"Sometimes what appears to be a setback is merely a break, a rest, a time to pick oneself up again. To start over, hit reset. Maybe like a blank page, it’s actually a kind of freedom, opening oneself up to new possibilities—and not constrained by the past."
I think I mentioned that during one of my "setback" times when I felt really blocked, I met a medium! She said "oh honey, you are blocked! You are absorbing!"
In the same way that was an AHA! moment for me... we live in such a driven culture that rest and "gathering in" isn't even included in the equation! That's insane! Both from a human aspect, but especially creatively.
Also I'm so glad you got that NF piece written -- there's truth to you can't go around something, you have to go through it. I know that by heart! Your brain needed a place to lay down this worry and you did good work putting it out on the page. I am guessing that story won't be done with you yet, as it will come back up in all kinds of forms in your writing over time.
Sending you lots of love! Call me/text me anytime! XO
I am so glad you are writing about the rewriting of a story for revision purposes. I do this, but not as often as I should. This is a great reminder to me. Reading aloud is another revision strategy I use. This one I have been doing more often. I also have an extension that reads my piece to me on Google Docs. I enjoy your Substack so much! Thank you!
A blank page *and* the file open on another screen! The fear of the blank page is gone. The stuckness of being in the other prose is also gone. Have ordered a thumb drive to move text from one laptop to another! I think this dual process could lead me to write the revisioned pieces I'm imagining [but not producing]. Thank you so much, Jessica!
I so appreciate the way you honestly share your joys and trials in life and writing. I feel less alone. Thank you.
And your idea of revising on a new blank page--and how this applies in life too--is profound and helpful. Wow! How might I look at my life next to a new and open future? Thank you!!
Once again, an inspiring gift to struggling writers! I so appreciate your contributions to us. Thanks you!
"Sometimes what appears to be a setback is merely a break, a rest, a time to pick oneself up again. To start over, hit reset. Maybe like a blank page, it’s actually a kind of freedom, opening oneself up to new possibilities—and not constrained by the past."
I think I mentioned that during one of my "setback" times when I felt really blocked, I met a medium! She said "oh honey, you are blocked! You are absorbing!"
In the same way that was an AHA! moment for me... we live in such a driven culture that rest and "gathering in" isn't even included in the equation! That's insane! Both from a human aspect, but especially creatively.
Also I'm so glad you got that NF piece written -- there's truth to you can't go around something, you have to go through it. I know that by heart! Your brain needed a place to lay down this worry and you did good work putting it out on the page. I am guessing that story won't be done with you yet, as it will come back up in all kinds of forms in your writing over time.
Sending you lots of love! Call me/text me anytime! XO
Thank you!! *Hugs*
I am so glad you are writing about the rewriting of a story for revision purposes. I do this, but not as often as I should. This is a great reminder to me. Reading aloud is another revision strategy I use. This one I have been doing more often. I also have an extension that reads my piece to me on Google Docs. I enjoy your Substack so much! Thank you!
Thank you so much, Tammy!! And YES to reading aloud, too!!
A blank page *and* the file open on another screen! The fear of the blank page is gone. The stuckness of being in the other prose is also gone. Have ordered a thumb drive to move text from one laptop to another! I think this dual process could lead me to write the revisioned pieces I'm imagining [but not producing]. Thank you so much, Jessica!
I'm so glad it's helpful!!
I so appreciate the way you honestly share your joys and trials in life and writing. I feel less alone. Thank you.
And your idea of revising on a new blank page--and how this applies in life too--is profound and helpful. Wow! How might I look at my life next to a new and open future? Thank you!!
🤗
Thank YOU!!