Last night Emma hosted a study group so I sequestered myself in my purple room with my business plan mind maps, books, and an artful work-in-progress. I continued to read a book about teaching children how about poetry – and inspire them to write poetry – by studying great poets. It cost me a dollar and the dividends have been enormous, including three fresh poems last night.
I never stop buying books about the writing process. They inspire me like nothing else. Even when the “writing fruit” doesn’t show immediately, I trust it will eventually.
My favorite poem from last night’s writing adventure is following a form from William Carlos Williams. The children inspired me with their clear, concise Williams-esque images, so I followed their lead. I was reflecting on my joyful mulberry harvest yesterday, eating this luscious fruit right from the tree I have loved for so many years.
This is Just to Say:
May 2, 2013
I'm grateful
you haven't
complained
Purple bombs
now ricochet
(no longer splat)
upon your
bumper,
windshield,
passenger door
hopefully the
secret pixie
dust car wash
and daily
sweeping of
your driveway
speak
loud
enough
Not only did poetry and I find each other, my business plan is also bursting forth. Mindmapping, another art I had set aside, has come alongside me now to remind me of who I am as an entrepreneur and how it is I can continue my work to take my role in world change.
It seems my mulberry tree is not the only one here bearing fruit.
How did I break through my six-month poem-less block?
1. Continue to be involved with creative people who are NOT blocked. Don't lament about your block, simply let their creative energy surround you.
2. Let go (as much as you can) with any feelings of inadequacy.
3. Take note: during my blocked time, I was still taking notes and jots that would normally then be crafted into poetry. I was always writing the preface, not the finished poem. I just kept writing and never flew into destructive, "I'm such a failure for not finishing" mode.
4. Read books about your particular art form, especially how-to books or if you are a writer, collections are always a good idea. I started reading short story collections not because I am a short story writer, but because these folks knew how to craft in small chunks. The short story writer tends to be masterful with sentences. Since sentences are my first building block, I completely enjoy myself "reading for fun" which is actually "reading to improve." Poetry books work as well, as do the college level "readers" that are filled with essays. You don't have to do the exercises if you don't feel like it - just read the essays. Check out any used book store and you will find tons of these. I have at least six on my shelf right now.
5. Continue to show up in your space of creativity. Think of your creative output as a friend. You make a date to meet a friend for coffee. If there isn't a crisis of some sort, you will meet your friend for coffee. Sometimes ESPECIALLY when there is a crisis you will meet a friend for coffee. You might mix it up and drink tea (take photos) or an Italian soda (collage or mixed media) or maybe buy a banana to share (singing). Soon enough, you will find you and your creativity expanding in ways you didn't think you could.
Tell me about the fruit you are bearing now –
Are you satisfied or might a nudge – like this one – help fuel your creative fire?
Just like I’m grateful to my neighbors for not complaining, I am grateful to you for being here, reading.
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© 2013 Julie Jordan Scott
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