It's been too long since I've updated this blog. It's like the dead skunk lying by the side of the road that you try hard to ignore every time you drive past it Aaargh. I'm still struggling somewhat with the writer's block that I'm now convinced is nothing but the winter doldrums. Whatever.
I find the long, gray days of winter dreary and confining. One of the reasons I enjoy skiing is that it gets me outside exercising while taking in some beautiful scenery. Dennis and I recently took in a few days up at Jiminy Peak, Massachusetts. It was nice to get out in the crisp air and sunshine. Running also helps, albeit on a treadmill. It gets the heart pumping, fires up the neurotransmitters in my brain and helps release those ever so helpful endorphins into my bloodstream. So I've been getting to the gym as often as I can to run and lift weights. It all helps. Slowly, I'm beginning to find my way out of the doldrums. After running 6 miles yesterday, I added several pages to my novel and completed a poem I'd been toying with. Maybe I'm on an upswing.
People have various methods of finding their way out of writer's block or mental impasses. One friend hits the kitchen when she gets stuck. Maybe something about the aromatic smell of cooking food stimulates other parts of her brain. Another friend settles down into a marathon reading session that could last anywhere for a few days to several weeks. She says that other people's writing inspires her. I understand. Yet another person I know knits. Some people scrapbook, paint, draw or sew. Whatever it takes to get you writing is what you should do. Often I'll paint when I'm stuck. Like skiing or running, painting completely absorbs me, transports me to another world.
What do you do when writer's block strikes? Do you do anything outside of writing or research? If so, I'd love to hear about it.
