Writing is funny. It doesn't always come naturally to me. It doesn't always ebb and flow. I get hung up on sentence structure and trip over myself trying to write correctly. I'm trying to get better at ignoring all the rules.
Today I am just trying to get a blog post written. And wishing it were coming a little more easily.
There are some blog writers out there who completely blow my mind with their brilliant stories and the sheer number of intense, heartfelt words they churn out every day. Paragraphs and paragraphs of them.
Every. Day.
Where does it all come from? Aren't their minds ever quiet?
I need more time to contemplate what I want to say and to find the words. Time to write them, leave them for a bit so I can come back and have a fresh look at them. Maybe I fuss too much, am too careful.
(Maybe I've become too comfortable with the limitations of 140 characters?)
So instead of writing about French cheese, or the Carte de Résident or about anything tangible, I'm just going to work through this frustrating writing funk by writing about it.
Voilà. Pin It
18 comments:
And sometimes you simply run out of ideas or time.
I think you should take advantage of summer and spend time outdoors and come back to blogging when the weather is miserable and cold. What's wrong with posting just a picture once a week or every few days?
know what you mean about this. i think some of the people you are talking about have a fair amount of writing training. it does also help to have a brain that interprets the world quite differently than others. but bon courage, bon travail. you'll get there. meanwhile that filetta looks GREAT!
Ah yes, been there.... I go out in the garden and contemplated my toes.....
Good for you, for working through it by writing. It's really just a matter of practice, and know that even professional writers get stuck a lot. Meanwhile, your photographs are wonderful, especially that lovely window.
I know the feeling!
Though I 'm getting used to everything moving a little slower in the Summer. It's a French tradition I hope to take with me wherever I go i the future.
I've always thought your writing is terrific, interesting, easy to read and flows well. In fact I've always thought you were a trained journalist/writer.
I struggle with the written word (even blog comments) and birthday cards are my worst.
I find it very difficult to write .. well too write and make it interesting ! I know what you mean , some blogs out there are amazing. I struggle with a Blog post title sometimes too. You are doing OK :-) I like your style.
I like your writing too. We all have spells when we feel we're out of things to say. But some of us (guess who?) keep writing anyway. Not always a good idea, I suppose.
Your blog is one of my favorites for both the photographs and the writing and if you hadn't said something I would never have known you struggle with it.
I write every single day, and have (with a few exceptions) since I was ten years old. My head is never ever quiet but writing helps reduce the clamor. Blogging for me is easy because it's just like spilling myself. But writing a book is different and there are days when trying to keep a specific plot moving feels like slogging through a bog.
Isn't it about having something to say? Don't get into the trap of writing for the sake of it (writing).
Nadege
Very true...writing time has been limited lately.
I usually find writing really relaxing and enjoyable, so it is strange to struggle with it.
Mlle Paradis
You're probably right about the writing training. I used to do Morning Pages (via The Artist's Way) years ago, but got out of the habit. Maybe I'll start again.
And the Filetta was great!
katie
Great idea! Taking a walk in the vineyards always clears my head, and I haven't done that in a while.
Emm
Yes, I'm slowly working through it...
Glad you enjoy the window. I think those flowers are gorgeous!
Camille
Summer is slower and last year I took a 1 month break from blogging. Maybe I need a blog holiday.
Loved your recent post about Le Bambou. Looked amazing!
Jenny
Birthday cards are tough! I always feel like I say the same thing, year after year.
Thank you for your nice comment. I appreciate it!
Anne
Titles get me sometimes too. :)
Thanks for your kind words.
Ken
I enjoy reading about your life and think that you always have something interesting to say. I've learned a lot about France from you, so thank you!
Angelina
You are an amazing writer - full of intensity and truth. I was sad when you stopped writing Dustpan Alley, but happy to hear that you are focusing your energies on your book.
Keep slogging! You'll get there.
Graham
Very sound advice and something I definitely don't want to end up doing. I never want my writing to become a chore.
Not always easy to enter a state of 'flow' and mantain yourself there. In the end, anything from cheese to writing is easier to grasp the more you practise it. As writers have known, said, and practised (!) ever since, when you can't write, write about what it feels like when you can't write :)
Gorgeoux
Thanks for the great comment. I'm feeling a bit out of practice and need to just keep working through it.
You've done the right thing. Your writing is natural and of a high standard which I am sure is why I love regularly reading your blog. If this natural flow stalls then it is right that you give things a pause.
I also think your photography is fabulous and particularly like your Paris photos. I know its the photographer and not the camera but I am curious if I can ask what equipment you use to get such clear and beautiful pictures ?
Loulou admirer
Blogs don't always have to be reams and reams of text, a picture paints a thousand words they say.
http://rozinbrittany.blogspot.com/
Thank you Loulou! At the blogher conference I attending a session on being published and was slapped upside the head- apparently if I want to get published I will write a personal blog and use social networking. So I'm starting a new personal blog. It will be much the same as Dustpan Alley but hopefully with an improved outlook since taking a break did wonders for me.
So I can endorse taking breaks from blogging. Though I never stopped writing, of course.
Anonymous
Thanks for your comment and am glad to hear that you enjoy reading Chez Loulou and looking at the photos. Paris is an inspirational place with a camera in hand!
I use a simple point and shoot, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5
Rosalyn
That is very true! I need to be reminded of that sometimes.
Angelina
I've heard that publishers want writers to have a presence online.
Sounds like taking a break has inspired you, so it was the right thing to do.
Looking forward to your new site!
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