tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667348909154981284.post1338653245128053347..comments2024-03-20T06:55:57.193-07:00Comments on Born to Blog by Beth Kaplan: Nicole Breit's advicebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09122791819498272634noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667348909154981284.post-86540516335131043752016-12-18T08:30:18.896-08:002016-12-18T08:30:18.896-08:00Wise words, old friend. Yes, it's not writer&#...Wise words, old friend. Yes, it's not writer's block, because I'm emailing and blogging, and even reading old essays to rewrite and getting ideas. I am avoiding a particular project, which has taken a lot from me and needs a lot more. I'm having a rest, is a better way to put it, but feeling guilty about it. It's nice to have a romantic name for avoidance, isn't it? The trouble for freelancers, as you know, is that the work is always, always there. Anyway, I will get back to it, but Christmas is on its way, the usual tsunami. I envy those dedicated people who write every day, no matter what. But yes, SHUT UP, should voice. I send my love to you across the mountains.bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09122791819498272634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667348909154981284.post-61547283111189710112016-12-18T06:56:20.980-08:002016-12-18T06:56:20.980-08:00“Writer’s block,” at least for me, has “romantic” ...“Writer’s block,” at least for me, has “romantic” (for lack of a better word) connotations. It never sounds like a serious affliction because the bearer has nearly always been busy doing something else they have chosen to do. I think it feels “romantic” to me because writers have made the expression popular and they are actually bragging about being “special” as artists or writers.<br /><br />I’m NOT saying you’re doing that; I’m saying that one profession has romanticized a basic human issue. A writer invented the term but there are procrastinators in every profession. It sounds much more “romantic” to say: “I have writer’s block” as opposed to saying “I am procrastinating” don’t you think? That’s why I sense the romance in the phrase.<br /><br />I think it’s likely we all get sick of doing what we do most — even if we love to do it.<br /><br />Your post is writing about being unable to write. Whereas you cannot work on your big writing project, you can post on your blog. I do that too because we both love writing but not necessarily “working;” when we take on huge writing projects, the further into the projects we go, the longer they take to complete, the more the writing of them feels like “work.” <br /><br />And true worthwhile work is demanding. The concentration is wearying, especially in us old timers.<br /><br />You wrote this list of the things keeping you from writing. Your list proves your mind and body are up to the task you don’t want to do — same with me, yesterday. And I get days like yesterday periodically — days of crafter’s block. <br /><br />I think the better term is “work fatigue.” Sometimes we need to take a break — especially when the only deadline is self-imposed. <br /><br />And I wrote this long comment instead of "working" on the script I want to complete. Sigh. But why label a temporary aversion to work? Lets have fun doing what we're doing when we're not "working!" <br /><br />Tell your "should" voice to shut up and have a Merry Christmas. That's what I've decided to do.<br /><br />Chris<br />XOXOChris Tyrell Lorangerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06693002805680550315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667348909154981284.post-21016663400037185372016-12-17T14:13:01.439-08:002016-12-17T14:13:01.439-08:00Thanks, Theresa. I'll get on the case. Just go...Thanks, Theresa. I'll get on the case. Just got to do a few things first ... NO I DON'T!bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09122791819498272634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667348909154981284.post-3099266791175454712016-12-17T14:02:56.268-08:002016-12-17T14:02:56.268-08:00Good advice! Go, Beth! Some of us are looking forw...Good advice! Go, Beth! Some of us are looking forward to your memoir...theresahttp://www.theresakishkan.comnoreply@blogger.com