The creative life isn’t an easy one. You seek to translate the ideas in the head into words or art on the page. Sometimes, the ideas become realities. Other times, the ideas turn into something more wondrous than anything you could ever have imagined. You stand back, wondering, grateful. Many times, though, the ideas crash against the page and burn. The words don’t come. Everything comes up stick figures. You find yourself angry and frustrated—with the work, with yourself.
frustration
Slow like Molasses
Some people say I write fast. I suppose I do, but sometimes…sometimes I write slow. The words eke out, slower than molasses poured from a jar.
Get out of the Emotional Sandbox
emotional sandbox: (n) an overreaction to external stimuli that points to a deeper and larger issue than the surface one
Ingenious Title, Where Are You?
I hate titling my works. While I often begin a draft for a blog post with a title, I may edit the title more than I edit the post. My poems begin without titles. I get the words on the page, then I worry about a title.
You Have to Have the Right Tools
The other day, I attended a jewelry-making class. I wanted to attend because the jewelry being made will be given as gifts to women who are trying to leave abusive relationships. I also thought it would be fun to learn a new craft.*