I’ve worked out why it’s been so hard to write lately. 🧐🧐
I’m not alone. I’ve spoken to or heard from so many other authors who are finding themselves stymied and creatively paralysed in the face of the global catastrophe we are all witnessing playing out around us in real time.
These past few weeks, I’ve been intensely tuned into what’s going on in the world, scouring and refreshing news feeds to find out the latest on this crisis.
But when I focus on facing outwards, it makes it impossible to look inwards. And that’s what I need to do to write. Although I believe good writing comes from scars, this doesn’t mean I need to suffer while I write. In fact, it’s the opposite: I write best when I am peaceful and can comfortably reflect on what’s going on inside, or what happened in the past.
This is why, many years ago, I made the decision not to express political opinions or become a writer-slash-activist. It is not good for me; it inhibits my ability to effect good things in the world through my words and my art. 🤘🤘
I see what’s happening in the world and I have spoken out on the things that matter to me. I will keep doing this when and if I choose. But I cannot make this my default setting. I will be of no use if my headspace is solely one of panic, rage and hypervigilance. I’ll never get any writing done.
So, I’m turning my energy and focus within. 🙏🙏
I’m safe at home for the foreseeable future, so I’ve decided to start my third novel as part of Camp NaNoWriMo in April. I’m aiming to have written 30,000 words by the end of the month.
I’m excited to lose myself in a made-up world again – I doubt there will ever be a better time for that than these coming months. I hope writing this new book is a comfort and panacea for me; and I hope you like it when I can finally share it!
The only way out is through. Take care everyone. ✌️✌️
Holden
Holden Sheppard - Author 
Totally understand your paralysis mate, I’ve been going it through it as well. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone.
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Not at all alone, mate – we’re all going through this strange time and feeling its impact on our creativity. It will pass.
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I’m finding creativity difficult too and I think you’re right Holden about the looking outwards thing. We do need to pay attention right now … but it costs us. Kinda looking forward to April at home. I’ve made lists and goals which have been … um willfully ignored so far. Perhaps there is something in those stages of grief thing and I can find my way to ‘acceptance’ and get on with what I’m supposed to be doing.
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I think you’re right Sarah about the stages of grief. It is hard to write when so much is going on in terms of our own emotions helping us process a new reality. I think once we reach a version of acceptance, perhaps looking inward for creativity becomes easier.
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