Is the inkwell dry?
by For the majority of my adult life, I've fancied myself somewhat creative. Some have called me a poetess, but I wouldn't go that far...I just like to write. Lately, however, I haven't been able to synthesize any sonnets, create any couplets, write anything real. I think I'm too happy(and I blame my boyfriend). I wake up smiling, and fall asleep thinking of him, and that kind of stuff just does not a good writer make. I've poured out pages of lovey-dovey happiness, and I don't think there are any other ways to say how in love I am, so where do I go from here? (NOTE: Not that love or my boyfriend are BAD things, they are in fact, quite the opposite, as can be ascertained from the abovementioned 'happiness', so don't get the wrong impression about my feelings there) The point is, previously, I've written about confusion, frustration, misery, and general angst. Suffice it to say, I really don't have those anymore. Looking at the lives of great poets such as Byron, Shakespeare, and even Shelley, all were similarly wrought with misery. Is that the life of a poet? Surely the answer is no, for modern-day writers lead happy, tuberculosis-free lives. So what kind of experiences do they draw from to create interesting writing? Anyone have any ideas?
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18 Comments
Get ideas from your surroundings. From the finer things in life. Things you have done. Describe experiences .Dreams. Nature. Me.
I deffinitly agree. Also though you have to be in the right mood. And let it come from your heart. just write down your feelings.
ah yes, pain of heart is the best muse. I was just thinking about this subject the other day.
i had this poetry teacher once and he told us the best emotion was love. The other hint he gave us was always try and compare what we are feeling to a natural weather activity. like when you are confused it might be a storm or stuff like that. then when you think of a physical way of how you feel you suddenly have a lot more adjectives for emotions.
isnt that what the rockstar did in his last journal?
at least u have written stuff that is actually good and enjoyed by all, i can't even write my name right anymore
blah, blah. get a room!
try writing about some things that make you happy. I always write when i feel i have something to say, like if i have a horrible day , i write about it
whereas many great works have come from the greatest of pain, many, too, come from love which can hurt so good. consider ur favorite love songs... much of my early writings were when i was first in love (or in infatuation, at least: see 'mrenticon' journals). good feelings need voice and expression...don't keep it bottled up
Just use your memories. THe memories and the knowledge you have acquired since the day you came into this world. THe information that has molded you as an individual. Take that and run with it.
i absolutly luv how most of everyone on here is into all of this! its amazing....especially that theres guys joinin in...I agree that you write the deepest feelings when they are comming from pain...i think ive written almost everything i have when i was in pain (from a boy) and it was the deepest...when i was dating someone i would try to write him letters and poems sayin how i felt but it ever came out exactly as i was feeling...I totally agree with the natural surrounds ideas...u can describe so many emotions with just weather and colors and things like that...I love writing...even just in a journal...NOT A DIARY...i have two books...one thats just a daily planner where i write everything i do everyday (no janner i didnt steal it from u) and then i have my little book where i write everything im thinking...id die if i lost it...i love that it cant talk back...its great having friends u can talk to and tell ur secrets but they talk back! and sometimes with not wat u wanted to hear...but with writing its only wat U feel and wat U say and wat U think thats it! and now im dry too with writing! im not sad...im not extremly happy...im kinda just living and theres nothing really to say about it
"i love that it cant talk back.." I hope that it can't little miss prozac :P
i always enjoy writing, whether i'm happy or sad, just that lately i've been so burned out because of school i havent been able to concentrate long enough to really create anything.
Thanks for all your suggestions everyone. I'm going to start by re-vamping something that I wrote a couple years ago, to get the juices flowing, then I might start something new. Also, I'm getting some new books to read, 19th century stuff. The vocabulary always inspires. Thanks!
try some Jane Austen; Pride and Prejudice was a favorite of mine
im reply to #15 ......soooo good.......