Writer's Funk
introspection24 total reviews
Comment from Leineco
I, too, have encountered this "funk" - specifically as relates to my FanStory devolution. For a while, it served me well in my sudden isolation. It gave me what I thought was a writer's sense of accomplishment. A viewership and ego strokes. But eventually, I began to question what it all meant. Unlike you, my submissions off the site were dwindling, and my love of the writing had morphed into a competitive endeavor. Like you, my writing become dictated by the themes and formats FS dished out. I began to wonder if a painter were handed only blue and red pigment, could/would he still paint creatively. . .or feel like a paint-by-the-number hack?
I suspect I won't make a clean break from FS - it serves a purpose in terms of membership in a club that values what I do. But I hope my recent sabbatical will re-energize my avocation - rekindle my desire to write for me rather than to continue writing mostly for competitive reasons.
I don't have the freedom to wander back out into the world and re-engage in the pleasures of the greater physical world. . .but I can explore a return to spending hours reading and researching. Your essay has strengthened my commitment to finding other outlets to dabble in :-)
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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I, too, have encountered this "funk" - specifically as relates to my FanStory devolution. For a while, it served me well in my sudden isolation. It gave me what I thought was a writer's sense of accomplishment. A viewership and ego strokes. But eventually, I began to question what it all meant. Unlike you, my submissions off the site were dwindling, and my love of the writing had morphed into a competitive endeavor. Like you, my writing become dictated by the themes and formats FS dished out. I began to wonder if a painter were handed only blue and red pigment, could/would he still paint creatively. . .or feel like a paint-by-the-number hack?
I suspect I won't make a clean break from FS - it serves a purpose in terms of membership in a club that values what I do. But I hope my recent sabbatical will re-energize my avocation - rekindle my desire to write for me rather than to continue writing mostly for competitive reasons.
I don't have the freedom to wander back out into the world and re-engage in the pleasures of the greater physical world. . .but I can explore a return to spending hours reading and researching. Your essay has strengthened my commitment to finding other outlets to dabble in :-)
Comment Written 15-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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You're right, your views are very much like much like my own and reflect both understanding and compassion for our plight. Thank you for so generously sharing your thoughts.
Comment from humpwhistle
I think semantics are dulling this post. You admit it. You can't define 'funk', nor 'accomplishment'.
Honestly? I think you sound 'too accomplished'. It sounds like you have all the ideas, all the inspiration you will ever need--not to mention the talent to pull of any coup you can imagine. That would put me in a funk, too.
Writing is no more about accomplishment than an ounce is about gravity.
If you're in a funk, I suggest it's because you're self-satisfied. FS has that effect on some people.
One man's opinion.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2015
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I think semantics are dulling this post. You admit it. You can't define 'funk', nor 'accomplishment'.
Honestly? I think you sound 'too accomplished'. It sounds like you have all the ideas, all the inspiration you will ever need--not to mention the talent to pull of any coup you can imagine. That would put me in a funk, too.
Writing is no more about accomplishment than an ounce is about gravity.
If you're in a funk, I suggest it's because you're self-satisfied. FS has that effect on some people.
One man's opinion.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 13-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2015
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Of course the writing itself is not about accomplishment, but when it is all that a person does is write, never marketing or putting it out there to publishers, or seeking out opportunities to showcase the ideas outside a protected site, then sitting on one's ass all day and simply posting it on a writing site where people pay to see my name in print, makes one question--or at least me--what I am doing. If writing is simply a compulsive urge, then really, there is hardly any reason to share it with anyone. But of course, that is only one woman's opinion.
My, my, my...this line sounds rather antagonistic, but no doubt the reviewer may have used stronger words to form his response to my essay, and considers this polite, had he understood the difference between prideful accomplishment and arrogance, which he seems to have painted me with in his review.
Honestly? I think you sound 'too accomplished'. It sounds like you have all the ideas, all the inspiration you will ever need--not to mention the talent to pull of any coup you can imagine. That would put me in a funk, too.
It is always a pleasure to receive a review from a writer with so many accolades beside his name. Thank you.
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We understand writing from different positions. I truly enjoy the exercise. FS is just handy conduit, a venue. Not to share it--even on this level, would rob me of the fun. I enjoy writing, and I enjoy entertaining. I don't enjoy turning either of those pleasures into work.
No antagonism. Just a response to your stated position. Your essay indicates to me that you feel you have run out of challenges. That your funk is due to ennui.
Just an interpretation.
Peace, Lee
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I think you are a much better writer than a reader.
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I think I read what you write. Blaming the reader is easy.
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People filter what they read through their own encyclopedia. I don't live in a world of blame. It seems to have become a habit of yours to throw that phrase out whenever someone pushes back. Saying 'I don't get your pov,' seems far more honest then telling a writer what they did or did not say. You processed key parts of interest to you without pausing to contemplate the writer's perspective. I believe you should avoid all my posts in future as they neither amuse, educate or give you pause to ponder about anything I have to say.
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You're right. I'll avoid what you have to say in the future. But I think you're wrong about assigning blame. You blame everyone who doesn't agree with you.
And you're also right in that I find no entertainment, nor education in your self-aggrandizement.
Forgive me if stumble onto your blind posts.
L
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Everyone? Read the reviews. But then again, you hold yourself above the commonality of non-fiction writers. It is shameful that our relationship is trash, but while I admire your talent--and put my money where my respect emanated from--you are a self-contained critic that has his personal agenda, and more power to you. No, I won't forgive you for stumbling into my posts, I'll just ignore you. I have no interest in anything other than to see you become successful at your second career.
A long time ago, I sent cash to support a brilliant writer. The first time I suggested that your female characters were two-dimensional, you smacked me across the face and it has never stopped.
Comment from jlsavell
Ingrid,
I think we all experience writer funk. Well j know I do especially since I have never considered myself a serious writer or even one at all. Yes, I understand about contests giving one indigestion or being given a low rating by a reviewer who just gave a high six to a poetic effort that left much to be desired. Oh but another complaint another time. Best wishes with the contest. A great contender. To you I have writer's envy and yes you can write about anything. JIMI
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2015
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Ingrid,
I think we all experience writer funk. Well j know I do especially since I have never considered myself a serious writer or even one at all. Yes, I understand about contests giving one indigestion or being given a low rating by a reviewer who just gave a high six to a poetic effort that left much to be desired. Oh but another complaint another time. Best wishes with the contest. A great contender. To you I have writer's envy and yes you can write about anything. JIMI
Comment Written 13-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2015
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You underestimate yourself, as I once did, and most women. Why is that I wonder? Do you remember how giggle-hard it was to look at yourself in the mirror and say, 'yes, I am a woman'? We always seemed to think we were girls and choked on the word. But we ARE writers. I happen to think you're a damn good poet an I have no problem saying I'm a good writer. It comes with time. Thanks.
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Ingrid, perhaps I do underestimate myself. What a stone mover you are, thank you dear friend. Right now I am under the gun to produce a blank verse by 4 this evening for Ray's blank verse class. This is extremely hard, but I will charge on!!!
Comment from LIJ Red
I'd get bored in crap weather and review, and review. When the member dollars piled up, I'd try my hand at writing. I soon learned to ignore most reviews. I may have learned a little about writing. But I made it through the winter more or less
sane! Viva Fanstory! Sounds like you had a similar but more productive experience.
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2015
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I'd get bored in crap weather and review, and review. When the member dollars piled up, I'd try my hand at writing. I soon learned to ignore most reviews. I may have learned a little about writing. But I made it through the winter more or less
sane! Viva Fanstory! Sounds like you had a similar but more productive experience.
Comment Written 13-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2015
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This is my 6th year on FS, but the worst winter, possibly because I retired and had so much more time to squander or enjoy, depending on how one looks at it. Thanks.
Comment from Dean Kuch
"I realize there are writers who want to slap me right through the screen, envious of the time I can invest in writing. For them, time is precious and they struggle to carve out a few hours to devote to their craft. Conversely, I'm a little jealous of their lives, where people and activities can consume days and weeks. I was once that person, but now I feel that perhaps the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction." -- Yep, I think this paragraph pretty well summed it all up for yours truly. Way I see it, if your gonna' do something, you might as well be creative at doing something you love -- something you're very passionate about.
For me (and you too, apparently), writing just happens to be that "thing".
Great story, good luck! ~Dean
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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"I realize there are writers who want to slap me right through the screen, envious of the time I can invest in writing. For them, time is precious and they struggle to carve out a few hours to devote to their craft. Conversely, I'm a little jealous of their lives, where people and activities can consume days and weeks. I was once that person, but now I feel that perhaps the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction." -- Yep, I think this paragraph pretty well summed it all up for yours truly. Way I see it, if your gonna' do something, you might as well be creative at doing something you love -- something you're very passionate about.
For me (and you too, apparently), writing just happens to be that "thing".
Great story, good luck! ~Dean
Comment Written 12-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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Thanks, greatly appreciated.
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Yup. ;)
Comment from bob cullen
This is an outstanding write and one I can relate to.
I have a number of completed manuscript that I've done nothing with. My reason is simple, I fear rejection. I tell my self my ego is satisfied on completing the work. That is a lie, ego will be more satisfied when published. Conversely that same ego will be dented by rejection. What am I to do.
I found my answer in procrastination.
Fortunately I've now found some courage and I am working on a marketing program. At least for this week.
You are, by the way, a very good writer.
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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This is an outstanding write and one I can relate to.
I have a number of completed manuscript that I've done nothing with. My reason is simple, I fear rejection. I tell my self my ego is satisfied on completing the work. That is a lie, ego will be more satisfied when published. Conversely that same ego will be dented by rejection. What am I to do.
I found my answer in procrastination.
Fortunately I've now found some courage and I am working on a marketing program. At least for this week.
You are, by the way, a very good writer.
Comment Written 12-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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The publishing industry is changing radically with self publishing taking over. Check it out on Smashwords and see if it works for you. T[m sure you've been told that rejection is a fact of life, but if you do decide to go the traditional route, do your research. Make sure the publisher is someone who is open for submissions and prints your genre,. A lot of rejection happens because authors send their work out randomly and often it gets on desks that never look at certain categories. Also check out Duothorpe. They have a weekly newsletter that list people accepting submissions. Thanks for the review.
Comment from Debbie Noland
It appears that you have taken a step back and engaged in some valuable self-analysis here. It is something we all do or should do from time to time. I think that as we get older, there is some sense that what we do with our remaining time needs to be somehow significant.
Your introspective approach here is good, and you do us all some good in encouraging us to look at ourselves as a pie chart and figure out if the writing wedge is a reasonably sized piece.
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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It appears that you have taken a step back and engaged in some valuable self-analysis here. It is something we all do or should do from time to time. I think that as we get older, there is some sense that what we do with our remaining time needs to be somehow significant.
Your introspective approach here is good, and you do us all some good in encouraging us to look at ourselves as a pie chart and figure out if the writing wedge is a reasonably sized piece.
Comment Written 12-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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I might eat the pie without noticing I was chomping on a chart. Thanks.
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Funny!
Comment from livelylinda
Author: you have described me rather well. But, no, getting up to do something doesn't make the writing funk go away. I use one barometer to get me up. I can only sit so long and then my joints all stiffen and I can hardly stand upright. So, I get up often and do some little thing so I'm not embarrassed if a friend stops by unexpectedly. I also live alone and am so happy about that. I no longer have someone harassing me about what time I went to bed, got up or how long I sat at the computer. I paid good money for this contraption . . . I shall sit at it as long as I like! Now, I'm rambling . . . Good luck in the contest and write on! livelylinda
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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Author: you have described me rather well. But, no, getting up to do something doesn't make the writing funk go away. I use one barometer to get me up. I can only sit so long and then my joints all stiffen and I can hardly stand upright. So, I get up often and do some little thing so I'm not embarrassed if a friend stops by unexpectedly. I also live alone and am so happy about that. I no longer have someone harassing me about what time I went to bed, got up or how long I sat at the computer. I paid good money for this contraption . . . I shall sit at it as long as I like! Now, I'm rambling . . . Good luck in the contest and write on! livelylinda
Comment Written 12-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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What a lovely response. I might enjoy importing someone occasionally to ward off boredom pf myself, but I too have reached the age and stage of non-compromising. Thanks.
Comment from Dom G Robles
I admire you and your essay. The way you put your ideas. To me, the computer makes me busy all the time, and there are times, when I sleep over it. Then I realize I was in a short nap. Then I begin again. But there are times when I begin the read and review and get a few dollars. But you know what? I begin to use them to promote my poems so as not to stay stagnant on 2 two cents; I realized that you had to have a base dollars before you can use them. That sometimes bothers me. Base dollars are dollars you have to put before you can promote. Now, going back to your essays and short stories, I am glad that you are full of ideas. It is very rare that one can truly have so much without being inspired. Perhaps, it is because you have been in the trade for a long time that you just pick ideas out of the blue. I have not reached that stage. I have so many ideas but mostly confined to rhyming. But I will try on prose combined with poetry. Lady, my sincere congratulations. Dom
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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I admire you and your essay. The way you put your ideas. To me, the computer makes me busy all the time, and there are times, when I sleep over it. Then I realize I was in a short nap. Then I begin again. But there are times when I begin the read and review and get a few dollars. But you know what? I begin to use them to promote my poems so as not to stay stagnant on 2 two cents; I realized that you had to have a base dollars before you can use them. That sometimes bothers me. Base dollars are dollars you have to put before you can promote. Now, going back to your essays and short stories, I am glad that you are full of ideas. It is very rare that one can truly have so much without being inspired. Perhaps, it is because you have been in the trade for a long time that you just pick ideas out of the blue. I have not reached that stage. I have so many ideas but mostly confined to rhyming. But I will try on prose combined with poetry. Lady, my sincere congratulations. Dom
Comment Written 12-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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Thank you very much for the stars. Writing seems to be changing and with haibun finally getting some attention, the combinations of poetry and prose are becoming more common.
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True, indeed. Dom
Comment from Dawn Munro
Care to meet downtown? The Eaton Centre perhaps? I'm the person you've described herein. Last year (or was it the year before?) I wrote about friends dropping off like flies because I didn't have time for them anymore. It's come home to roost, and I am heading out right now, just as I managed to do for a few hours yesterday (although I met with another FanStory member to do it - LOL).
Superb, Ingrid. (And unbalanced - I thought it was just me...)
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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Care to meet downtown? The Eaton Centre perhaps? I'm the person you've described herein. Last year (or was it the year before?) I wrote about friends dropping off like flies because I didn't have time for them anymore. It's come home to roost, and I am heading out right now, just as I managed to do for a few hours yesterday (although I met with another FanStory member to do it - LOL).
Superb, Ingrid. (And unbalanced - I thought it was just me...)
Comment Written 12-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2015
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Never go to TO anymore, perhaps twice a year to theatre, but otherwise it's as if the world ends at Guelph Line, but sure, if you're willing to meet half-way, it would be lovely to meet you.
Thanks for the stars.
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I can't do it - I gave up my car when I moved back to the city. :) It was a thought anyway - I hope you got out to enjoy this lovely day, at least a little. :)
