Back in the Habit
I’m sitting at my desk, with five strangers on my screen. And I have to say, despite the fresh coffee and ugg-boots it’s not a particularly comfortable feeling.
It’s been a while haven’t since I’ve written anything.
It would be easy to say that the global pandemic was responsible for not picking up a pen but really, that’s not the reason. Actually, I write every day. I’m a teacher and leader at a school and make learning resources, videos and materials as part of my day job. I really do take pride in the creativity and invention that goes into what I make for other people. I enjoy it, but is it really writing?
This morning, I sat for at least five minutes looking at a blank piece of paper, sharpening my pencil another time. I looked down at horror when I realised the first things I started to write were related to Writers Bloc or my day job and really did look a lot like a “to-do” list.
My intention was to “write my morning pages” and get out all of the things in my head. Obviously, because this was our first Write Here Digital session, that was mostly what I wrote about. Questions were swirling. Will people get something out of it? Are people happy to “just get on with it” or did they want to have more of a chat? Should we make it free or is having a fee a motivator to show up?
In writing this, it’s hard to know who exactly would want to read it. Maybe it’s good enough if it’s only me.
Hi Geoff. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us. Yes this is really valuable writing to anyone else who is struggling with hearing their words or writing the words/rhythms they hear. As I was writing this morning, I realised that my recent “block” happened because I lost the connection I had with my “voice” (I call it my language). Even when I heard the sound or cadence I love I couldn’t put it down on paper or screen. It’s caused me no end of grief. I need the company of other writers to get myself out of the block. Here’s hoping I’ve caught the updraft ???? ????????????
Thank you for sharing your perspective on todays meeting. There is always an air of uncertainty around new beginnings and how they are going to work out. And the monkeys chattering about things like “what will I write about?” “Will I fit in?” – come on, we’ve all done that! I have been a member of a couple of writing groups for quite a few years now and I find the collective energy that flows from simply being in a space with other writers really helps me to settle in and just write. That sense of belonging thing again. I enjoyed meeting the other participants, and hope that we can continue to meet up regularly. I wrote drivel this morning but it did inspire me to get back into revising and editing my memoir. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and look forward to sharing the space again next week. Thanks everyone.