Why Writing Is Not Hard #7

If you would have written (see my last post) for a large enough incentive, even for a short period of time, what does that say? Might writing not be the problem? Might writing itself not be inherently difficult or painful, but might instead your appraisal of writing be problematic? 

Perhaps something or somethings you learned, that you now carry with you into the writing process, are truly what hinder you? Could it be that you have internalized messages throughout your education or family life about writing and your abilities that continue to influence your perspective on writing today? 

And, perhaps, these internalized messages are reinforced by public spaces such as social media, where you find others who insist that writing is a painful, contested and traumatic activity?

Why Writing Is Not Hard #6

Ok. You have not written in a month. It’s too hard. You just can’t do it, no matter how much you try.

How about this: if I gave you a million dollars to write a 500 word “literature review”  about a topic you know, by midnight tomorrow, would you do it?

Why Writing Is Not Hard #5

."...because pain is mandatory, and suffering is optional. "

           A notion, an idea, a teaching, attributed to many, but one that lies at the heart of Buddhist thought.

   

Why Writing Is Not Hard #4

You know what has been hard? Recovering from two total knee replacements. Discovering the balance between being gentle on my still-healing limbs and pushing my recovery forward. Learning to walk down stairs again semi-normally. Being able to bend enough to fit my legs into the cramped seat for the Hall and Oats concert that my honey took me to for my birthday.

And even these things, really, are hard somedays and not others, even though my physical abilities do not change from one day to the next. 

What changes from one day to the next?

My thinking, perspective, and attitude change one day to the next.

Why Writing Is Not Hard #3

Rich, that is just the most foolish thing in the world. Crazy talk, as one of my client’s likes to say. Good writing is hard. Fundamentally, at its core, inherently, intrinsically, hard.

I find it ironic that scholars that live by, or at least frequently adopt, a constructivist perspective chuck their beliefs when it comes to writing. 

When they discuss about their writing and writing difficulties, they adopt essentialist and positivistic evaluations-- writing is inherently painful, difficult, contested and traumatic.

Why is it that writing possesses a fundamental, non-constructed nature and meaning when every other human behavior does not?

Why Writing Is Not Hard #2

And let me say, I know that writing feels hard--oh, so profoundly and deeply difficult-- for many of you. I understand the intensity of your feelings, how powerfully and deeply stuck many of you are. Your truth is your truth, but..........

If you are initially annoyed by my assertion, hang out here for a bit. Read what I have to say over the next month or so, until I meet my challenge to myself-- fifty posts on why writing is not hard.

Maybe you will continue to think I am full of poop, but maybe, just maybe, something might change for you.

Why Writing is Not Hard #1

Because even in a late-night town like Singapore, where I am sitting right (write) now, there is always somewhere I can write, public or private.  The Hanger, a hybrid pub/coffee house on Arab Street (actual name). It is 10am and oddly, most of the coffee houses are not open yet on nearby Haji Lane, the tourist/cutsty street I came to check out this morning. The whole street, is closed; I just found out it is a late-night spot. I have limited time here and a lot to see, so I will miss seeing Haji Lane in all its cuteness-glory.

I could let myself be sad--my initial, internal response--be thrown off by this piece of poor planning, and convince myself that I “can’t write” now (too annoyed, bothered).  I could also be thrown off by it being 9/11 in the States, a painful day for all of us, and the date of my divorce, three years ago (loss, grief, failure).

Or, I can feel what I am meant to feel, observe the steam of thoughts in my mind, be witness to myself, and engage in some good self-talk, if need be.

I am getting after it.