Writer's block

[samhasstories]

The trouble is the OP's problem. I quote:

Not being able to write seems like a trivial problem compared with everything else. Forcing yourself to write when you're mentally exhausted isn't going to solve the problem. Assuming that the OP's livelihood doesn't depend on writing, there's no reason to force it.

As much as writing can energise you, it's also emotionally draining. If you don't have the energy levels for it, the best thing is to recharge them, however long it takes. Come back to writing when it calls to you again, when you can enjoy it and the energy it gives you is greater than what it takes out of you.

That's fair, writing can feel trivial when confronted with more profound life issues. It is often the first thing to start to tail off when time gets short. And it's always going to come down to the question: how important to you is it to write?

I've found myself in periods of time where I've felt I needed to recharge my batteries to get back into writing shape. The trouble is, it never just happens. I could easily set the pen/laptop/whatever down until I'm ready for it again, only to realize, years later, that I just don't write anymore. And I'm not okay with that. So I write. Even if it seems like I'm wasting the last iota of usable energy on what can seem like a silly hobby.

To me, writing is very important. It is self preservation to me. It's not just writing, it's other outlets, too. But if I'm not engaging in those outlets then things like stress at work and bills and all the day to day bullshit feels like the only thing there is. And I'm simply not happy when that's the case. I'm happier when I'm writing.

I can obviously only speak for myself. But I would guess that the mere fact of this thread's existence is evidence that writing is important to Schlank. So my advise remains: just write.

 

[StillStunned]

As applies to so many things here on Lit, different strokes for different folks.

 

[Schlank]

Pour yourself a double shot of Jameson Irish, sip it, and relax. Let your mind wander about, and hopefully, you'll find a respite from worries. Wake up in the morning and dive in to see your muse has returned. If that doesn't work, rob a bank (not your bank), clean the money buying chips at a casino, and cash them in later in the night. You then pay the taxes on it as they take it out before they give you the check. Go deposit the now clean money in your account and get caught up on your bills. Then try to write and hope the FBI doesn't come a knocking.

But whatever you try, don't drink and write. That doesn't work.

I love you guys!

I still haven't been able to write anything, but I've enjoyed your responses, and it feels good to know somebody is out there, rooting for me!

 

[LucyAnneThorn]

I love you guys!

I still haven't been able to write anything, but I've enjoyed your responses, and it feels good to know somebody is out there, rooting for me!

Oh, there are lots of us out here rooting for you!

Would it help if a bunch of us gals dropped by your place and stood regally next to your writing desk, tapping wicked looking crops and paddles against our palms and whispering crude little threats while you try to write?

 

[nice90sguy]

But whatever you try, don't drink and write. That doesn't work.

That's fightin' talk, Missy. put up yer dukes and I'll challenge you to a - hic - writing contest , right here, right - hic - now.

 

[StillStunned]

But whatever you try, don't drink and write. That doesn't work.

It used to be easier: pen in one hand, glass in the other. Nowadays you need both hands for typing. And often one for stroking the cat.

 

[nice90sguy]

stroking the cat.

So that's what you call it. Never heard that one before.

 

[StillStunned]

So that's what you call it. Never heard that one before.

Sleeps 22 hours a day, and when it wakes up it demands attention...

 

[MillieDynamite]

What a cute name for your dingleberry.

It used to be easier: pen in one hand, glass in the other. Nowadays you need both hands for typing. And often one for stroking the cat.

 

[StillStunned]

What a cute name for your dingleberry.

Maybe the next cat I have will be called Dingleberry.

 

[Sams_Island]

I recently read (actually listened to the audiobook version) of 'Bird by Bird' by Anne Lamott and she covers this idea of finding ways to keep writing. She also agrees with the sentiment posted a few times in this thread that writing for writing's sake is more valid than writing for publishing's sake. I recommend checking out her book.
From my own experience I would add, if you're having trouble moving your own stuff, move someone else's. Give yourself a work assignment. Back in school, you often had a given writing assignment; that is, someone told you to write about a book or a person or a historical event, you didn't actually have to come up with your own plot and characters. Work on something like that now, just to keep your fingers moving. In fact, I was going to post in the story idea thread about how many erotica story ideas I find in the newspaper advice columns. Seriously. In fact, here's one I harvested today from an "Ask Amy" column in the Washington Post from Nov 22.
Dear Amy: My parents are in their 50s. They have been married for 30 years and have always seemed happy. They are successful in their respective careers and have been wonderful parents to me and my younger siblings. (I am the eldest of three.) My youngest sibling started college this fall, and my folks may have lost their bearings a little bit.
Anyway, during a recent routine phone call, my mother told me that she and my dad are talking about “opening their marriage.” I take it to mean that they will have flings with other people, while staying married.
First, I’m wondering why my mother told me this. Does she want me to try to stop them? Honestly, I think this open marriage thing is a terrible idea, but … it’s their journey and their business. I’m writing to you because I’d really like your perspective on this.

Tell me this doesn't sound like an opening to a Literotica story.
Here's your assignment. Turn this into a story. In fact, turn it into two. One with sex and one without. Exercise the writing muscles until your own story becomes more compelling than this one.

 

[MillieDynamite]

What ever helps your Ding-a-ling.

Maybe the next cat I have will be called Dingleberry.

 

[StillStunned]

From my own experience I would add, if you're having trouble moving your own stuff, move someone else's. Give yourself a work assignment. Back in school, you often had a given writing assignment; that is, someone told you to write about a book or a person or a historical event, you didn't actually have to come up with your own plot and characters. Work on something like that now, just to keep your fingers moving.

Check out Reedsy Prompts. They'll send five prompts every week, connected to a particular theme. For example, from last Friday:

1. Start your story with someone looking out the window and seeing the first snowfall of the season.
2. Start your story with a description of the cold, using lots of sensory detail.
3. Write a story where someone shares a cup of hot chocolate with a friend.
4. Your character hates the holidays, and jets out of town every year — but a historic snow storm means that this time, they can’t make their escape.
5. Write about a character emerging from hibernation, whether literally or metaphorically.

There are also prizes for the best stories submitted for the theme.

 

[Gamblnluck]

What a cute name for your dingleberry.

Just had a quick flashback to my Army training. I was in OCS and the instructors for that portion were Rangers. One was talking about several days out in the jungle, hot, sweaty.. then 'not to mention the dingleberries' referring to clumps of shit hanging from the hairs around the asshole.
How is that for an image to share? LOL

 

[samhasstories]

Thank you for the imagery, @Gamblnluck. Have you considered trying your hand at writing?