In my previous years of slicing, I've never really felt any bumps or this was hard but this year I am. I was wrapping up my evening and thinking about going to bed early when I remembered I hadn't sliced yet today. I felt frustrated. I felt like I had to slice. I was surprised and caught off guard. I don't have to slice, I chose to slice. I could skip a day - I don't think the world would end. I wanted to slice to feel a pull towards writing. I wanted to slice to belong to a writing community. I wanted to slice - I can't finish that sentence.
It's a Friday night and my thoughts haven't been as intentional as I wanted or my awareness during the day hasn't been as keen this slicing year. Slicing is public and not all writing is public. I've thought about fake news and fake slicing in my head and realized it's more about willing to go public and willing to keep inside. My slices so far are personal and can go public. Maybe I need two slicing projects - personal and public vs personal and not public. I have some time this weekend and am going to process my thinking for the second half of slicing.
I tell my students all the time; writers get stuck, writers think about their audience, not all writing needs to be shared, and writing can make you feel better. I do wonder if any one else is having a half way writing slump? I do wonder if others are writing outside the SOLSC? I wonder if rambling counts as slicing, it's in the moment.
Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.
Yep, that bit about slicing being public (and I know some of my colleagues and leaders may read my posts) -- that, on top of being worn out from a long week -- dampens my will to write. So I wrote into one truth from the day, framing it carefully.
ReplyDeleteI also find I am losing steam. I think rambling does count as slicing, because some days are like that, and some moments in life are too. I think this is when we earn our 'writing stripes', as it were, putting in the time and work when things get difficult. Thanks for sharing your thoughts tonight.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, rambling definitely counts. If not, well then I am in big trouble.
ReplyDeleteYes to all of this! I am in my usual mid-month slump and reading and commenting this morning in the hopes of finding something that sparks some writing. I have been feeling weird about personal slices ever since one of my colleagues stopped me in the hall last week and said "I'm really enjoying your blog this month." I didn't know he knew I had a blog!
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ReplyDeleteI definitely believe rambling counts as slicing. I've noticed that I've been drawn to more spoken words this year, which then lead to my slices. And I think about all the pictures you take - you could do several photo essays as slices as well. You've got this (and if you don't one day, it's okay).
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you have hit a bump, but don't let it derail you. Rambling does count, it is the moment. Keep writing and I'll keep reading and commenting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging words faithful reader and friend.
DeleteI've seen many rambling slices or slices about not knowing what to write about throughout the years. You're in good company.
ReplyDeleteBTW: You're right that not all of the writing we want to do can be public. I often struggle with what I want to write about vs. what I can write about publicly.
Thanks for the encouragement and understanding.
DeleteI'm a little jealous if this is the first year you've hit bumps. Every year I do this crazy challenge I hit bumps along the way. This year has actually been the first year in all seven I felt like I have found a rhythm. I'm pretty impressed that most years haven't had bumps for you. I'm wondering if it is hardest when life is busy and more things push up against our thinking or, as you remind, our topics aren't perfect for public writing. I thought it was interesting that you mentioned awareness. I think you've stumbled onto something here. This year I've tried more and more to stay aware of stories that might surround me. I think it has helped. Don't worry, friend, whether you are writing publicly or privately, I know you'll find your way over the bump. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement friends.
DeleteI wake up in fear that I will have nothing to say!
ReplyDeleteKeep writing and writing and writing - even ramble. I enjoy reading your posts.
Thanks for the kinds words.
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