Yep, today I hit a wall. I’m tired. It’s nearly 11pm (10 pm, but for Daylight Savings Time) and I haven’t a clue what to write about. No, I don’t keep a writing notebook with tons of ideas in it. No, I don’t make a list of possible topics. I confess: I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants writer. OK, the secret is out. I can breathe more easily.
Once I do get started, however, I get very into what I’m doing…as is happening right now. I start to care about what I’m writing and dig deeper for meaning. I begin to think about my audience. I am beginning to wonder…how did I become this type of writer? How many different kinds of writers are there?What’s your go-to method for writing? I suspect I have more comrades than not.
Without retelling the whole story of how I became a writer which I’ve already done in a previous post or two in the past three years, let’s just say it didn’t happen until I was middle-aged when I finally developed a voice. Now you can’t shut me up.
How did I exist without a voice for so long? Good question. It may have had something to do with being one of eight children. None of my siblings had a voice because we all had to repress our own identities in order to make the family dynamic work. Hell, I didn’t even know I could express a wish or desire, much less an opinion. It took a kindly professor in graduate school to coax my voice out of me. He did it by speaking to me as though my writing mattered. He encouraged me to write more. And voila! A voice was born.
Not having a voice for so long gave me a lot of empathy for students of any age who struggle to find their voices. I truly believe it made me a more patient, caring teacher. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. It makes you feel invisible.
The person who launched me on this blogging site, Kathleen Sokolowski, also believed in my voice and encouraged me to join the March Challenge three years ago. So now I just can’t go to bed without writing a post and saluting all of you teachers and writers out there who are in this together, and who understand the dreadful feeling of having nothing to say, and who keep writing nonetheless. I’d never let you down.
Teaching for Life 
Keep on writing ! You can do it !
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“I get by with a little help from my friends.” Thanks for the encouragement.
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good job! I am struggling tonight as well – and thought I would read some of the other posts in order to be inspired. And yours helped 🙂 I grew up in an opinionated family, and was worried that I might be wrong and become part of a debate that I couldn’t win. I have started to find my voice through writing. Thank you for sharing!
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I’m glad to hear you’re discovering your own voice. I generally shrink away from highly opinionated people who love to debate (argue) since they’re not really interested in hearing anyone’s voice other than their own. Not this community, though…we love hearing your voice.
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Yep! I’m like you. That seat of the pants writer. Glad you found your voice so others can listen in!
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Maybe we could form a seat of the pants writing group! Thanks for your encouragement.
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Bravo!well done for slicing for three years. You are making up for lost time ☺️
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Interesting observation and definitely true. Thanks!
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“How did I exist without a voice for so long?”
Imagine how many others don’t even realize that question exists … So glad you found yourself.
Kevin
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You are so right…the millions and millions of people who suffer life in silence. My heart goes out to them.
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Finding your voice is the first step to becoming a life-long writer. I come from a big family (10) also, but I was the youngest and was a spoiled brat who spoke her mind from the beginning. Nevertheless, it was in writing that I found my niche. I’ve kept journals from the first grade on. They’re a hoot to read now! Thank you for sharing the importance of finding one’s voice. As teachers we need to remember that importance as we work with our young writers every day.
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Interesting to hear about the difference between the oldest of 8 siblings (me) and the youngest of 10 (you). I am glad my thoughts about kids struggling to find a voice were noted. Thanks!
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Isn’t it amazing when you think you have nothing to say and you really did have something to say? I have a ton of journals/writer’s notebooks I have started but also just write in the moment. Actually, I don’t think my writing is as good on my blog because I write and publish instead of writing, reflecting, and revising. 🙂
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I must confess that I do reread and revise somewhat, but usually it’s the same day. Especially during the March challenge when there’s no time to reflect or ponder.
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Awesome, real slice!! I am so thankful for your honesty. Keep sharing your voice!
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Like I said, you can’t shut me up! Thanks for the praise.
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Except for the large family this sounds like me. I didn’t consider myself a writer until I took a Summer Writing Institute at Penn State Harrisburg in 2000. The facilitators believed in me and helped me find my voice. Four years ago a friend introduced me to blogging and TWT. Things blossomed from there. So glad you found your voice and that you share it.
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Likewise…my friend. I wonder what we would have said had we found our voices earlier.
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I also find that while I may struggle for a topic, once I get started, I just keep on going.
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Apparently that is an affliction shared by many on TWT!
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Sometimes the engine takes a while to warm up and then the ride is oh so enjoyable. Good to have you on board for the journey.
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I love that you wrote about your struggle, Barbara. Often those posts lead to easier writing days ahead!
BTW: Check out Michelle Nero’s blog post today in case you feel stuck. It’s a great one!
http://literacyzone.blogspot.com/2017/03/joy-in-ordinary-1331-sol17.html
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Thanks for the tip, Stacey. I did read her post and found it, well, joyful! I’ll be experimenting with a list one of these days when I run out of steam. I was curious to see what would happen if I truly had nothing to say, and was pleasantly surprised by the result!
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Just the fact that you have nothing to write about is something to write about. Thinking about being a writer often leads to reflections, which leads to thoughts to share, because you are a writer. I like to have a couple backup posts ready for the day I can’t find a worthy moment.
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I think that’s a good idea…backup posts…but somehow I never get around to it. Like I said, I’m a “fly by the seat of my pants” gal. After 3 years of doing this I don’t get too nervous anymore.
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Another beautifully thoughtful post despite not knowing what to write about!
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You’re so kind. Thanks you!
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Thanks. You’ve just shown that we can write about anything and make it enjoyable for our audience.
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I gave it a good try and I guess I succeeded. Thank you.
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Finding our voice is a lifelong journey and we need lots of affirmation along the way. So glad you are getting what you need. I love your “voice”!
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Yes, it has been a long journey and still more to go. But now I’m among friends and wise mentors. That so makes a difference. Thanks for your voice, too!
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This struggle is part of the writing life, too. We learn about ourselves in these “down” periods, and that enriches our writing so much.
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I adore the idea of “coaxing a voice” – what a great verb to use to describe the start of your writing journey. Any glimpse into someone else’s process is always valuable, and I really appreciate seeing yours.
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I agree…these glimpses are fascinating and magical. This site is a kaleidoscope of writing. There’s so much richness and variety to enjoy each and every day. Thank you for your support.
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So many experienced and wise slicers. That’s why I’m on this site…for all these remarkable insights. Thank you for yours.
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I also figure it out when I sit down to write. Usually late at night – I see you posting around the same time as me. It must all be floating around in my head but . . . who knows. Glad I am not alone in this.
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No one here is alone…and that’s the beauty of it!
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