I’m the worst kind of writer. Looking over what I’ve written is difficult for me, editing is hard to do because I can’t see my mistakes, and when I get into the flow of it I seem to poop out when one sentence is giving me trouble. I can’t commit to the writing! There must be a cure.
The thing that can get me writing though hinges on two things: reading captivating writers (Anne Lamott, David Sedaris, Erma Bombeck) and music. There are certain songs that come on my broken iPod that set my skin to itching to write and I have to sit down RIGHT THEN AND PUKE IT OUT. The iPod, by the way, plays only on the docking station and in order of artist. Yesterday I let it play all the way through and by the end of the day I was up to the B’s only. I’d come into my bedroom and hear Bjork and then Beyonce and finally Bob Marley. Weird playlist, I know.
There’s a weird sense of guilt of not writing here for the last few days. Some of it was forced, however, because my internet cord magically came unplugged. I’m not blaming anyone in particular, but when the PSP needs to be re-charged or a cell phone needs more battery power, IT MIGHT BE NICE TO CHOOSE ANOTHER LOCATION, KIDS.
The other reason, of course, is that writing for other places and guest blogging opportunities are reaching new heights. It’s a nice path to be on, but it leaves me depleted and unable to complete thoughts on so many things I want to explore. Is Imus opening his mouth again? What really went wrong with that entire town where the girls made a pregnancy pact? How on earth can I buy another gallon of gasoline without taking out a loan?
I’ll get to it, I will. Right after I get through the C’s on my iPod. Carmen McRae is kicking my ass with her vocals.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
*SQUEAL!*
If you had not heard (and you seem to be “in the know,” so you probably, um, know), David Sedaris has a new book — When You Are Engulfed In Flames.
And I totally relate on the iPod inspiration to write — when I need to write an extensive essay or want to relate a mood I am in for my blog, I always pick out some angst-ridden and socially relevant music. Nothing like some pent-up energy to produce brilliant prose!
Jonathans last blog post..“My Home”
You listen to your iPod in order? That is so deliciously OCD. Am I the only one that lives for that little shuffle option? In order would drive me bonkers.
That whole Gloucester thing has me fascinated. My OB hadn’t heard the story, and when I told him, his comment was, “Well, at least it wasn’t a suicide pact.” Ever the optimist. All I can think is how unprepared I was at 29 when my first was born – I would have been truly lost at 16.
Wendys last blog post..1 is the Loneliest Number
Jonathon – I have heard and can’t WAIT to get it. He rocks my world.
Wendy – Well, I’m listening to it that way because it’s being sassy with me. Normally I have 13 or so playlists but this is kind of maddening. I might go off the deep end this way.
We like the same writers! I think you’ll enjoy the new David Sedaris book – I was so engrossed in it that I read half of it by flashlight when our power went out.
Average Janes last blog post..Average Jane Goes Out On the Town
I’ve done the same thing w/ my iPod. Abba, Aerosmith, Barenaked Ladies, Billy Joel, Bette, Midler, Bing Crosby, Bob Marley, Bananarama, Blondie, Carley Simon, Clash, Devo, etc… It’s kinda fun.
mps last blog post..Rants that include Religion,Bicycles,Movies and more!
Have you seen this? Vintage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BATy7nFQbJw
Tricias last blog post..Gas and Goodbye
The problem with my writing is: I vomit out the words and don’t go back to see if they made sense in the first place. I’m too lazy to edit. I’m quite surprised anyone shows up at all.
gorillabunss last blog post..there really IS a reason why i’m getting fatter
When I write things not for my blog, I get my husband to edit, he sees all my mistakes. (In a good way.) Editing is obviously not my skill. I am going to have to check out Sedaris since he was so highly recommended. I like Bombeck too. I started the history of Scotland today. I am intereted, but I really need to get myself to a library stat.
White Hot Magiks last blog post..Wildfire
Ooooo Carmen. I love you.
Marias last blog post..Protected: Dance, Dance. [II]
Okay, reading about how you don’t have the gumption or inspiration to post on your personal blog because of all the other gigs you’ve got going just makes me cringe a little more about hardly ever sitting down to post on my ONE little personal blog.
But I am really looking forward to meeting you at BlogHer, ’cause over the past couple years I’ve seen pictures and video (what with being a friend of QofS – that’s where I first heard of you) and read your blog and your comments on other blogs, etc. and you are obviously one fun gal!
D
Violet The Verboses last blog post..Oog
I misplaced my iPod, so instead I’m using the youtubes and the myspace to pull up songs that are currently Ear-worming My Brain (a la “Let Go”… I want to make out with Imogen Heap.)
Also, I thought of you yesterday because I picked up Cormack McCarthy’s “The Road” which is part of my (self) required summer reading list, and I had just finished the latest Janet Evanovich “Stephanie Plum” novel (as a yummy, empty-brain-calorie snack in between more substantive reads). And I was thinking … “But McCarthy… it’s going to be so… HEAVY. And I just want empty calories! Right?” and then I thought “Hmmm, why do I think Kelly would push her glasses to the end of her nose right now and give me her “teacher stare” at attempting to weasel out of reading something potentially thought-provoking?” and so I listened to my own inner teacher and I bought the book and that was that.
I plan to start reading it tonight, right after we get back form a fireworks display.
I have to be careful, though, because reading other people’s writing inspires ME to explode with written words the way music does for you. One of these days I’ll be able to filter through all the borrowed-genius of the writers I read and find my own voice to get that novel in my head out on paper. (Or macbook screen, as the case may be.)
MeLs last blog post..Shrinking Those Degrees.
iPods are curiously incompatible with my hearing aids, so I usually stick to a good CD in the computer. This at least makes me get up and stretch after it’s done while I get another.
Ah, yes, for a news junky like me, it’s been a big week. Or two. And that’s without election coverage, too!
Daisys last blog post..Reasons to love a Farm Market in any locale
Oh, I hear you on this. Writing other places kind of sucks my creative energy for my own site (as well as the time to do so), but it’s also fun! And exciting!
Can’t wait to hear all that you have going on, girlfriend.
Angellas last blog post..Keeping My Cool
I have found there to be such an ebb and flow to my writing, when I hit those plateaus I sometimes flail about, fighting them and trying to push through, which leads to crap writing. I suspect that by the time you get to the letter “k” on your limping iPod, you should have enough pent up frustration or musical confusion, that you’ll pull out some Sedaris style insanity.
LOVE HIM. The only time I ever laughed out loud while reading was on T heading into Harvard Square as I read the Easter Bunny passage in Me Talk Pretty.
amandas last blog post..Footsteps
I struggle with the verbage sometimes. The subject matter is unlimited- but if it’s late at night and I’m hurrying to finish a post, I will hit publish- THEN in the AM realize how horrible I sound and completely rewrite it.
Rachels last blog post..Triathlons are won on the bike
Very well written! I wish I had your writing talent! Kudos!
Mark Salinass last blog post..More Healthy Gadgets
I’ve not tried listening to my iPod in alphabetical order. I feel as though you’ve challenged me to do it just by mentioning in. You’ve also inspired me to put all of my Marley onto my iTunes. I can’t believe I haven’t done it yet!… Stir it up, little darlin.
And I promise not to plug in my PSP charger at your house. Pinky swear.
Elizabeths last blog post..10 things I’ve learned from my vacation
Its funny… I often fall asleep with some amazingly great topics and sentences and flow for blog postings… and forget them all when I wake up – trying to recreate it – just doesn’t seem to work. LOL…
I really dispise the random feature on my mp3 since it likes to play the same songs over and over again… I am now forced to listen to 2gigs of music – alphabetically. Can be annoying… but the element of surprise is awesome too.
KC
KCs last blog post..Amazing Grace ~ Wintley Phipps