Wrangler Dani

Writer, editor, wife, adoptive mama and cowgirl living in beautiful Central Oregon.

When words fail

I’m…

…stuck.

I think all creative people have a variation of this problem. We punish ourselves, we have great ideas but no follow-through, and we struggle with self-doubt of the most soul-wrenching kind.

I have a writing project that is just aching to be written out in heart-pounding prose, ideas that are just below the surface, longing to be examined and embraced.  This is my dream.

But I really don’t think I’m good enough for this opportunity. I struggle to fight the voice that tells me to give up before I’ve begun.

I’m sorry to write such a desperate, navel-gazing post – I promise this is nothing that the baking of a dozen cookies and a hug from my hubby can’t fix.  I’ll be fine. Really.

But I’m just…. bleh recently. My words feel lame, to put it bluntly. I’m not even sure why I’m writing all this publicly or how to wrap up this pathetic little post.  So I’m going to organize my towel closet now, sing a song, get re-inspired.

6 comments found

  1. omphaloskepsis- contemplation of one’s navel as an aide to meditation. it’s a good word. you’ll get there. did you read the nanowrimo book? it’s pretty encouraging even if it’s not november (p.s. never try to write a novel the month after giving birth- free tip!)

  2. Remember that there are things out there that don’t want you to write. How cool would it be to buy a book written by my friend Dani? I would get your autograph.

    I believe in you.

    Let’s get food/coffee/sustenance sometime. Catch up. 🙂

    Love you.

  3. I definitely know where you are here…I also can’t seem to get started lately. But you can do this. Really. You are a fantastic writer with a brilliant heart and mad word skills. We all believe in you. 🙂

  4. Maybe you think you’re ideas are blocked, but I still enjoy reading all your blogs! I can almost hear your voice all the way over here when I read them 🙂

  5. Just spit it all out on your laptop. You can always edit later. I think writer’s block is fake. Or it’s a synonym for scared. Don’t be skeert.

  6. Dani: C’mon girl… Do this. Even if for your own peace of mind. Set attainable weekly writing goals – small chunks. Get the ball rolling… What might seem impossible (an entire book) will look more possible if you cut it up (a chapter a week). Then you’ll find momentum and won’t be distracted by the fear and intimidation of the magnitude of the project. You’re a great writer. I’m obviously sucked into your blog tonight and it’s because you’re so flipping easy and fun to read. Get this going. DO THE THANG! (Why did I give myself permission to be all bossy on your blog right now? Because I’m doing this very same stuff for myself this year. I set a VERY unattainable goal of writing 100 songs in 2009 – and so far I’m AHEAD of my weekly 2 song quota. I’m rolling…. Because I decided to push myself down the mountain. Momentum, baby.)

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