Writer's Funk
introspection24 total reviews
Comment from Judy Couch
This is an interesting commentary on your approach to writing. I never seem to have enough time to spend on it like I need to.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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This is an interesting commentary on your approach to writing. I never seem to have enough time to spend on it like I need to.
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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But no doubt, you have a full and rich life. Thanks.
Comment from barkingdog
I can totally relate to this. I have experienced many of your points. Well, in truth, most of your points. Currently, I'm not writing. Only reading and not caring how long anything is.
Getting into another's mind can be exciting. I don't worry about collecting money to post any more. What a relief.
Best of luck in the contest and with your funk burn off in the spring sunlight. :)e
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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I can totally relate to this. I have experienced many of your points. Well, in truth, most of your points. Currently, I'm not writing. Only reading and not caring how long anything is.
Getting into another's mind can be exciting. I don't worry about collecting money to post any more. What a relief.
Best of luck in the contest and with your funk burn off in the spring sunlight. :)e
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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I remember reading many of your posts, and there is no question you are an accomplished writer, but I get the passive involvement with FS as well. I went through a similar period of reading only and to my surprise racked up over $100 of funny money before I even noticed the score.
Thank you for the celestial bouquet, but especially for dropping in and sharing your thoughts on my current mood.
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LOL . I am sooo rich with funny money and certificates. I wish that I could use it at the mall. LOL
:) ellen
Oh, I see you're winning in the contest!! Yippee.
Comment from mommerry
There were so many points in your essay with which I could relate. Yes, we write -yes, the subjects and the quality vary - yes, others wonder about the time we spend doing it - but yes, it gives us a feeing of accomplishment, even when no one will ever read our words. Keep on, keeping on.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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There were so many points in your essay with which I could relate. Yes, we write -yes, the subjects and the quality vary - yes, others wonder about the time we spend doing it - but yes, it gives us a feeing of accomplishment, even when no one will ever read our words. Keep on, keeping on.
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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My mother used to crochet, continually, producing so many blankets, scarves and pillows that watching her fingers weave the yarn would make me feel nauseous, for I knew when her project was finished, I was supposed to cherish her work and put it on display in my house as a sign of my appreciation for her work. I comfort myself with this enormous body of work, that at least my obsessive writing does not take up space in my children's lives. Thanks for reading.
Comment from mfowler
I am reviewing the winning entry in this contest which I suspect cost $15.45 in funny money to enter and post, for a return of $15. No, you don't do it for the money, must be the writer's ego. If you are accurate, that's what you lack, so this win should help. Like you, I think many writers here, must reach that point when they realise they don't really accomplish anything real on FS except for practice. Now, to clarify, that could be construed as accomplishment, in that we all need to work at our craft if we are to improve. You named it well, 'a writing gymnasium', where the useful tips and personal support you get from fellow writers really helps you to lift your game. As for the question of 'block' or 'funk', that sometimes come down to talent as much as it might be a 'downer' over writing. You sound, and judging by the quality of this essay, be a very good writer. Hence, a dozen plots bouncing in your head is great, but some of our writers may only get one viable idea every now and then, thus a lack of inspiration may well be 'block'. Others lead several lives, and the energy to focus on crafting a great story may only be loosed once in a blue moon. It's an interesting thought. Like you, I spend some time writing and often find myself asking myself what's it all about. It definitely can be used to put off something more urgent, if not as personally satisfying. I have a mountain of preparation for class to do at present, but I'm sitting here discussing how writing puts off other stuff. That's a very immediate example. I come from a place of year long sun (although we are having our second day of rain for 2015 as I write), so I can understand why, for you, getting off your duff to enjoy some rays would be a better accomplishment. For me, it's just another sunny day. This writing obsession will go on, whether for the accolades, the need to procrastinate, the ego boost or the money. I just hope you keep at it as your writing is very much worth reading. Thanks for the entertainment and the thought fodder.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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I am reviewing the winning entry in this contest which I suspect cost $15.45 in funny money to enter and post, for a return of $15. No, you don't do it for the money, must be the writer's ego. If you are accurate, that's what you lack, so this win should help. Like you, I think many writers here, must reach that point when they realise they don't really accomplish anything real on FS except for practice. Now, to clarify, that could be construed as accomplishment, in that we all need to work at our craft if we are to improve. You named it well, 'a writing gymnasium', where the useful tips and personal support you get from fellow writers really helps you to lift your game. As for the question of 'block' or 'funk', that sometimes come down to talent as much as it might be a 'downer' over writing. You sound, and judging by the quality of this essay, be a very good writer. Hence, a dozen plots bouncing in your head is great, but some of our writers may only get one viable idea every now and then, thus a lack of inspiration may well be 'block'. Others lead several lives, and the energy to focus on crafting a great story may only be loosed once in a blue moon. It's an interesting thought. Like you, I spend some time writing and often find myself asking myself what's it all about. It definitely can be used to put off something more urgent, if not as personally satisfying. I have a mountain of preparation for class to do at present, but I'm sitting here discussing how writing puts off other stuff. That's a very immediate example. I come from a place of year long sun (although we are having our second day of rain for 2015 as I write), so I can understand why, for you, getting off your duff to enjoy some rays would be a better accomplishment. For me, it's just another sunny day. This writing obsession will go on, whether for the accolades, the need to procrastinate, the ego boost or the money. I just hope you keep at it as your writing is very much worth reading. Thanks for the entertainment and the thought fodder.
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Mark, you are a writer I very much admire, and so your feedback is meaningful to me. The essay really was an introspection put on public display and therefore, to be truthful, I paid more attention to the form and style than I might to scribbles in a journal. The editor of the newspaper I mention in the essay, said to me that I write because I have to and can't stop. and that too is true. I'm trying to figure out why, with all my background in business, why I don't at least take more of my essays and stories forward. In sales for thirty years, I'm used to rejection, so I can't use that as the reason, and as you rightly, and the sole person to mention this, certainly didn't benefit financially with this win--even with funny money. There is no answer to my funk, at least right now, but I suspect that movement and diversity in my daily schedule would relieve me of such philosophical musings.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. Of course, thanks for the stars, but I appreciate the dialogue much more.
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Maybe, Ingrid, you should write more stuff like this and just enjoy being loose. When I funk out, I write Jabberwocky poems. They amuse me and a handful of hardy fans, so that gets me back smiling when I write. You're way to talented to stay down for too long. The desire will burn strongly again very soon.
Comment from Carolyn 'Deaton' Stephens
Writers funk,,,,,,,,, I am not sure I have ever heard it said any better. Some say their muse is gone...or at least on vacation. I like that you have many stories running around in your head at any given time. Just park those potato chips, get out of your sweat suit and into dressy clothes. Doesn't matter if you aren't physically 'going' anywhere, I have a feeling, your pen can take you anyplace you have in mind.
Good luck,
Carolyn
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Writers funk,,,,,,,,, I am not sure I have ever heard it said any better. Some say their muse is gone...or at least on vacation. I like that you have many stories running around in your head at any given time. Just park those potato chips, get out of your sweat suit and into dressy clothes. Doesn't matter if you aren't physically 'going' anywhere, I have a feeling, your pen can take you anyplace you have in mind.
Good luck,
Carolyn
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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You are a mist charming reviewer and definitely a good life coach. Thank you.
Comment from 4hisglory
I will say that you write very well, even when writing about writing. I am one of those who has little time to write and long for the days when I retire to write more. Maybe then I can understand the funk you are in.
I do have a purpose for everything I write and I believe God helps me fulfill that purpose. I haven't had much published, but what was, has blessed someone, and that's
what is is all about.
Keep writing, but write with a purpose. Share your writing with a friend who needs a lift. Giving is more satisfying than receiving. You blessed me just with your creativity. Thanks for sharing from the heart. Blessings, LaVonne
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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I will say that you write very well, even when writing about writing. I am one of those who has little time to write and long for the days when I retire to write more. Maybe then I can understand the funk you are in.
I do have a purpose for everything I write and I believe God helps me fulfill that purpose. I haven't had much published, but what was, has blessed someone, and that's
what is is all about.
Keep writing, but write with a purpose. Share your writing with a friend who needs a lift. Giving is more satisfying than receiving. You blessed me just with your creativity. Thanks for sharing from the heart. Blessings, LaVonne
Comment Written 15-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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I am very happy that you have both purpose and the faith in your work Thanks very much.
Comment from Maureen's Pen
I read this twice for the sheer delight of knowing you! This was exceptionally well penned, but the content itself was mind boggling and I'm sure will have many more nodding heads in understanding - maybe we have all been there at some point.
I've never felt competitive with my writing and rarely enter the contests, but like you the need to express words can and has taken life from my eager hands...and time has a way of dwindling faster without me knowing it for a while. Having health issues has reminded me to take each day and live it to the fullest - in front of a computer ....seems a waste at times.
I was really impressed with this, and thought it held raw reflections so thank you for sharing it. Such expressive points to ponder, this is a work that reminds us life is not sitting in front of the computer writing no matter our passion for it....but in the real world. Good luck both in the contest and your stepping out into the sunshine.
Loved this one!
Thanks for sharing your wise words of contemplation.
Maureen
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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I read this twice for the sheer delight of knowing you! This was exceptionally well penned, but the content itself was mind boggling and I'm sure will have many more nodding heads in understanding - maybe we have all been there at some point.
I've never felt competitive with my writing and rarely enter the contests, but like you the need to express words can and has taken life from my eager hands...and time has a way of dwindling faster without me knowing it for a while. Having health issues has reminded me to take each day and live it to the fullest - in front of a computer ....seems a waste at times.
I was really impressed with this, and thought it held raw reflections so thank you for sharing it. Such expressive points to ponder, this is a work that reminds us life is not sitting in front of the computer writing no matter our passion for it....but in the real world. Good luck both in the contest and your stepping out into the sunshine.
Loved this one!
Thanks for sharing your wise words of contemplation.
Maureen
Comment Written 15-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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Most thoughtful reviewers, like you, understood the depth of the personal introspection, but one very celebrated writer here made comments that I was self-satisfied and arrogant. While he was the only one who went so far, having you completely understand the thought process that went into this essay was deeply gratifying. Thank you for the stars and the empathetic understanding.
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You also got my vote! It was powerful and beautiful in its awakening truth - Ignore the nut head!!
hugs
m
Comment from tfawcus
This one wins by several lengths! It examines the issues that drive us into print. Quality or quantity? Always the question and nowhere more so than here on FS. One has to dig through piles of dross to find the diamonds. However, it is the sheer weight of the dross that produces them in the first instance.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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This one wins by several lengths! It examines the issues that drive us into print. Quality or quantity? Always the question and nowhere more so than here on FS. One has to dig through piles of dross to find the diamonds. However, it is the sheer weight of the dross that produces them in the first instance.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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You drop some very profound thoughts of your own here in the response. My sincere thanks for the stars and enlightened review. It is greatly appreciated.
Comment from Bill Schott
There are many shared insights you lay out here that could help frustrated writers. Writing all the time is a terrific opportunity to amass the quantity of written work that can one day be reedited into a single piece or series of totally new ideas using archived phrases. You are correct in thinking that others would be jealous of your available writing time.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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There are many shared insights you lay out here that could help frustrated writers. Writing all the time is a terrific opportunity to amass the quantity of written work that can one day be reedited into a single piece or series of totally new ideas using archived phrases. You are correct in thinking that others would be jealous of your available writing time.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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Ah, but would they be jealous of my impending old age? Thanks very much for great feedback.
Comment from walbc
I simply love this piece and ever so wanted to give you six stars, they tell me I only have fives to give. Your prose flows fluidly down the page, engaging my interest all the way. You have metaphors, alliteration, ....... lots of other things that I cannot describe as I am a novice. But I don't really care for the "correct" review, I just know I love your words. Good luck in the contest, Regards, Wendy.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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I simply love this piece and ever so wanted to give you six stars, they tell me I only have fives to give. Your prose flows fluidly down the page, engaging my interest all the way. You have metaphors, alliteration, ....... lots of other things that I cannot describe as I am a novice. But I don't really care for the "correct" review, I just know I love your words. Good luck in the contest, Regards, Wendy.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2015
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Well I'm npot sure what the 'correct' review is or who determines the rules, but yours please me a great deal. Thanks.