That was the state of my mind as I tried to compose this post last night. Due to unforeseen complications my guest author, Sheila Hendrix, was unable to be here today. Hopefully we can reschedule her post for a later date.
I know, I know … I should have a post on hand at all time to fill in just in case this happens. But I don’t and I didn’t. There is so much going on I always think I can come up with something out of thin air. Well, thin air appears to be all I got this time.
When I started to compile this post (I do it in longhand with pad and pencil first), nothing and everything came to mind. I couldn’t seem to pull all my thoughts into one point of view.
That’s when the guilt began to creep in. How can I send a post out into blogdom that has no substance? I feel as though I’m letting you - my friends and readers - down.
As I thought of this, I wondered how do writers handle that feeling? Is this thoughts that cross writers’ minds as they compose chapter after chapter? WOW, more pressure than I can image.
Since I’ve been blogging I’ve come to have a better understanding and appreciation for writers. I’ve always known there were deadlines and the pressure of coming up with new plots. But, I’m learning that writers face more and more pressures than I ever realized. I’m sure writing does have it’s glamorous side, but it’s not as simple and easy as the movies and TV make it out to be.
In my wandering way, I just wanted to say a big “THANK YOU” to all the writers out there. No matter if you’ve written for years or just getting started, or whether you’re on the New York Times bestsellers list or just getting the word out about your book. Writers helps us (the reader) escape to other worlds, eras and locations.
So with that in mind I’m ending this post, microwaving some popcorn and catching up on last night’s episode of Castle. As I said earlier, I know writing does have some glam to it, just look at Castle. :)
Some of my favorite blog posts have had no substance. But a big "Thank you" back atcha for your great blog posts and comments that you leave on our blogs.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
I'll second Lee here--thanks to you for being such a great reader and for your generous comments on our blogs!
ReplyDeleteThere's always guilt and insecurity for writing, at least for me. I always worry about delivering the goods!
Never worry, you posts are all good to read!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy my visits here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)
I love it, your blog about "I got nothing". It made me smile as I was thinking that your nothing is something. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteT
Mason - I know just what you mean about "I got nothin'." But you've got quite a lot, really. How we face that white screen or blank page depends on who we are, and it's always a challenge.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all that you do to support authors and encourage everyone to read. You're a light in the blogosphere. See? I told you had much, much more than "nothin'."
you are like me. I NEVER, EVER keep posts on hand for just such occasions but I know that I should!
ReplyDeleteI like the pressure of having to post something by "deadline" lol, takes me back to my newspaper advertising days!
THANK YOU for YOUR support for all of us! You are always visiting/commenting and it means so much! I may not always comment but I am always HOVERING!!!
Have a great day!
I love post where the person rambles on. Sometimes that's how life is.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day!
I hope your life is too precious to waste time preparing for things that may never happen :D
ReplyDeleteAs you say, the same may happen to writers: you stare at that screen, trying desperately to find something to say, but nothing pops up. Yesterday I had an idea, though, and I think you´ll like it. I stood in the bathroom, looking at my own legs, wondering what would make Mildred Kickinbottom shave her varicose legs. So today is one of those days when *I* have a story to tell, but they don´t always come easily.
You've got that writing magic ... You perfectly turned "nothing" into "something!" Now that's what I call a writer :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post. You know, I sat down to write yesterday and I had nothing. I finally managed to revise one chapter of my WIP and complete another, but it was painful. It's wonderful to know others out there understand how it feels and can sympathize.
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Rambling is good for the soul every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteMason, there's nothing wrong with just chatting with your readers about what's on your mind, as you did here.
ReplyDeleteAs to your question, yes, there are times I sit down to write and my ideas become like willow wisps. Just when I grab them and think I have it they dissolve or the other side of the coin, crash into each other with enough force you'd swear I was trying to emulate the Big Bang Theory.
I do understand the feeling of letting down your readers if one person cancels, for whatever reason. I usually do a mad scramble to tap someone else I know to take up the slack. I have a humor writer who has made all his articles available for me to use if ever I need them. I also tap authors and writers from my writing group.
Feel free to contact me and if I can help let me know.
What can I say, y'all leave me speechless with your kind words. You are all an awesome group of bloggers and friends (especially friends). Y'all have brought a smile to my face and even a few tears to my eyes. Thank you all. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteYay! You're welcome, and THANK YOU for being such a great, supportive bleep. Here's to sometimes just taking it easy~ :o) <3
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, 'I got nothing' describes my whole writing day today. It happens. Hopefully there will be something tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and appreciate your comments on mine.
Did you enjoy Castle? It's my favorite.
Oh, man--it happens to all of us! A few months ago I asked my readers for topics and when I'm stuck, I randomly choose one of THOSE so I have some other entity to blame if it sounds ridiculous. You're doing great!
ReplyDeleteI call it Overloading Brain Disfunctionality and it was the subject of my Monday post.;)
ReplyDeleteIt's happening to me now! I've spent so much of today trying to work out all the rules of magic in the fantasy world I'm writing about... that I just can't write any more! Alas, for the first time in my life I'm on a deadline and have to try...
ReplyDeleteIt happens to everyone at one time or another. I enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteI have 'thin air' or 'nothing' moments now and then. It sort of comes with the territory. It's nice to find your blog and 'thank you' right back ...
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