Stuck

By Shane Kulman

Dear Enchantress,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am a writer who has been struggling with a persistent and frustrating case of writer’s block. I hate when writers say this, and yet here I am. I love writing and I have passion and I have so many ideas, but I cannot sit down and write.  When I do sit down, I am mad and blank. Despite my passion for writing and a wealth of ideas, I find myself unable to put words to paper. This sense of being stuck has left me feeling disheartened and unproductive, and well, mad.

For the past few months, every time I sit down to write, my mind goes blank. My self-doubt has intensified, and I feel increasingly disconnected from my creative self.

I have a few writing projects that are important to me, including a novel that I’ve been developing for years. The thought of not being able to finish them is weighing heavily on me. Additionally, I worry about the impact this block is having on my confidence and overall sense of well-being.

Could you offer any advice or strategies to help me move past this writer’s block? How can I rekindle my creativity and find joy in writing again? Any guidance you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,
Stuck 

Dear Stuck,

I am taking a deep exhale with you. This is so real. I think it’s like being unable to pee, when someone else is in the bathroom. It can be painful. So first, I compliment you for writing to me. I’m sure you are so stuck. Perhaps you’ve wanted to write me for years, and now you’re at your wit’s end.

And THIS moment could be the best one! I advise you to write poorly, write bad, write with horrible grammar, and dumb. Get your anger out on a page.  Write in the third person about how someone is a horrible annoying blocked writer. Make fun of this writer and get as dark and annoyed as you can. Or get to the page and scribble, even scribble with a desperately unsharpened pencil.

Take a notebook with you, and a favorite pen and get in nature for at least an hour. Write about what you see. Put all your past project ideas under the category of “do it later,” or “an idea for another time.” Drop those for now, and get present and see what comes up, no judgement and no striving for perfection.

Remember, the process of writing can be as important as the product. By giving yourself the freedom and personal liberation to write without judgment, and to get the angst on paper, you may find that the words begin to flow more easily. Embrace the messiness and imperfection of the process. Your creativity is still there, waiting to be rediscovered. If you find yourself getting annoyed at me for these suggestions, write about how annoying I am, I am willing to surrender on behalf of you getting back in your writing game, no agenda.

Wishing you all the best on this journey back to your creative self.

Warm regards,

Enchantress Shane

If you have a question for Enchantress Shane, or would like to work with her as your creative mentor, email her at love@enchantedembodiment.com