when the writing brain disappears
January, the month for stress induced writer's block | For ViM's "Wooden" January Prompt
stay where you are
watching the scene before you
staring and wondering if you can find words between molecules and cells
put your hand to your ear
hoping it is putting the writing brain back where it belongs
or keeping the remnants inside
even as the chill sets in
from the brain muffling snow
even if you become Pinocchio
before the magic came
*
just do not lose hope
the magic will come
the snow will melt
and your writing brain will come home
***
Author's Journal: This month has been a stressful one thanks to some recent changes in my employment. Thankfully, I'm near the light at the end of the tunnel and things are better.
I wanted to write this little update for not only myself, but for those who have been feeling a little stressed.
I didn't realize stress could stunt my writing the way it did. I knew with the change in hours I would have less time, but I thought I would still have the desire to write. I spent more time staring at my screen, hoping it would spark something.
For those who are under stress and feel like it's stopping you from writing, know you're not alone and it won't last forever. Give yourself some grace and be patient when the words won't come to you as easily as they did before. (Trust me, that's been a hard one for me.)
And most importantly, don't give up...
...and also take a look at prompts to help you think of some ideas and speaking of...
...a link to ViM's January Prompt | Wooden is down below. There's only a few more hours to submit your poem, but even if you can't get one in before the due date, give this a look.
About the Creator
Alexandria Stanwyck
My inner child screams joyfully as I fall back in love with writing.
I am on social media! (Discord, Facebook, and Instagram.)
instead of therapy: poetry and lyrics about struggling and healing is available on Amazon.
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More stories from Alexandria Stanwyck and writers in Poets and other communities.
Getting Serious About Comedy (Part I)
If I were asked to remark on my life and the childhood that paved some road leading me to this point, I would have to say something about all the funny people who surrounded me for the last 26,872 days (and counting). Somewhere along that road, I became a big fan of laughter and the comedy that spawns it – and, I mean not only my own laughter, but the laughter of others, some of which I have actually been responsible for inducing.
By John Oliver Smith5 days ago in Humor
Comments (7)
Glad that you poured out these words. writing can be so healing.
Well-wrought! How synchronistic that you mentioned Pinnochio. I just responded to Judey about my hopeful take on this picture, one which, in some ways, we share: "I see, perhaps, the reverse of Pinnochio's wish here. The wooden boy seeks to become real, thinking the experience of flesh and blood superior. The real boy hardens into a wooden man, knowing the pain that flesh brought, and yearning to protect the one thing every young boy most secretly cherishes: his own heart. When the children laugh and play, the wooden man sits peacefully and experiences their joy. When they are absent, as in this cold winter scene, he sits joyfully and experiences peace. Inscrutable is the heart of pleasure beneath the mask of sorrow." I suppose I assume the old wooden fella shares my penchant for sitting quietly and enjoying the passage of time. Not that you'd know from my long-winded reply! I'll see myself out now!
Wonderful poem and reflection, Alexandria! Stress can take such a toll on the creative process
I like the analogy here and your approach which was different in tone to the others I’ve read. ☺️ 👍
I know exactly how that feels. Well said.
💙 Glad to see you writing again Love the poem
Such sage advice! Love, "the magic will come"