The beginning of this section of reading spoke very loudly to me. I was surprised to see that Boice has had the same feelings that I have experienced over the last three years in my writing. As I continued to read further I began to have a calming feeling come over as I realized I was not alone in the anxieties that writing can bring us. I began to realize all of the ups and downs that I have experienced and continue to experience exist outside of just my stagnant writing.
While finishing up the writing my astonishment continued. I for the longest time have questioned becoming anything to do with English in my profession because I was unable to write. This doubt had in turn pushed me further to doubt myself in many other areas of my life. I feel both amazed and calm at the same time to come to the realization that this is not an uncommon way to feel when it comes to writing. I always have found it odd that the idea of writing would put this uncomfortable feeling in my shoulders as if I would tense at the very instance that someone mentioned the act of putting words onto paper. As I read through this article that tense feeling seems to be a little more rested knowing that I, at the risk of being repetitive, am not alone.
This section of reading was also very interesting for the fact that it pointed out that going on quick binges of writing unhealthy. I have experienced these binges, with long breaks in between, and it in fact does not feel good once the euphoria of a finished project wears off. It in fact leaves an empty feeling.
Erin-
ReplyDeleteI think we can all relate to feeling discouraged sometimes with writing and many other projects in our life. The key thing to focus on is believing in yourself and the words you put on paper. I think sometimes we see others writing and compare ourselves to them. Instead we should take a different approach and think about how we are all different and our ideas and imagination may fall in a different category. In school when we are all essentially expected to "get the same point across" or complete the same assignment it doesn't allow us to show our individual personalities. Using Boice's recommendations will definitely help to relieve anxieties and accept your way of writing.