3 posts tagged “writing”

I have had quite a few blog post topics circulating in my mind, but have not found the time nor the mental clarity to write them. I intend to publicize versions of my Design To Inspire banner creations to share with the Vox community for use with personalized Vox themes. I also want to discuss quite a few things that have been occurring in my life as of late, some of which were hinted at in my recent Tweets. I hope I find enough peace of mind to successfully formulate my ideas to a degree that would allow me to coherently transmit my thoughts and feelings to text. Maybe I will begin with my custom banners as that post will require the least amount of writing.

I created my Vox account one year ago today. My very first Vox post was published a year ago three days from today. My very first blog entry was posted on LiveJournal in May 2006, but Vox quickly and easily became my favorite blogging service. I do not write blog entries as frequently as I would prefer, nor do I submit posts and media a fraction as often as other infamous Voxers, but I'd like to think my entries are comprised of enough substance to make up for the lack of quantity. I've skimmed through my previous blog entries and found quite a few that have a special place in my heart. I write because I enjoy writing. I blog to capture significant thoughts as memorabilia and to share a piece of my self with others, particularly with real world friends and friends I've met online. I treasure the new relationships I've made through Vox and hope these people remain lifelong friends.

Most of my favorite blog entries to date reflect on memories from my childhood and adolescence, such as my earliest memories, Christmas gift giving and the secret behind Santa. Some posts mark significant events in my life -- the aftermath of my mother's death, the most sincere compliment I received, my recent health problems and fears, and the loss of a beloved sanctuary -- while others divulge details into my personality, perspective, reasoning, and habits. I enjoy sharing my thoughts with others and even had the pleasure of a spurt of creativity and the joy of sharing my creations. I also treasure posts that inspired conversations, especially impassioned and endearing responses from other Voxers, such as my ten random facts and my rambling about complex personalities, surname selection, and past tribulations.

Vox has become an important aspect of my life and has introduced me to some great people and wonderful friends. I hope the following year and years on Vox are just as excellent as my first. CHEERS!

How do you beat writer's block? 
Submitted by marvel is my pen name. (question dated Jan. 25, 2007)

I never experienced writer's block when I was a teenager. I always had something about which to write, with my scribblings often inspired by my vivid and entertaining dreams or the latest book I read or movie I watched. I never had a problem putting pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) until I reached approximately 19 years of age. This was about the same time when my artistic inspiration left me as well. I believe my stress, anxiety and depression play major rolls in maintaining the absence of my muses.

I now experience writer's block (and artist's block) quite regularly with great frequency. These "blocks" last anywhere from a week to several months (or even years). My most recent writer's block has lasted nearly two months, which explains my absence on Vox. I know this most recent episode is due to stress from several sources, combined with the virtually impossible task of finding a location and time in which I won't be constantly interrupted by roommates (my father, in particular). I have felt so drained of inspiration that even the QotD, Vox Hunt, and Voxer's/neighbor's entries have not been strong enough to ignite a thought or feeling coherent enough to type.

My writer's block is less severe than my artist's block as I have not been able to complete a sketch for nearly 10 years. In fact, I more often than not have trouble starting a sketch as I can no longer hold an image in my mind long enough to commit the image to paper. While I do have more success with computer graphics, I rarely have a final (or even vague) design or color scheme in mind when creating the graphics. I tend to play with filters, layers, brushes, colors, etc until I see something I like, then proceed from there.

I've tried various tricks to beat writer's block and artist's block without any success. I wish I could say this was a passing phase, but I know with certainty that this unfortunate trait has become a part of my personality, mainly due to how ingrained it has become through years of repeated episodes. I doubt that I am the only one who experiences this, but can't help but feel somewhat isolated from creative communities due to this trait.