For the better part of this year I’ve been fighting a mean bout of writer’s block. I’m not sure why. I’ve been reading a lot lately. Desperately trying to absorb the words of others in hopes of stimulating my own creativity. It’s not as if I have nothing to say. I have about 7 pieces I’ve been working on simultaneously and somehow I’ve come to the conclusion that absolutely none of them are good enough to see the light of day. Sometimes I feel as though there’s a certain self importance that comes with expression that I don’t allow myself to take part of because I’m too self conscious.
I really have a deep admiration for all of you that make this stuff look so easy. Of course no one spends the time along with you toiling over each and every word and idea, but I can only assume expression through writing has to come more naturally to some than for others.
Aside from the writer’s block and feeling as though what I have to say once a piece IS finished is somehow invalid because, Fuck??!! What Do I Know About Life????!!!!! I fear there’s a lack of confidence that someone will detect and ultimately judge me for.
I’m 26. I thought that at this point in my life, somehow, self confidence would be bestowed upon me and by some miracle everything in my life would turn around. Depression and anxiety? Cured. Shitty 9 to 5 job that I despise? No more. Money issues? No booty? No social life? All cured with a renewed sense of self and a little self confidence.
I’m beginning to think I’m gonna have to actually work for the things I want. Which is slightly disheartening having grown up a millennial and then suddenly there’s a shortage of congratulatory participation awards to boost your self confidence.
ANYWHO…..How do you guys fight writer’s block and the feeling to trash everything that you write for fear of not relating to anyone or sounding whiney and stupid? Let me know.
Black girl, white space. 
I remember that if no one else likes it, I do. I stay confident that my work is good and it matters to someone. Someone out there is living like me and going through the same things as me and they want to read about it. I build my confidence by saying I’m the person they want to hear it from lol.
I love writing, but I also know im not a genius writer, but I want to be. In order for me to be great at my passion, I have to keep working at it. No matter how crappy it is to me, I have to put it out to the world to get feedback and opinion on how to get better. That’s been my personal struggle, but I’m blessed to say I’m getting over it slowly. 🙂
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Yeah it’s definitely something I’ll have to get over if I want to get better. I suppose along with anything else it’s a matter of time and practice *sigh*
thanks for the comment 🙂
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Sis, you’re not the only one who struggles with writer’s block. Personally, I hate it but I’ve learned its just part of a writer’s “weakness” that all creative writer’s endure. While it maybe a beautiful struggle; however, it’s a struggle that I try to avoid by reading 19th and 20th century African-American books.
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I just may have to give that a try. Haven’t read any classics in a while.
Nice to know I’m not alone tho. Thanks!!
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Solace has always been my conduit to creativity, being disconnected from the static that is my daily routine is often tantamount to an out-of-body experience. There are a host of state parks in my area that I “charge” my “batteries” in.
Disconnect so you can connect!
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Yes!!!! Definitely worth trying. My mind is in this state of constant overstimulation. No doubt technology is a big part of the problem.
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I’m 21, trapped in the retail and security industries while attending a no-name career college while I try to save money to apply and attend a “real” university in the near future. My writing is the one thing I can claim as my best skills, regardless of everything else I could possibly find wrong with my life. And yet, I have writers block every other week. I have a lot to say, but like you mentioned, I often lack the confidence to put it out there, in fear that I don’t have even years behind my back to escape being dismissed as ridiculous or criticized for not knowing what I’m talking about. Solution? I have found that the one way to get over that is to sit down and write anyway. No filter, no over thinking. I can edit out the fluff and inappropriate content later, but getting those raw thoughts and feelings down and making them into bloggable pieces later is probably the best cure for writer’s block I have ever used. The other is to go out for dinner (I’m serious) as I wrote about yesterday. Sounds dumb but it works ☺ BTW please keep writing. Your blog gives me life. I feel less alone in my struggles as a black girl in my local white space.
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Yes! Yes! Yes! We’re so similar it’s eerie! Haha. I’ll definitely be giving your suggestion a try. Often times when I sit down to write I feel as though I’m trying to solve a puzzle. Initially, everything just comes out as fragmented sentences and incomplete thoughts that I then have to piece together. I’m sure with practice, the words will come a little easier.
Thank you so much for your encouragement! It was exactly what I needed to hear on a day that I needed to hear it most. Much Love!
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Forgive the typos. Typing on a phone sucks, lol.
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