The Dream Car Isn't Running Well

Today's writing block is about being one lap down. Sometimes two. It's very hard to stay focus where everyone else's is ahead of you having a great time being "in" the race. Okay, so you think you're focused, but I know, deep down, you're thinking about all the problems that could be plaguing your "engine."

What is wrong with me?

Why can't I write faster?

Why am I going backwards?

What is wrong with me?

Who are these people flying by?

How do I keep up?

What is wrong with me?

It's even more difficult when everyone is giving you solutions that worked for them, but somehow, not for you. Take a break, let the Muse rest (I'm well-rested and gently leading you back, hopefully). Write something else (yes, those other stories are now too damn tantalizing, aren't they? I apologize). Pray (I'm praying too, because I feel you're in need of higher faith).

You know what's more important? That you don't give up. It's your race and you will get to the end, even if it's a few laps down this time. Giving up out of frustration will come back to haunt you, makes you fear what you love, and take away your self-esteem. Better to grit your teeth, look ahead, and go for the best finish you can till the next pitstop.

You never know. We might figure out the problem with your "engine" on the next pitstop. Don't be distracted by the speed and power of others. Your driving skills are fine, or you wouldn't be in this race in the first place.

A Mental Breakthrough

Today I spoke to you through your agent. Did you hear me?

Let's review:

1. It's Just Jed.

2. He isn't the work of your life.

3. It's. Just. Jed.

4. Don't let him block you. He's a bastard. He's trying to keep you from all your other heroes. He's jealous of being replaced. He wants to be JUST JED. See? Different emphasis, Gennita.

I speak through different ways, different people, because sometimes you don't listen to me. And I hope, by using unexpected voices, there will be a revelation to unblock your fear.

Listen to your agent. She is right. Make that poster and put it in front of you.

It's Just Jed.

To my readers, listen carefully. Sometimes, the most unexpected voice is your Muse's in disguise.

Thank you, Gennita's agent. You got her attention!

Open and Shut

I kind of like the term eyes wide shut. No, not the Kubrick film, although all those elaborate masks were pretty. I'm referring to your resistance to sleepwalk with me. I'm sorry, I can't guide you when your mind is on things out there in your "real" world.

Remember all those years you were busy roofing and couldn't write even when you felt the urge? Too tired, I think, was your excuse. Lack of creative juice, I remember, was your diagnosis.

No. Your eyes were not wide shut when you looked at me. It really hurt my feelings because I was standing right in front of you.

Yet you kept your journals, pouring out words, and I thought, there's hope yet. If only you would stop trying so hard.

Remember how you overcame your problem? You sat down one night and gave yourself over to me. And suddenly, you saw the slew of Vikings descending down the hill, with your long-haired slave riding in the middle. And your knight-hero watching the enemy coming down, with blood lust and battle cries in the air.

Oh, that was an awful, awful story you wrote. The terrible knights who talked like SEAL boys; the Viking berserker who was into mind control; the horrid, horrid 'nays' and 'sirrahs,' the heroine who was six foot tall and kickass like kungfu goddess Chieng Pei Pei in her prime. Hahahahahahahaha.

But that moment freed me from my imprisonment. The words flowed, I had a great time watching you rummage in that treasure box, looking at pieces of your lost soul.

Ah.

These days I feel you looking for them again. Where have you hidden them this time, writer? Are your eyes wide shut?