Writer's Block and getting started writing again

Writer's Block is described as an inability to write, which is not due to lack of skill. According to Wikipedia it is often due to lack of inspiration or lack of confidence, or a feeling that the particular project is too overwhelming.

One of the suggested solutions to Writer's Block is to attend a Writers' Group, where there are other writers who may suffer from the same condition. The group offers support to writers, and also the opportunity to start writing again, by the use of writing games and exercises, as well as the discipline of having to produce something.

Another suggestion is to write about reality. Going to a new place and describing the scenery in as much detail as possible, analysing the character of someone you know, reporting on a conversation you've had, or journaling your feelings are all ways of returning to writing.

Reading is the obvious source of inspiration and learning, and we can gain much from observing someone else's style, but it is important to write with your own "voice," in your own style. People often worry about how to develop their own style, but this is something that should come naturally, in the same way that speech comes to us naturally.

Writers are their own worst critics, and it often seems that the more talented they are, the more harshly they assess their writing. They hesitate to start until they are confident that what they produce is near-perfect, but in reality, the best way to start writing again is just to sit down and write, without worrying about the results.  

Introductions

As we have some new people joining the group, and this blog is being resurrected, we will start with some Introductions. This was the exercise for the 28 May 2013.

See below for what people wrote. (Please send in your work).

i)                   Who are you? 

Write a brief introduction on who you are

ii)                Describe your family

iii)              Describe your work

iv)              Describe the sort of people you value as friends

v)                 What makes you unhappy?

List

vi)              What makes you happy?
List

vii)            What makes you different from other people?
One or two things

viii)         What special qualities do you have?

Characteristics, skills, talents

ix)              What is the purpose of your life?

Write a “Mission Statement” for yourself

x)                 Write a poem introducing yourself, incorporating the above aspects of yourself.

                 Poem: Introducing Myself

I’m Fiona and I’m over forty,

Mostly I’m good, but sometimes I’m naughty.

Of children I have been blessed with four,

Although I really can’t say I’d want any more.

Holding a business hasn’t happened here,

So at the moment, I’m a volunteer.

I love painting and writing and singing,

I’m sure to others it looks like I’m winging.

The people I value as friends

Are happy and honest and warm.

If they do wrong they make amends,

And don’t turn everything into a storm.

Silence and lies are what I hate

And not achieving, and being late.

I’m happy in the presence of God above,

And when I’m allowed to love and love.

To successful society I must be a freak,

And appear to be pathetic and weak,

As I’m honest and mean every word I say,

But my life has meaning every day.  

I’m compassionate and good at listening,

Though often my own eyes are the ones that are glistening.

I know I’ve been put right here on earth,
To inspire others to know their worth,

To share my joy as well as my pain,

And to turn my losses into gain.

By Fiona Pimentel