tim's Bits and Pieces - 100. Not Enough

I feel you, tim. As much as I've tried lately, I can't get the voices in my head to talk to me. I have ideas of what I want to write, get ready to, and then nothing comes out. I look back over what I wrote, published here on GA and other places, and wonder if the spark to be a Storyteller is still there or not.

19 minutes ago, Brayon said:

I feel you, tim. As much as I've tried lately, I can't get the voices in my head to talk to me. I have ideas of what I want to write, get ready to, and then nothing comes out. I look back over what I wrote, published here on GA and other places, and wonder if the spark to be a Storyteller is still there or not.

i think that it is still there, maybe you just need a different approach. i sent you a message. 

Pretty much everything I do lately seems to sew seeds of self-doubt in my head. I’ve been in a writing slump for going on two years now. Sure, I've spat out a few short things and I've started two longer stories and stalled on both of them. I have written down ideas for at least five others but it seems like the switch in my brain is stuck on off. 

I have other things going on too that will be a big change in my life and everyday I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. 

Only time will tell. In the meantime I force myself to do things that have to get done and try to remind myself that I can get through this. 

It can be hard to have a positive outlook, but I'm trying. I'm hoping this change will turn things around in my life and then maybe I can finish those stories. 

I know the spark is there. I just need to find the confidence to bring it to life. 🩷

Your words really struck a chord with me, tim. I can completely relate to what you wrote here. Doubt is a constant companion, and my most frequent commentator. You express what I often feel. 

Powerful words.

Doubt is a Powerful word and companion.

1 hour ago, kbois said:

Pretty much everything I do lately seems to sew seeds of self-doubt in my head. I’ve been in a writing slump for going on two years now. Sure, I've spat out a few short things and I've started two longer stories and stalled on both of them. I have written down ideas for at least five others but it seems like the switch in my brain is stuck on off. 

I have other things going on too that will be a big change in my life and everyday I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. 

Only time will tell. In the meantime I force myself to do things that have to get done and try to remind myself that I can get through this. 

It can be hard to have a positive outlook, but I'm trying. I'm hoping this change will turn things around in my life and then maybe I can finish those stories. 

I know the spark is there. I just need to find the confidence to bring it to life. 🩷

Do you think it's confidence?  Maybe partly.  You've mentioned here, significant changes are coming for you, so does that mean big choices, big decisions?  That kind of thing can affect creativity. 

1 hour ago, Parker Owens said:

Your words really struck a chord with me, tim. I can completely relate to what you wrote here. Doubt is a constant companion, and my most frequent commentator. You express what I often feel. 

What you say seems to be the norm for many of us.  I agree, Doubt has a big mouth and should be quiet.  xo

50 minutes ago, chris191070 said:

Powerful words.

Doubt is a Powerful word and companion.

You're right, and it seems to be what so many of us experience.  Thanks, chris. xo

24 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

Do you think it's confidence?  Maybe partly.  You've mentioned here, significant changes are coming for you, so does that mean big choices, big decisions?  That kind of thing can affect creativity. 

I do have a big change coming up but as you know, I've dealt with several challenges the past couple of years so it probably has affected my creativity. I'm hoping once things are settled I'll be able to write again 🤞

This seems to speak for many. Well done. 

Just a thought, for our GA authors.  We all are in a world of great confusion, and many unknown life challenges seem to be ahead for us all. Self doubt affects all of us who are aware, authors and readers. May you all know that your efforts to try to adapt, and to meet these changes is greatly appreciated and also well understood. Wishing you all nothing but the best, in your own ability to deal with your own very personal and understandable questioning of your feelings, and self-doubts. Below is just a Google quote:

Quote

Strategies for overcoming self-doubt include identifying its root causes, challenging negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion, and building a strong support system.

A somewhat simple answer to our own very difficult questions. Just remember, you are not alone with this❣️

29 minutes ago, Flip-Flop said:

A somewhat simple answer to our own very difficult questions. Just remember, you are not alone with this❣️

Thank you. When i wrote this, i knew i was not alone in how i was feeling. But posting it, caused me some anguish because i didn't want it to be about me. i'm glad for the discussion, ideas and confessions it's brought about.  i can add support to that too.  Thanks again. 

Who decides what we "should"? Whose standards have we internalized when we use that word?

I remember the powerful scenes in your last novel and I am more than surprised you are unsure of your power in writing and creating scenes and emotions. They --  your writing -- has left me raw.

And yet, I know that sometimes the world outside us does not count, does not mean anything. Only our own feelings and perceptions dominate. And that is the moment we need somebody to step in. That is what I think...

1 hour ago, mayday said:

Who decides what we "should"? Whose standards have we internalized when we use that word?

I remember the powerful scenes in your last novel and I am more than surprised you are unsure of your power in writing and creating scenes and emotions. They --  your writing -- has left me raw.

And yet, I know that sometimes the world outside us does not count, does not mean anything. Only our own feelings and perceptions dominate. And that is the moment we need somebody to step in. That is what I think...

 

 

 

Your final sentences are exactly right.  tim could win a Pulitzer and then wonder if he was good enough the next week.   

36 minutes ago, mayday said:

Who decides what we "should"? Whose standards have we internalized when we use that word?

I remember the powerful scenes in your last novel and I am more than surprised you are unsure of your power in writing and creating scenes and emotions. They --  your writing -- has left me raw.

And yet, I know that sometimes the world outside us does not count, does not mean anything. Only our own feelings and perceptions dominate. And that is the moment we need somebody to step in. That is what I think...

 

 

 

There you are! It's very nice to see you.

Thanks for your kind words about my writing. 

You're right with what you say about what we feel about ourselves and our own work.  Sometimes it takes others to help us believe in ourselves a bit more. 

I hope you are doing well, staying cool and healthy. xo

10 minutes ago, MichaelS36 said:

You final sentences are exactly right.  tim could win a Pulitzer and then wonder if he was good enough the next week.   

You think it would be that long?    ❤️‍🔥

1 hour ago, Mikiesboy said:

You think it would be that long?    ❤️‍🔥

No, boy, I don't. LOL. But I thought I'd give you the benefit of the doubt. 

@Mikiesboy -- you have elegant ways of expressing what many of us feel at times.  Thank you.