Saturday, March 3, 2007

Block Busters

Instead of working this morning as I was supposed to do, I went blog-hopping. (I figured, hey, the only reason I have to work on a weekend is because no one else did their job on time so that I could do mine, plus, it's only Saturday so I've still got tomorrow, so, well, screw it.)

Anyway, Spyscribbler's blog had a link to this blog about breaking through writer's blocks. Among the comments there were the usual prats who said they never had it, but there was also some useful advice, and this bit:

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"CREATIVITY" by Martha Graham

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one you in all time, this expression is unique. If you block it, it will never exist through any medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is; it is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your worth. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time; there is only a strange, divine dissatisfaction; a blessed unrest that keeps us marking and makes us more alive than the others.

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Over the past year, I've come in contact with several writers--some in real life, some on the Internet--and most of us seem to suffer the same insecurities and doubts. Some of us wonder if we're wasting our time, if we're any good, even if we should even be writing at all; others believe in their writing but not their ability to market it. Some want to share their stories with everyone; others don't want to share at all. Others, like myself, tend to drift in and out of those all those feelings and more.

Today, I read a short post on a blog that left me in awe of this man's ability to write: Jon Zech. I immediately looked to see if he had books published, but from what I could surmise, he tends to fall into the "only share once in a while" category. That made me sad. I'd like for the world to see his work. I want to publish him. Him, and so many others.

We all have our unique perspectives, our stories to tell. Let's not keep them to ourselves, even if we do think they're less than perfect. I'm glad I finally managed to write some more last night, even it was only 700 words. It's about time.

7 comments:

Susan Miller said...

I do love the Creativity bit by Martha Graham and am the hugest fan of Jon Zech. Thank you for sharing that, Kate. Congratulations on the 700 words!

Charles Gramlich said...

I've thought often how I'd start a publishing company if I ever won the lottery just to publish some of the deserving but unrecognized writing that exists out there. Even if I did, though, I'd have to hire someone in marketing because this is certainly not my strength.

Steve Malley said...

Martha Graham is The MAN!

Except, of course, in the sense that she's a woman.

I'm in my seventeenth year of pursuing my various muses, and I've never seen my sense of mission and obligation more clearly stated.

Probably no coincidence she's such a power in her world.

RK Sterling said...

I really loved that quote too, guys. (and gal *g*) I keep trying to remember it when I'm being hard on myself.

Charles, that's my dream too.

Sidney said...

Good info.

heartinsanfrancisco said...

I love the quote from Ms. Graham. She expresses so eloquently that everyone's voice is unique and therefore cannot be compared to the work of others.

It was also astonishing to me that others have serious doubts about their abilities, even those as talented as you.

I always worry that my writing is not good enough, but there is nothing I'd rather do with my life.

RK Sterling said...

Thanks, hearts.

It surprises me, too, that you would doubt your own - you write very well.