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How to transform a blank page into a chrysalis, a work of art

Time flies by and we barely realize how it has sped past us! Some weeks catapult into months and before we know it, a New Year is just around the corner. I mean, why isn't there a pause button to savor some of the best moments in your life so that the day can stand still at least for a fleeting second? Have you ever wanted that pause button? 

At my end, this has been quite a challenging roller-coaster year. So busy that by the end of the day I simply can't find the energy to work on my manuscript that remains half-written.
Are you a struggling writer?
The challenge of writing a book is that you feel pulled by a hundred forces around you. A growing child who needs your loving attention.  A family that needs you to be there.  A life that is lived, from hour to hour, day to day, going beyond the words one is crafting in the silence of the mind. Still when the words have to bleed onto paper, I begin to feel helpless. I am unable to find the energy to sit down and write at long stretches for my manuscript. Bit by bit, that feeling spills into anger directed to the self. Why can't I do it? I know how the manuscript should read but why am i unable to get it out on paper?

I began to think: I cannot call myself a 'writer' at most times because I am beginning to feel like a fake. In fact, this year, I wanted to stop writing altogether because the writing is simply not materializing the way I want it to.
Okay, I know you aren't visiting my blog to hear me crib about my busy life that is crammed with a thousand things except the will and energy to find the space to write.
But wait, don't leave yet! This is what I want to tell you.
Don't despair! Here’s how to overcome the struggle and stay inspired to write 
There are some of the amazing bloggers out there who have inspired me to keep writing. Their words energize and encourage me to look beyond myself and the crowded dilemmas around me. Writing isn't just about the writer. It is about the environment that inspires a writer to keep writing even when he/she feels tempted to give up and call it quits.

When I read the posts of the following bloggers, it is as though the Universe sends out an electric energy and revitalizes my commitment to the craft of writing that I am otherwise constantly struggling with. 

The oh-so-intense dissatisfaction of not having penned a few words in the manuscript lessens considerably. This is because you begin to see a bigger, happier and more meaningful vision of what your life’s priorities can be when you read their blogs.
Here are the bloggers (in alphabetical order) whose blogs inspire me:
Like Jess Scott’s quote on GooglePlus, ‘A blank page can give birth to a nice chrysalis for myself, allowing me to appreciate the art of a moment that I have written.’

And with this post, I send out heartfelt gratitude to the above-mentioned bloggers whose writings inspire me. I am always grateful to you – the reader – for taking out your precious time to read what I am writing and for making me feel valued in being a part of the blogger's world . Thank you for being here.

Comments

Vishnu said…
HI Swapna - I'm glad I found your blog and have quickly become a fan! Writing is hard work. To be able to capture our thoughts, reflect upon and share them so others understand is no easy task. I could never write a book either. Well, I wrote one but that's a whole other story. It was when I was deeply motivated for a short period in my life. lol I like blogging because I can write in 1000 word increments, get feedback regularly and can shift my topics more towards what my readers enjoy reading. Some of the things I've been doing to write more/better: writing regularly, getting more help from an editor and writing when inspiration strikes. thanks for mentioning me and keep writing :)
KParthasarathi said…
I would like to tell the struggling writers the following quote that I used today in my good morning mail.
'If you hear a voice within you saying 'You are not a painter,'
then by all means paint & and that voice will be silenced"
What is needed is the determination to succeed and if there are some role models,it is well and good to emulate them
Sometimes it is the pressure of work and family that brings out the best writer in you.
It can be done, it has been done by people for centuries. http://writerletters.blogspot.in/2013/09/making-time-to-write.html

Best Wishes.
Mani Karthik said…
Not sure if my blog deserves to be in the list. But appreciate your feedback and happy knowing that it meant something for you.

Every body goes through phases like this. I've been there as well. I have three words for you.

- Be real today.
- Be consistent tomorrow.
- Forget everything the day after.

You'll be happy and everything else will fall into place there after.

My two cents.

Keep up the good work!

:)

MK
Thanks Vishnu for the kind & very encouraging words. Am a big fan of your writings too.

About writing a book as compared to writing a blogpost, I liked 3 relevant points you have mentioned here.

One is that it is realistic and motivating to write 1000 word increments. Second, you get feedback almost immediately. Third, you can shift topics according to your liking easily and without worrying about it. Also, thanks for sharing those useful tips on how you work towards writing better...and perhaps the essence to get better at this is to keep writing, learning and contemplating. God bless.
@KP Parthasarthi - I really liked that quote you mentioned here...I have already put this as a note on my desk as an inspiration affirmation. Thanks so much for sharing it with me.
@An Indian Writer - It's good to read your perspective here esp as it relates to writing. As you have mentioned, yes - it has been done very well before. JK Rowling, for instance, is a classic example of that. However, the writing process differs from one writer to the other. What works for one person need not work for the other. But I totally understand that the gist of what you meant to say is that it can be done and that brings me a ray of hope. Also, I went through some of the writings in the URL that you've shared. I really liked some of those posts. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Dear MK,

Heartfelt thanks for sharing your thoughts here on my blog. And yes, your blog means something to me because it inspires me a lot. So happily grateful for the 2 cents too. Stay forever blessed and keep inspiring!
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