometimes I struggle to understand why other writers get blocked. I don’t ever try to force the words to come. Instead, I find a silent space, tune out and ground my senses, then I listen to the words:
faintly humming like
microwave radiation
cosmic background song
Written for dVerse
Tonight, Frank is hosting Haibun Monday, and he has asked us to write about writer’s block. It’s true that I had big plans to continue work on my novel this week, but my son has been ordered to stay home from nursery because of a case of Covid in class. Most importantly, he is well. I will enjoy the time with him, but I imagine I’ll be sneaking off for a few ‘writer’s breaks’ every now and then, while he’s happily drawing on the walls or stomping play-doh into the carpet…
Vote for me!
A reminder that my poem ‘So Long‘ has been nominated for Publication of the Month at Spillwords! If you like the poem, I would very much appreciate your vote: https://spillwords.com/vote/. Polls close on September 30th 🙂
Many thanks,
Ingrid
I think that many who face writer’s block are those with too much time on their hands. Maybe trying to squeeze in a few minutes in a hectic life is the way to do it.
Perhaps it is! I can’t imagine ever having too much time on my hands, but if there comes a time, maybe I will find out…
it’s no coincidence that a lot or writers are retirees.
Yes, its not something a sane person would try to juggle with raising a family 😅
Don’t worry, give it 10 years and you won’t be in demand any more.
I published a piece of flash today that I finished at 4am this morning. That’s actually a productive time of day for me. But Mondays I have no other commitments.
Funnily enough, I got up at 4am to start writing…I’m a bit tired now. But thank you for reminding me about your flash as I did see it and wanted to read it!
if you read one, read the father/son chat. I wrote the other one and was a bit meh. Ironically, that was the one I spent all the time on. I played with Chagall, though, which amused me at least.
I preferred the Chagall one! Though they we’re both good.
thx. It’s fun, when you finally get a minute to write, no? But I’m happy to play aound with flash.
I always enjoy it. At the moment I’m trying to balance my time between poetry and a rewrite of my novel.
Kids. Sigh.
Love ‘em though 🥰
er… yes. 🤣
https://mrbump.uk/2021/09/27/a-rush-job/
Agreed. I know my writing increased with the time made available by retirement. (Not to mention the muse that drew nearly 100 love poems out of me – all before we were married.)
Love will do that for you 😊
I can relate to always hearing words, but to organize them on paper is another story. Beautiful and I hope his quarantine is soon over and everyone safe.
Thank you, Mary, we are all safe and well 🙏
I get blocked too. When it feels forced it usually is me pushing too hard. I loved that poem it is beautiful and definitely a winner. Hugs 🤗 Joni
Thank you Joni: I am learning to tell when I’m pushing too hard, but it isn’t easy to let go sometimes! ❤️
So very true. Have a great week. ❤️
Thanks Joni: you too 🥰
It was before blogs and poetry, but I definitely wrote books and articles while my kids played or watched TV.
And I’ve definitely procrasti-baked 😀 or done chores instead of writing–deadlines are powerful things though.
Procrasti-baked 😅 I think I need to learn to slow down sometimes!
Procrasti-baking is an art form. 🤣 I think when you have young children, it’s hard to slow down sometimes.
I love the crisp language of this piece, and the unexpectedness of the little poem!
Thank you Jaya – I tried to expand on the theme and set the words free!
Good Lord! The peace I experience when these humming and drumming sounds from the background stops. A case of each contraption adding to noise ‘silently’.
I understand! I really appreciate peace and quiet these days.
Our personal space shrunk so much in recent times. Clicking pictures for Insta or a writing prompt is all gone as outward movement stops.
I think the inner space can grow during these times though!
You are right.
i can fully understand where you are coming from. i quit writing for 20 years to raise my children. so yes we cannot always fit in everthing that we would like,. short ditties is all i managed for a long time. nw the kids are almost ready to stand on their own feet writtins is back on the menu.
I quit housework so I can raise my children and still write 🤣
Only joking – but I do have to be regimented in my approach, to make sure I have time for everything!
It is difficult to manage use of the time
Your fertile imagination raises muses like locusts in the wind. Like you, I am an old sled dog, creativity mixed with muscle memory. I put on the harness, and off I go.
Thank you for this wonderful compliment, Glenn. I think we are both driven by elemental creative forces!
Bravo! To steal away, that is the solution
Much💖love
Thank you Gillena 🙏❤️
Oh they’re in there alright, almost always; but it’s coaxing them out (or finding the space/time to let them flow) that gets in the way. Wonderful work, Ingrid.
Thanks Ron. Sometimes we just have to leave them to their own devices!
You are blessed with the curse of unstoppable creativity. Me, not so much.
I am sure you have it too! 😊
Hope all goes well with your son’s nursery. And me, too. Words come too easily at times. Maybe that’s writer’s block.
Thank you! I think it may well be.
Your story was mine in my multi-tasking days. With retirement there’s time to be blocked!!
Perhaps I’ll find out one day 😅
I love your Haibun Ingrid. I understand all that you are saying. You are a busy woman with kids and housekeeping and keeping a blog going. Good for you! Keep up the good work.
Thank you Dwight – I’ll try!
:>)
You capture the furtive circumstances of seeking to write while tending to family. Well done!
Thanks Frank!
An interesting and insightful Haibun, which I can closely associate with Ingrid … and like you, for me the words are always there .. in the ‘microwave … under the carpet … between the sheets at night … or in the sky above my courtyard ….
https://youtu.be/jN2gcO4Sbw4
I do get that impression from your work, Ivor! 🌌⭐️🌏
That’s nice to know Ingrid 😊🌏
Oh, I’ve definitely had this same illness, Ingrid. T.V. writing breaks and trying to figure out how long a story can stay warm in the oven of my brain.
We do our best!
I am glad your son is well. I hope you were able to squeeze in a few words and get the play-doh out of the carpet. 😆 Oh, I remember those days! They were busy, exhausting, and beautiful. 💖 Your doing great mum (I love saying that). 💐
You’re right, Michele, they are all of these things. Thank you! ❤️
You have my vote, Ingrid! I love that poem! <3
Thank you Kindly, Cheryl ❤️
May you always find a quiet place to steal away to Ingrid. 🤫 (I seem to recall one of your recordings was made in a cupboard?)
😅 exactly!
So used to all the background sounds when I write, I wonder what complete silence would sound like!
May you always find time to sneak away to your lair to write wonderfully. ❤️
Good to know your son is doing fine. 😊
Sometimes complete silence is bliss! Though I wouldn’t want it all the time 😅
It sure is! Same here…it would drive me mad! 😂
If I don’t write those words down right away they always disappear. I’m glad your son is well and hope his classroom reopens soon. I always admire the way you juggle all your priorities. (K)
This happens to me too – especially is I have an idea when I’m half asleep. Thank you Kerfe!
Great haibun!
xoxo
Thank you! 😊
My pleasure.
oh man great job … you’re a busy mom … take good care Ingrid💖
Thanks Cindy 🏃♂️😅❤️
Love this haibun, Ingrid. The muse awaits for those listening but at the right time.
pax,
dora
Thank you Dora 😊
so relieved to hear there are others who don’t suffer writer’s block … juggling motherhood must be a real challenge, I take my hat off to you and Punam!
This week is especially challenging with the quarantine, but at least we are all well 🙏
so very glad to hear it, take care and let them run about as much as possible outside … kids need to exercise well 🙂
I know! It’s very important for them.
absolutely and when they are deprived of peer contact then they need some other outlet 🙂
Oh how I understand what you are saying here Ingrid. I don’t believe I have ever had a moment where I sit alone in a room and are free to just write. If t ever were then maybe I could understand writer’s block. My life is all go, go, go and I find myself recording words that come to me onto my iphone for fear of not remembering them when I finally have time to write. 😧. Writing is a pure luxury for me and when I find the time I feel so wonderful ☺️💕
I hope you get more time to do it one day ❤️
Good to know your son is ok but I can see how there might be some writer’s block when your attention is drawn elsewhere. I hope things can ease up for you again, Ingrid!
Thanks Susi! The main thing is we are all safe and well (if a little frustrated 😅)
You’re welcome, Ingrid! Absolutely! 🙂
I feel this 🙂
Also – love the image of you sneaking away to write!
<3
David
Thank you David – I’ve got no chance today 🤪
Then that’s the world’s loss❣️
True grit…and reality bites…