We're going to begin this conversation with a discussion about sinkholes and horror movies; minefields and bottomless cliffs; zombies and screaming cheetahs. I'd like to hear your thoughts and memories about learning the writing craft. Here's the central question we will consider: Where do you get stuck in the writing process? Or... where do you hit roadblocks in placing words on the page? I'd like you to be imaginative about your responses. In other words, let's look beyond easy answers.
Many of us struggle with grammar and punctuation, organization and argument. I'd like to know why. Others struggle with just getting words down on the page in some understandable fashion. Why? One way to enter this topic could be to think of experiences that illustrate early or even recent memories of learning writing skills. Another possibility could be to volunteer a reflection. What happens when you sit down with a pen or at a computer and face the blank page/screen? What does your head say to you? Fear? Anger? Disgust? Insecurity? Frustration? Do you want to kick a dog? Kill a goat? What? Or, perhaps you feel no anxiety and are a super charged writing machine. If that is the case, we'd like to know your secret. Whatever your answer, please dive deep. Be fearless in your examination.
Our goal is to understand how we get snagged in the writing process. Along the way, we might begin to discuss what skills lie at the heart of the writing craft. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts with others and receive some input, and, perhaps, find some common ground. This conversation has no limit except the presence of grace and good taste.
So, once again: Where do you get stuck in the writing process?
