I recognise a lot of this in myself. I think the hardest part of writing is wondering how you will come across, whether or not your intentions will be understood by your readers. I have a great first line, then I check myself before even getting to the second. I know that I can talk comfortably, and I can even write when the spotlight isn’t on me… ChatGPT has suffered so many of my creative and quirky streams of consciousness that I think it’s going in for therapy! So, now I’m focusing on getting myself into that mindset at the start of every session; knowing that what I am writing can be changed, that it doesn’t have to be the final result, that without my quirks the work won’t be me and it won’t be unique. Maybe I’ll even right for AI as my initial audience, knowing it will give me balanced and constructive feedback whilst encouraging me to be my natural self. Thanks for reinforcing my own recent learning in such a clear and tangible way.
This entire newsletter felt like a mirror I didn’t know I needed. The idea that writer’s block dies the moment writing becomes a habit instead of a performance makes so much sense. My sticking point is the ego part…The version of me that wants the work to already be impressive. So I’m committing to 15 minutes a day with no editing, no pressure. Just showing up. That’s how I’m going to get through it and build my X page. Another insightful and valuable read today Idris!
Great idea Brian! Definitely take some time to just put things out. No editing, no pressure. I always used to tell myself when I got in my head that no one is looking over my shoulder as I write. I can go about my business without fear of being seen as imperfect. Great comment Brian! 🤩🤩🙌🏾🙌🏾
I never thought of writer’s block as the same muscle that tightens up when I write music. But the way you explain losing control of something you love, getting trapped between perfectionism and avoidance, is how songwriting can feel too. I relate to the idea of writing daily without performing for some imaginary audience. I think that’s where I get stuck. I want the first draft to sound like the final track and not be misunderstood. So I’m going to try your approach and just let the page be the witness, without turning it into a stage. Thank you Idris Elijah for the great insights and tips today!
Mmmh, you make a valid point here Brook. Writer’s Block as the same muscle that tightens up when you write music. You are so right! The parallels here are wild. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and you are most welcome 🙏🏾 glad you enjoyed this issue. 🤩🙌🏾
The whole section about the need for a witness made something click for me. As an artist, I’ve always sketched to clear my mind but I never thought to apply that same instinct to writing. I love the reminder that our thoughts deserve a place to exist without polish or pressure. My block usually shows up when I start imagining how the work will be judged before it even exists. So my plan is to give myself space again. Quiet messy pages, no editing, no audience. Just a place where the creative noise can settle. Thank you for discussing this important topic so thoughtfully Idris Elijah!
Giving yourself space again sounds like a wonderful idea. I think more creatives can takeaway a lot by simply giving their ideas space to breathe and exist. And you are soooo welcome, so pleased you enjoyed this issue. 🤩🙌🏾🙌🏾
I’ve always treated writer’s block like some mysterious fog I have to wait out but you made it feel more like a pattern I can actually interrupt. I love the part about perfectionism being fear of being seen. I’m realizing most of my block isn’t lack of ideas, it’s me editing myself before I even start. So my plan is to get back into morning pages and let myself be messy again. I don’t need brilliance on page one, I just need honesty. That’s the part of writer’s block I’ll walk through now. Thank you for the fresh perspective and for being a clear guide Idris Elijah!
I recognise a lot of this in myself. I think the hardest part of writing is wondering how you will come across, whether or not your intentions will be understood by your readers. I have a great first line, then I check myself before even getting to the second. I know that I can talk comfortably, and I can even write when the spotlight isn’t on me… ChatGPT has suffered so many of my creative and quirky streams of consciousness that I think it’s going in for therapy! So, now I’m focusing on getting myself into that mindset at the start of every session; knowing that what I am writing can be changed, that it doesn’t have to be the final result, that without my quirks the work won’t be me and it won’t be unique. Maybe I’ll even right for AI as my initial audience, knowing it will give me balanced and constructive feedback whilst encouraging me to be my natural self. Thanks for reinforcing my own recent learning in such a clear and tangible way.
You’re most welcome! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience 🤩🙌🏾
This entire newsletter felt like a mirror I didn’t know I needed. The idea that writer’s block dies the moment writing becomes a habit instead of a performance makes so much sense. My sticking point is the ego part…The version of me that wants the work to already be impressive. So I’m committing to 15 minutes a day with no editing, no pressure. Just showing up. That’s how I’m going to get through it and build my X page. Another insightful and valuable read today Idris!
Great idea Brian! Definitely take some time to just put things out. No editing, no pressure. I always used to tell myself when I got in my head that no one is looking over my shoulder as I write. I can go about my business without fear of being seen as imperfect. Great comment Brian! 🤩🤩🙌🏾🙌🏾
I never thought of writer’s block as the same muscle that tightens up when I write music. But the way you explain losing control of something you love, getting trapped between perfectionism and avoidance, is how songwriting can feel too. I relate to the idea of writing daily without performing for some imaginary audience. I think that’s where I get stuck. I want the first draft to sound like the final track and not be misunderstood. So I’m going to try your approach and just let the page be the witness, without turning it into a stage. Thank you Idris Elijah for the great insights and tips today!
Mmmh, you make a valid point here Brook. Writer’s Block as the same muscle that tightens up when you write music. You are so right! The parallels here are wild. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and you are most welcome 🙏🏾 glad you enjoyed this issue. 🤩🙌🏾
The whole section about the need for a witness made something click for me. As an artist, I’ve always sketched to clear my mind but I never thought to apply that same instinct to writing. I love the reminder that our thoughts deserve a place to exist without polish or pressure. My block usually shows up when I start imagining how the work will be judged before it even exists. So my plan is to give myself space again. Quiet messy pages, no editing, no audience. Just a place where the creative noise can settle. Thank you for discussing this important topic so thoughtfully Idris Elijah!
Giving yourself space again sounds like a wonderful idea. I think more creatives can takeaway a lot by simply giving their ideas space to breathe and exist. And you are soooo welcome, so pleased you enjoyed this issue. 🤩🙌🏾🙌🏾
I’ve always treated writer’s block like some mysterious fog I have to wait out but you made it feel more like a pattern I can actually interrupt. I love the part about perfectionism being fear of being seen. I’m realizing most of my block isn’t lack of ideas, it’s me editing myself before I even start. So my plan is to get back into morning pages and let myself be messy again. I don’t need brilliance on page one, I just need honesty. That’s the part of writer’s block I’ll walk through now. Thank you for the fresh perspective and for being a clear guide Idris Elijah!
Loving these takeaways! You are most welcome, Chloe. So pleased you enjoyed this issue 🤩🙌🏾