To Write is to Wonder
Lately it seems that every time I sit down to blog, I am overwhelmed at the vast importance of the subject and my contrasting limited ability to write it down in a promoting and understanding way. My thoughts have been brimming with ideas and truths, stories and moments, illustrations and warnings – but my shame is… I feel my knowledge of such subjects is to scanty for my pen to reach. I struggle to write about a subject without knowing fully the depth and width of it’s measure. I am greatly aware of my inexperience in many subjects and my struggle is one of qualification.
I sit down at my computer and rest my fingers on the keys. I find myself ten minutes later staring out the window without a word on the screen. It is similar to squeezing water out of steel sometimes. My mind is ready, but my hand is lazy. Do all writers face such struggles?
This quote was a little comforting: “A writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” (Thomas Mann) Whether that be true or false, I certainly face difficult moments in my writing, but it has made me appreciate the final written work. And even though the journey can at times be laborious, it is fun in a mysterious sort of way. For to write is to wonder, and hopefully that wonder is captured on the page forever.
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Filed under: Reflections on November 18th, 2008
I'm Kaysie, 22. Jesus follower. Lover of sunshine, trees, hot tea, books, music, family, the gospel, poetry and Barnes and Nobles. Has a weird obsession with paper. Over-analyzes almost everything. Adores simplicity. Lucky for you. 
hmm firstly, thanx for sharing what you’re dealing with. I mean difficulties in starting to write. I don’t know what other people feels, but for me, Yes is the answer.
I also going thru the same thing too. There are a lot of ideas but when it comes to write, sometimes i just quit like that without anything written or typed.
Well now I guess that maybe most of us felt the same way too. Maybe we need some more time in doing like others (writing ideas & anything almost everyday). Good luck for us then..!
paperplane (kapalterbangkertas)
Do all writers face such struggles?
…Yes!
You’re not alone, Kaysie — I know exactly how you feel. What helps me the most when I’m having a hard time writing is to pray. The Lord is our ultimate source of inspiration, anyway, and He knows much better than we do what is going to bless us, and others at the same time!
Paperplane, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I think your advice is good – we need to keep writing almost everyday. This has helped me a lot. The more we practice the better we become.
Noelle, thank you! Your advice is wonderful too. Prayer is vital. It is amazing how the Lord can help us in these times of struggle – even if it does seem minute. He constantly brings the right words and abundant inspiration for my writing. This is a good reminder for me. Thanks.
Groan..yes, I have the same difficulty. I started my first novel this year and I’m doing good as far as word count, goals, characterization, plot, etc. go. But just making myself sit down at the computer and write when I want to do other things is hard. And I’ll have to remember that quote…it’s very true! =)
Arianna, oh wow, a novel! That is an on-taking! It is hard to be consistent in writing. But the rewards are worth it.
I’m not sure if that quote is true or not. But sometimes words definitely flow more easily than others. I admire the fact that you appear to come up with something, eventually, most days of the week. I end up not writing anything when I have nothing to say. I think you’re doing fine with your writing. That said, I don’t know how long it takes you to write each post. However long, the end result is great.
Oh, wow…that’s writing for you!
I’m currently revising my historical screenplay, which has been an interesting challenge. One thing I remind myself when writing about history is that, unlike the advice I get from most screenwriters that say “make it your story”, the story is really GOD’s story – HE wrote the history and knows how best to tell it, so I have to beg HIM to share that advice with me!
~Amanda~
Totally great stuff! Can’t agree more