Tag Archives: writing

friends, writing

Writing talents I don’t possess

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293: Writer's Night
Songwriters Matt Willis and Rick Tiger

Yesterday, I went to a writer’s night to see a couple friends perform their songs. I’ve attended other writer’s nights, but last night… last night was just something special for me.

I sat down, and I listened. Really listened. Oh okay, I snapped a few photos, but I was there to be a spectator, not a photographer. My husband commented that I had a smile on my face the whole time.

For me, it was not just about the music, it was about watching these people living their dreams. Writing their songs and performing for people who want to hear them. I was so proud of my friends. So happy for them!

And… I was in awe.

See, when someone asks me what I do, I used to respond, “I’m a writer!”

I don’t do that any more. Not that I’m not a writer (blogger), but when you say “writer” in Nashville, people think you are a songwriter. And, hey, its an easy and logical assessment! Music city. Writer. Music. Songs. Songwriter. Makes sense.

But, alas, no. I am no songwriter. In fact, I am in awe of songwriters. I admire their abilities to convey such emotion through their words. I admire their ability to tell a whole story in a few verses and a chorus. I admire their ability to take a throw away hook and turn it into a work of art.

I write, but I can’t craft a song. I don’t even do (serious) poetry. I might write the random limerick or haiku for humor-sake. Perhaps a cute little rhyme here and there. But past that? I leave the song writing to the professionals. I admire their talents. I respect them. And I sincerely wish them all the success in the world doing it.

about-me, blogging, ironic musings

The (over) thinker

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imageI can definitely be accused of thinking too much. Sometimes, I think that’s why I get a major case of writer’s block for this blog… such is the case today.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, I am no where near as bad of an over-thinker as I once was. I don’t live in my head as much as I did even just five years ago. I’m less introverted as I was then (although I think I’d still consider myself more introvert than extrovert… but that’s a post for another day.)

That being said, I often find myself with so many ideas that I am left with no idea what to write. So, I spend hours reading other blogs, looking for inspiration. Hoping something will silence the thoughts in my head and make them focus down into one solid blog post.

That didn’t happen today.

No, my biggest problem today is that the ideas I have for posts are good ideas! I just have to write them very carefully with a solid respect for my audience. I’m not opposed to being “controversial” — but I AM opposed to knowingly offending. Or, worse yet, getting someone, who is just an innocent bystander, in trouble.

So, instead, I vent my feelings and thoughts without censorship in a personal journal. Hoping that “getting it out” will help me take a more neutral approach to the issue at hand. It’s helped me focus my energy and organize my thoughts countless times. I often wonder if other bloggers use this technique as well, or am I just making more work for myself?

No matter what, it didn’t help, either.

I’m still sitting here, stewing over thoughts I don’t dare yet let see the light of day until I can correctly organize them and present them in the proper fashion. Perhaps I am still over thinking them. I am sure of it, in fact. However, if I were to write without thought and care, I’d be less likely to be able to sleep peacefully than I am if I continue stewing over things!

So here I am writing a blog post to tell you I don’t have a blog post today… and why.

Here’s hoping something strikes my fancy soon, or I am able to finally organize the train-wreck of thoughts going on in my mind. I’ll take either one at this point!