Today is National Day on Writing, a day to celebrate the joy and importance of writing. Click on the link to find resources for teachers, tips for writers, and information about how to join the conversation on WhyIWrite. You can also listen to podcasts of authors talking about their process and reasons for becoming a writer.
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my own writing process. I have always loved to write, but it doesn't always come easy. Here is a #poemsketch I wrote about my sometimes struggle with words. It is still a work-in-progress, but it's late and this what I have so far.
Stuck
Sometimes writing feels like
a Chinese Finger Trap—
The harder I try
to pull words onto the page,
the more they stick
inside my brain—
But finally
when I stop,
to take a breath—
Words somehow
seem to know
and suddenly
they begin to let go.
A big thank you to Leigh Anne over at A Day in the Life for hosting this week's Poetry Friday.
I love the idea of being stuck like a Chinese Finger Trap and then when we relax the words left go. I may have to start doing the poem sketches.
ReplyDeleteJone- I'm usually very nervous about sharing my poems, but by doing the poemsketches, it takes the pressure of being perfect off. I look forward to seeing your poemsketches too.
DeleteThere is a good story arc in your poem...wouldn't it be great if we could just skip to the letting go part?
ReplyDeleteLinda- yes! If only we could skip the stuck part, but I guess it's all part of the process (at least for me.)
DeleteLinda, what a perfect analogy! Thank you for writing about being stuck. It happens. All we can do is... let go! xo
ReplyDeleteIrene- the letting go part is so hard for me, but I think I'm slowing getting better at it. xo
DeleteNice image of taking a breath and releasing the words!
ReplyDeleteI love the analogy! Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rebecca!
DeleteThis is a perfect metaphor. How often have I had the words stuck no matter how hard I try to pull them out? But somehow, when I let go, they come.
ReplyDeleteKay, isn't it funny how when you start doing (like washing the dishes), the words suddenly appear? I'm trying to learn to trust in the process, but it's so hard. : )
DeleteWonderful analogy, Linda. Now when I am stuck, I will remember, and perhaps it will help me be free!
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah. That's exactly how it goes. So when a line comes immediately, I have to not tense up and start wondering where it is going! Just relax and all the fibers of the poem/writing will align and flow.
ReplyDeleteYup. Every writer should keep one of those Chinese finger things on their desk as a reminder not to pull too hard!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great analogy! Sometimes letting go is the only way to get the words to flow.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful WIP - I like it lots! (And can certainly relate!)
ReplyDeleteI am most intrigued by this Chinese Finger Trap. I've not heard of one before. I'm guessing that's what's in the picture?
Great analogy for writing.
ReplyDeleteLinda, what a great image of how writing feels and tends to go sometimes. I think this is a great analogy to share with kid writers, and so I shall!
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of us feel the same way about writing - sometimes the more you try to force it, the harder it becomes, which is unfortunately not a great thing to discover when your editor sends you another very politely-worded email reminding you of your deadline..! :-D
ReplyDeleteLinda, I love your poem and this metaphor is exactly right! Thank you for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to describe the process, Linda.
ReplyDelete