My writing skills have all deserted me. Nary a word gets from my heart to my mind to my page. I am in the dark soul of the night (how St. John of the Cross used to describe a period of spiritual purification and intense inner turmoil that individuals experience on their journey toward God). Is that my dark soul? No idea. The phrase just popped into my mind and thus it's worth examining.
My morning pages are kaput. My journaling is even more so.
I say to myself, I might never write again.
Is this true? I certainly hope not.
My morning pages are kaput. My journaling is even more so.
I say to myself, I might never write again.
Is this true? I certainly hope not.
BUT WHAT IF IT IS????
Writing is who I am, what I am. It is my definition of self for many years.
I take comfort from Jeremiah 36. Jeremiah dictated God's message to Baruch who read it to the King who promptly burned the scroll. Did Jeremiah say, "What a mess?" or did he say, "What a grand opportunity to do a better job this time?"
In desperation I joined FAB CHOW Summer Writers' Challenge.
Available to writers all around the world, several of us took up the challenge to write.
WRITE SOMETHING! ANYTHING! JUST WRITE!
Bobbi Cole, who currently lives and studies in Israel, called writers together to face the empty void of the empty page.
And we do. From Canada, Australia, Britain, Israel, and places galore, we agreed on a mutual time. For me, that means seven a.m. every Friday for four weeks. Our only goal is to write something. We are used to letting ourselves down, but we care not to let our fellow writers down and so we write. We show up on those Fridays with something on page or in mind ready for page.
Am I still in the dark soul period of my writing life? That remains to be seen. Stay tuned!
And we do. From Canada, Australia, Britain, Israel, and places galore, we agreed on a mutual time. For me, that means seven a.m. every Friday for four weeks. Our only goal is to write something. We are used to letting ourselves down, but we care not to let our fellow writers down and so we write. We show up on those Fridays with something on page or in mind ready for page.
Am I still in the dark soul period of my writing life? That remains to be seen. Stay tuned!
Top Photo credit: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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Brenda J Wood has authored more than fifty books. She is a seasoned motivational speaker, who declares the Word of God with wisdom, humour, and common sense.
Your writing is like a breath of fresh air, Brenda, even in this dark soul period. I'm hoping that your summer writing challenge gives your writing soul a glimmer of light and renewed inspiration.
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted.
Thank you so much for your kindness in reading this and offering your hope for my future
Deletethank you so much, Brenda. I appreciate your words from the other Brenda.
DeleteI loved reading this, Brenda. Your honesty is refreshing. I believe all writers go through such dark periods. Along with Brenda L. above, I hope your summer challenge will bright light into your darkness and that the words you love will flow from your heart and mind to your paper (or screen).
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind comments and mutual understanding Brenda Wood
DeleteThe fact that you wrote this post tells me you're not through writing yet! Stay the course through this season!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lori for your kind words Brenda
Deleteoh I appreciate your thoughts and I take your word as gospel. I am not finished yet. Thank you.
DeleteA wonderful post and hope your time with writers of the world inspires you to even more wonderful pieces!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon. That means a lot to me Brenda Wood.
DeleteThere is genius in community and accountability. Happy that you have made a commitment with others to write. "We are used to letting ourselves down, but we care not to let our fellow writers down and so we write." Keep going!
ReplyDelete