Happy September, and welcome to a new version of my ShakirTalk.
I thought I’d do something different, so hear me out.
My plan for the rest of September is to show bits and pieces of my writing process, my desires, my fears, and my frustrations as I sort through this industry the best way I know how, even though I’ve been doing this for fifteen years and counting.
Today, I’ll talk about a subject that’s a sore spot for some, and a perceived myth to others.
Writer’s Block.
Those two words are the bane of an author’s existence.
Now, it doesn’t always plague every author who picks up a pen, but it can happen if you’re not careful.
Personally, I’ve run into this problem a few times in my career, and what I’ve learned in the past to allow me to recognize when it might happen again is to notice the subtle signs (because there are never any blatant signs, right?)
The first time it hit me was when my Beloved was going through a few health scares, and my focus was on helping her through those scares, which took away from the energy I’d normally have to create on a daily basis. Once she was in the clear, it was like the fog lifted, and I was able to get back into my creative flow.
The most recent time that it hit me was after my mother passed away almost two years ago. I was in a funk big time while processing my grief, and I was stuck in a space where I was frustrated that I couldn’t use my pain to get the words out of my head in any capacity, all while trying to prepare for a new release.
Both of those times, and the ones in between (my father’s death, etc.), taught me a few lessons. Outside stressors and events affected me the most deeply, and I needed to prioritize resolving those outside stressors before I could get back to my passions.
Now, I can’t say that I’m completely back to normal because I’m still going through stages of grief over my mother’s death since it’s the more recent traumatic event. What I can say is that I’m a work in progress, and as I progress, I’m able to get back to the creative energy that makes me the most content in this world.
If this peek into my head resonates with someone, then I’m grateful for opening the doors. How you find your way out of writer’s block will differ from the next creative, and that’s the beauty of it all. The only way forward is through, and that’s my hope for anyone—keep moving forward.
Happy September, and I look forward to getting with you tomorrow, where I’ll talk about a desire I’ve had ever since I was a teenager: to write full-time.
Thank you in advance for coming to my ShakirTalk, I hope you’ll enjoy the next thirty days as much as I hope I will LOL.
Shakir
Comments