I’ve been there myself—many times. There was a time when I simply couldn’t write and thought about giving up. I thought my aspirations must be a joke. I must be the dumbest person in my writing class. Everyone has been there, even those with the book awards. If not, either you haven’t experienced it yet or you are a liar. I still wouldn’t call those times writer’s block. I suggest avoiding the term “writer’s block” like the plague.
In each of our pen lives, getting into a creative rut is common. If that happens, it’s necessary to push through. I imagine a seedling pushing its way through the ground or a hatchling pecking its way out of the eggshell. There’s no other way out. At times, the daily grind of a writer can feel mundane. Don’t let…
Writing memoir does not appeal to me. Regardless, I decided to give it a try. And, I absolutely hated it. The writing process felt like torture. I’m not ready to write about certain things in my past. I’m meant to be a fiction writer and maybe essayist but not a writer of memoir. I cringe when people…
The most memorable stories I’ve read were the types of stories that brought me into the world the author created. Regardless of genre or fiction or non-fiction, you are telling the story by letting the reader experience the world of your characters and action. The setting serves not only as the backdrop but also the…
Failing NaNoWriMo was a mirror to my soul. I got to see that it is perfectly acceptable to let go and try things. I’m not overly disappointed. Attempting NaNoWriMo gave me the boost to finish several chapters. Through NaNoWriMo Write-Ins and local activities, I had the chance to meet new people that I would have otherwise not met.
I recently stumbled on an advice column on The New York Magazine “Should I Give Up on my Writing?” A frustrated writer in her mid-50s was expressing her frustration and readiness to give up writing. She wants to make it and wants to breakthrough. I enjoyed reading the response. Now, I’ll be giving my two cents…
And then… Just kidding. For real, that’s how those who encountered a narcissist may feel. Narcissism is one of the worst social disease that exists. It leaves many unseen wounds and scars. Contrary to the popular notion, it isn’t limited to America or the Western world. Individualism is not narcissism. Individualism is a revolutionary idea and…
