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Writer's Block

Writer's block.
I've got it.
I don't know how many topics I've contemplated,
and started writing about,
and then stopped.
None of them seemed right.
Too trite.
Too contrite.
No substance.
I don't know what to write.
Keep writing something.
Anything.
I tell my students the same thing.
It's hard to do but if I don't keep going
then I'll stop writing altogether
'cause sometimes it just seems too hard.
Developing a writing habit is like exercising.
Now, that I've started exercising for 10 minutes in the morning I can't stop.
(Now, that I've started blogging every day, I can't stop.
Don't want to stop.)
I know 10 minutes isn't a lot but it's something.
A place to start.
A place to keep moving from.
What do you know?
I've got a slice!

http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/solsc-2011-4-of-31/

Comments

Deb Day said…
I really like this. I know you didn't know what to write, but write you did. I too tell my kids to just write anything--but seldom does it turn out this well!
4 March 2011 at 18:43
Linda B said…
It's like the rhythm of your poem, like jumping rope for exercise. Write, write, contemplate! I will share your poem with my students-it will help them!
4 March 2011 at 19:27
elsie said…
Don't let writer's block get to you. Read other slices, copy a format, just start typing. You can always delete it and save the best lines. Glad you found a slice today!
4 March 2011 at 19:41
Andi Poe said…
I hear you. I think it is about the challenge of consistency. Keep at it! I enjoyed your post today.
4 March 2011 at 21:22
Ruth said…
Oh My Goodness!!! This is fantastic! What you've done here is so very good. I'm glad that you started blogging and can't stop because you are a writer. This piece is one you ought to share with your students--and anyone else you can.
4 March 2011 at 21:52
Becky said…
Your words are so true. This writing challenge so helps us realize what our students face some days.
5 March 2011 at 01:02
Unknown said…
Thank you everybody for the encouragement and kind words. When we were talking about starting the SOL Challenge in my class we talked about how daily writing, by yourself, for just 10 minutes helps to build stamina so that on subsequent days you can keep it up and hopefully extend your time and interest. The kids likened this to a habit or an addiction. We talked a little bit about how some addictions are good for you; if you exercise every day and you skip a day or two you start to miss it and you don't feel as well. But, we also spent quite a bit of time talking about habits. The children already know about building stamina so it was easy to talk about the SOL Challenge as a way of building stamina as a writer just like we've done as readers. Now, it seems easier for them to understand the 10 minutes of silent writing we do at the beginning of writing workshop on most days. It is also critical because now they have a purpose and an audience: write a snippet of your life for someone else to read and respond to. Powerful stuff!
5 March 2011 at 10:01
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