Distracted Writing

[Wjames]

Usually when I write, I'm doing some sort of unrelated work with 75 % of my mind (typically studying), and not really "thinking" about writing with the other 25 %, but more so just having whatever idea I want to write about (I have a list of ideas for poems) sit in the back of my mind. As I do the other work, occasionally something interesting will pop into my mind and I'll switch word documents and write it down. Then later on, I'll read it all, cut all the "bad ideas" and try and fit everything together into one cohesive work.

As my exams just ended about a week ago, I've got a lot of free time, so I decided I'd try and write a lot this break. Without studying to distract my mind though, I've found it's much harder to write as I'm always over thinking things. There seems to be way more "stupid" thoughts, and I'm immediately deleting at least 80 % of what I write down. Sitting at the computer staring at a blank document is infuriating... does anyone else find they need something to distract them from thinking about writing in order to write?

If so, what do you find works well? TV and music certainly haven't helped me much.

One thing I've found works sometimes is getting stoned, but I can't get stoned at home.

[ellajam]

Reading works well for me, it gives me ideas to bounce off of. Walking and driving occupy one part of the mind but leave room to wander. I sew, but in any craft a lot of the art is in the planning then the mind is used for the physical skill, leaving room to think about other things. You could knit yourself a scarf or whittle a stick into a bird. It's also nice that even if a metaphor has not flown into your brain something else has come of the time, not as frustrating.

[zahrakh]

I work well when I am collaborating, it puts a kind of pressure. I'm on a deleting mood for now, and I am seriously considering of inventing another word for me instead of poet. I mean the poet who are not poets. :p Also try reducing the pressure of writing perfect. Just let the emotions flow. I know it's a bad advice according to some but it'll get you working. And then you can edit and all.

[shemthepenman]

Sex. You will always be more creative after sex. In fact, the goal is to get to an age whereby sex is no longer the barrier between you and the world, sex is no longer the answer. I think it was Picasso who once said "the best day of my life was when I woke up one morning and didn't think about sex." Well, you would expect it from Picasso, he was a cock with legs, but he had a point (pun not intended, but appreciated after the fact). but still, sex and drugs and rock n roll. don't fucking sit about watching TV??????

[rayheinrich]

Do something boring but not engaging; e.g. washing dishes,
folding laundry, etc.

Write something that's not poetry: Describe the street outside,
your room, your left foot, what a snail thinks when she gets up
in the morning, what color you really wished the sky was.

Find a poem you really like and type it word for word.

Say: "Fuck this", then get up and do something you actually like.

Eat a banana without thinking about it.

Breathing exercises, meditation, prayer, autoerotic asphyxia,
chocolate, call your mom or ex-girl/boyfriend and blame them.

Post a thread on PigPen's 'Poetry Discussion' forum whining about
your personal writing problems and distracting the rest of us from
thinking about our very own personal writing problems and making
it possible for all of us to continue our chronic procrastination
which saves us from confronting the fact that we're pathetic little
creatures incapable of original thought, washing socks, and using
words to describe either.


               
                from: xkcd

[Erthona]

One never knows where inspiration will come from, although one can begin to find out what blocks inspiration. Certainly Alcohol and drugs can have a positive effect initially. If you become addicted to them they will kill any kind of inspiration you might have had, and since they usually dull the mind, if you use them consistently the effect will be the same. I think how you become energize has a lot to do with inspiration. I'm and introvert so loud music, large crowds, are usually not going to have a positive impact on me. If you are an extrovert then maybe loud music, and parties might get you going. Regardless, your mental energy must be high in order to create. Find what causes that for you. What works for me, probably won't work for you. Dylan, Jazz and a few other types seem to always get me going, reading poetry like Coleridge, Blake, Tennyson, or Elliot, or a Shakespeare play generally shake something loss. I think the worst thing anyone can do is sit at the computer and try to write. Go meditate, or exercise. Take a walk. Nothing is going to hit you in front of the computer. One other thing,and this is the real secret, you have to learn to not care if it comes...ever

Dale

PS Ray, I can wash my socks, I simply choose not to.

[Brownlie]

I think reading is the way to go. They provided an interesting site here on this website. You can also browse here. Of course, not everything can be found in books, but I think you have a better chance of writing something good if you've read some well written stuff.

[Wjames]

---

Thanks guys, some good tips here. I'm going to a meditation "class" tomorrow with my mom, so maybe that will spark something. I think I'll just try and read a lot with my free time, instead of trying to force something out.

[ellajam]

The second thread about socks this morning, must be winter.

[Wjames]

The second thread about socks this morning, must be winter.

I was planning on buying new ones... I might just throw some dryer sheets in my stinky ones instead.