Writing About Writing - Guest Blog Post

“I’d like to write about writing,” I wrote in the email. As soon as I sent it, I half winced to myself and sucked in a quick breath. Is this a thing? Will readers and writers alike be interested in my inner monologue as I sort through the writing challenges? Do you want to know the self-doubt that reflects off the sunny window onto my blank screen? Well, here goes!

Writing about writing is beyond difficult. There’s a fine line between metacognitive thinking and a stream of consciousness, and I fear the latter. I picture the words as they tumble out of my brain and bounce onto the paper, not really sticking to anything, but merely lying on the surface, waiting to sink in. What if they don’t sink in? I imagine the letters joining together and scattering off the page when I’m not looking, acutely aware that they may never make any profound impact. Or will they? The words ebb and flow, and so I keep trying. Is writing just blissful ignorance? If so, may I never stop.

We’ve all been there, and these thoughts dissipate over time with practice, patience, and an overall love for the written word. Yes, I am more confident these days, but writing challenges take many forms. They are shape shifters, adapting to your progress and burrowing into your

sentences. But the challenge of revealing them and creating something beautiful and meaningful keeps us going.

When writing is most difficult, I open up a new document or a fresh page and write about how I can’t write anything. And my mind opens and begins to flow. I’ve learned the art of letting go, releasing my expectations, and not overthinking them. When feeling extra creative, I even close my eyes as I type. May the force be with me! A few backspaces later, and a sheepish grin, my sleeves are up, and I’m ready to write.

Writing about writing has been therapeutic for me. Naturally, I crave a cathartic response, and artistically, it’s equivalent to the description of a psychedelic effect; the door opens, and on the other side, I’m standing on the edge of the precipice. There’s no horizon or ocean in the distance, only a blank vastness that only I can fill. It can either scare me or take my breath away. It takes my breath away. And I will jump every time.

So, my advice to you is to write about writing. Try quick writes, new words to explore, character descriptions, physical descriptions, goals, or reflections. Whatever opens that door and makes you jump.

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