You are wise to give yourself a break. I can certainly relate to the notion of creative exhaustion. I hope that you get the respite you need to craft more magnificent essays like the ones you consistently turn out.
I too struggle with knowing when it's time to stop cracking the whip over my own back, and just letting things that truly want to be expressed rise to the top as they will -- which sounds like your plan for the time being, and it's one I salute. I have to get past the fear of losing so much momentum that I'll just subside into Jan-shaped pudding. Looking for the happy medium as I careen between the gutters . . .
That may be my favorite piece of all I've read of yours so far. Reminds me of the time I assigned students to write memoirs and the student who claimed she couldn't do the assignment because her life was too boring came up with the best one in the class. Keep digging deep: you just never know.
So true. When I was a Hospice chaplain, the patients inevitably began by saying they had nothing to say about their lives. Got married, went in the service, went to work at the mill. All the juice was just a little ways under the surface.
I'm right there with Judith and Peggy. Since this is how you write when your prose is tired, Well, Whew! Good on you, and it, for claiming a rest from the rat race. Just writing what needs to be said is not only enough, it's more than enough. And my planned quote for an inside page of my memoir when it gets to that point seems pertinent here, too, Susie. "Never give up. And, when necessary, surrender. That's how you never give up." Here. let me hand you a white flag. Enjoy your nap.
I can totally identify with your notion that your prose needs a nap. I have been napping for far too long and am just getting going again. I hope. Your prose is never tired to me. You just need a bit of a rest, like letting land go fallow for a while to encourage its subsequent fertility. Happy zzzzzz's
This piece reminded me of a letter I got from Ziva (Mutual friend) telling me in the most exquisite prose what a bad writer she was while you talk about your prose taking a nap while it's singiing and dancing.
"My prose is tired. I can feel it wilting and wanting to pull the covers up over its head to take a long nap." Oh yeah? This prose is wide awake and standing upright.
Thank you. Sometimes I look at my stuff from a while back and feel like I've lost a step. Just the general disquiet about aging that shows up from time to time.
As always, I treasure your honesty and willingness to be vulnerable. And while I will miss your writing dearly, you, of course, have my 3000% support. Also sounds wise to say that if the urge to write shows up, you will write. Sounds to me like you are listening to your soul, or something like that. Much love.
Indeed...the minute I announced I was taking a break, I realized I had to write about Lola's birthday so I had to add a caveat that I would write when there was something important to say. Feels good.
Susie, If this is you with tired prose, please take a well-deserved break, but never stop writing. You always create something that's wonderful to read!
I'm all for break-taking! I call my writing breaks "composting time". Right now I'm on a roll - writing new stuff, revising a few old pieces, putting together a new manuscript. But this comes after the first half of the year being mighty quiet.
You are wise to give yourself a break. I can certainly relate to the notion of creative exhaustion. I hope that you get the respite you need to craft more magnificent essays like the ones you consistently turn out.
Thank you, Don. I'm fortunate that I know when I'm tired. I think the real trouble comes when you don't even know what you're feeling.
The best cure for writing malaise is more writing. And you’ve proved it here.
I too struggle with knowing when it's time to stop cracking the whip over my own back, and just letting things that truly want to be expressed rise to the top as they will -- which sounds like your plan for the time being, and it's one I salute. I have to get past the fear of losing so much momentum that I'll just subside into Jan-shaped pudding. Looking for the happy medium as I careen between the gutters . . .
That may be my favorite piece of all I've read of yours so far. Reminds me of the time I assigned students to write memoirs and the student who claimed she couldn't do the assignment because her life was too boring came up with the best one in the class. Keep digging deep: you just never know.
So true. When I was a Hospice chaplain, the patients inevitably began by saying they had nothing to say about their lives. Got married, went in the service, went to work at the mill. All the juice was just a little ways under the surface.
I'm right there with Judith and Peggy. Since this is how you write when your prose is tired, Well, Whew! Good on you, and it, for claiming a rest from the rat race. Just writing what needs to be said is not only enough, it's more than enough. And my planned quote for an inside page of my memoir when it gets to that point seems pertinent here, too, Susie. "Never give up. And, when necessary, surrender. That's how you never give up." Here. let me hand you a white flag. Enjoy your nap.
I love that quote. Lifting up surrender.....a tried and true spiritual practice and apparently a literary one as well.
Yes, quite a spiritual practice indeed!
I can totally identify with your notion that your prose needs a nap. I have been napping for far too long and am just getting going again. I hope. Your prose is never tired to me. You just need a bit of a rest, like letting land go fallow for a while to encourage its subsequent fertility. Happy zzzzzz's
Shmitah! what a great metaphor for what I'm feeling. Thank you so much.
This piece reminded me of a letter I got from Ziva (Mutual friend) telling me in the most exquisite prose what a bad writer she was while you talk about your prose taking a nap while it's singiing and dancing.
Thank you, love. I just felt I had to slap it in the face and throw old water on it to get it to wake up. Thanks for your confidence in me!
Really identify with this.
It's good to feel in blessed company with all the struggle.
"My prose is tired. I can feel it wilting and wanting to pull the covers up over its head to take a long nap." Oh yeah? This prose is wide awake and standing upright.
Thank you. Sometimes I look at my stuff from a while back and feel like I've lost a step. Just the general disquiet about aging that shows up from time to time.
Thanks for this essay, letting us know you need a break. And I resonated to the description of the 90th birthday party and your openness with Anthony.
Thanks, Ani. Good to hear from you. Material keeps rising to the surface and wanting to be written about.
As always, I treasure your honesty and willingness to be vulnerable. And while I will miss your writing dearly, you, of course, have my 3000% support. Also sounds wise to say that if the urge to write shows up, you will write. Sounds to me like you are listening to your soul, or something like that. Much love.
Indeed...the minute I announced I was taking a break, I realized I had to write about Lola's birthday so I had to add a caveat that I would write when there was something important to say. Feels good.
Susie, If this is you with tired prose, please take a well-deserved break, but never stop writing. You always create something that's wonderful to read!
GREAT story!
And yes, take a break. Rest and restore. Peace be with you, Susie
I'm all for break-taking! I call my writing breaks "composting time". Right now I'm on a roll - writing new stuff, revising a few old pieces, putting together a new manuscript. But this comes after the first half of the year being mighty quiet.
That's inspiring. These lessons seem to be hard to learn and have to be repeated over and over. High-energy creative time is so seductive!
You write beautifully even if your writing feels like it should take a nap. Whatever and whenever you write we will be here to read with pleasure.
Thank you, Alice. I want to avoid automatic pilot at all costs. I'm sure you understand.