I ask myself, how is possible to be stuck for words when there are so many from which to choose? Yet, that is where I find myself when I sit to write a posting this week. Do you ever find yourself in the place where the thoughts you're pondering well up inside, but there's no key yet to unlock the door so those thoughts will make sense to the next person?
For the moment, I'm busy with a writing project that pushes me out of my comfort zone. I'm reading books that challenge my imagination to see realms of new possibilities. I catch glimpses -- but still it's so new I can hardly imagine it, never mind articulate it in words.
And, somehow in the mix of that, I pick up a new novel at the library Claude and Camille, A Novel of Monet, by Stephanie Cowell. Which "paints a dazzling portrait of a passionate young man struggling to become the towering Impressionist we revere" (quoted from Ellen Feldman, back cover).
In order to accomplish his dream to paint in a bold, new way, he had to 'push the envelope' of tradition. Perhaps he gives me the courage to push my own envelopes and dream dreams I've never quite had the courage to unfold before. Maybe reading about Monet will give me a key to unlocking the words that don't want to come.
What do you do when you're stuck for words?
Brenda
Being stuck for words is frustrating. But it means that I have to think a little harder. When I'm stuck, I find that taking a break - a walk, or doing dishes or something mindless helps. The brain processes on a different level and I often find that words come when I return to my writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to hear about your new writing project - hope you share sometime.
I cluster or brainstorm for words or write morning pages stream of consciousness about nothing or everything to get unstuck. It works. I also blog.
ReplyDeleteAll of the time that happens. I want to express things and am inadequate to translate my heart into words. What do I do? Well, sometimes I give up. Sometimes I put something down--however inadequate. Sometimes I search the Thesaurus for better words. Sometimes I read--but that usually does not help because even if I like what I read, I do not want to steal ideas or words and end up frustrated. Once and awhile, the words just come when I was not expecting. Sometimes after I start and then an idea comes to me. I hope that you "get inspired" soon and can let the flow begin.
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ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are going through growing pains, pushing yourself to achieve. Growing pains are good.
ReplyDeleteComfort zone or growing pains, I know you will come through.
I suppose sometimes when we are stuck for words there is always the alternative - silence. 'be still and know that i am God' comes to mind. Of course, that doesn't help much when one is trying to write a blog post! You did a great job of coming up with the 'right' words, though, anyway. Your reference to monet was inspired . :)
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