Am I just weird or do alot of other writers experience this?
By xParanoiax
@xParanoiax (6987)
United States
February 20, 2009 10:32pm CST
I tend to get periods of time where I just can't...turn off my brain, can't shut off the flow of inspiration.
I know a ton of us really hate writer's block when it happens, but what about the other end of the spectrum...when you brain just gives you way too much for you to write at once and demands that you write all of it?
I liken it to a form of insanity, haha. It's like I can hear each of the stories...the characters...the worlds...realities clamoring all in my head at once, and when I get periods like this, the only thing that helps quiet this noise in my head is to write as much as I can til I pass out.
It's the only way!
Lately, I've been having perisistant insomnia for this reason. I toss and turn in my bed all night, trying to ignore my thoughts. I meditate, I try focusing on something trivial...I watch a movie, I read a book...I go for a walk...
Nothing helps but writing. I write until I can fall asleep...otherwise I'd be up two days later...still trying to sleep without writing anything first.
I know alot of us writers are somewhat disorganized, with odd schedules (depends when the inspiration strikes, am I right?)...so it's not like our patterns always encourage stuff like this. (Myself? I have no patterns, or schedules...I'm constantly adjusting and changing week-to-week. I write when I can, which is why I'm thankful for my notebooks in the time I don't have access to the computer which, this month atleast, is increasingly)
Often, when stuff like this happens, I try to allow myself to write obsessively until I burn out. When I burn out I sleep for the whole weekend afterwards and writing in general's out of my system for at least a week and I feel like I can reset. But every now and again, the extreme opposite of writer's block strikes again!
Now, I'm definitely not complaining, writing is my therapy. A blessing. It's as necessary for me as breathing. It's my life. But it is rather tiring...and I'm just curious if it's just me? If it's not just me, what're your experiences? Do you know many writers who go through this? What're your thoughts on this subject?
6 people like this
16 responses
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
21 Feb 09
You're not alone. I have writer's block all the time. WHich is why I can only think of a new discussion to start when I'm on mylot already. And even then sometimes, I can't come up with something nice. So most of the time I just respond to discussions. i still earn money anyway and that's the ultimate goal.
1 person likes this
@KatieDidit (989)
• United States
21 Feb 09
It happens to me too but only when I'm writing. It's weird because I'll get bursts of energy that make me stop writing. The thoughts are raceing, I'll be at my computer and I have to get up and walk away from it and be active for at least a few minutes before I can sit back down and type it out. When I finally give up and go to bed then I'm editing in my head and have a terrible time getting to sleep.
I can go for long periods without writing, I can be happy doing other things. But I like writing and when I do write, this always happens until I decide to just stop writing and do something else.
1 person likes this
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
25 Feb 09
When it comes to nonfiction, I can really get going! I wish I could say the same about fiction! I have a really good outline and part of a really good story I know I simply have to write.. but it's very slow going and is like a long drawn out giving birth process that is taking like, way too long! But when it comes to nonfiction, I've actually had to curtail my quiet and contemplative times as there was just too much of an explosion of things inspired to write that yes I thought it was just getting to be too much! And was making me a little crazy, especially as I can write and write a lot of stuff in notebooks.. and then that's it. Nothing else comes of it. I'd sorely like to buy myself a notebook/laptop, cause then it's typed, ready to go, easy to edit, etc. I even see that Dell is selling a couple of slightly smaller versions for $299, and one for $399.. even the 4 gb one for $299 might work as it can be networked with the home computer, so I could move things I wrote to the home computer. I can't always get to my computer, as I let others use it when they're home form work.. I'm thinking it would help.. as even my nonfiction writing has been a bit stalled..
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
25 Feb 09
Well, I hope you do get a laptop someway...or at least, I hope you get more access to the computer. Nothing more frustrating than wanting to write and not being able to!
I really know how that goes (even though my avenue is fiction and I have a hard time with non-fiction for anything longer than a page or two), writing something down on paper then getting stuck. Right now I've a couple series' going, one's almost finished and one's just started...and then I've a couple just plain old books waiting, and I've it all written out in my notebook...but I drag my feet at typing it all out, 'cause it feels almost like work (even though I always leave open plenty of room for creativity).
I'll eventually be able to break through the stuck feeling, but all I can hope is that when that happens...I'll have access to the computer!
1 person likes this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
6 Mar 09
I've two notebooks right now...all spanning several different stories (I'm terribly disorganized outside of my own head with creative things, xD) and I'm moving onto a third -- I haven't even worked completely through the first notebook!, and I've also published a book through lulu (I paid for an ISBN).
I lose notes all the time...but entire notebooks..*the world sways beneathe my feet* I can't imagine!
Oh, I edit some of my books alot too. Goodness. It's like, you edit it once and either go, "Well, I think that's good!" and later go over it and cringe, or you edit it once and have a nagging feeling that you missed things...and it just repeats until the story's either shining from your mental polishing or wrecked due to potential panicked episodes (therefore why many of us always keep back ups and don't push save unless we're sure!), heh.
I can definitely relate to the word-cloud feeling. It is sometimes a little overwhelming, huh?
Good luck with your family, dearie. I'm between debating whether to ask for wifi or a dvd of my favorite show (since they could split it between them and it'd be affordable for them more with the dvd than the wifi)...for my birthday. Either way we decide, hopefully it'll be the perfect present for this particular birthday. Making our lives easier or no. ^_^' 
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
21 Feb 09
This used to drive me nuts, but it hasn't happened in quite a while. Now I really miss it! Silly things like my job and illness get in the way.
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
25 Feb 09
Drives me up the wall more often than's probably good for me, heh.
But yeah, that's rotten of life to hamper your creative process!
(Lately, I've had less and less access to the 'net so I can sortof relate..I just hope it doesn't become a trend)
Hopefully you'll be able to find more time to write, Cobra!
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
21 Feb 09
Wow, sounds like a manic episode! (LOL) I can't say I get the rush of ideas in the way you do, I do find however that I'll be doing my household chores, having a shower or whatever and streams of ideas will come at me and if I am not in a situation where I can note them down immediately by the time I sit down to write they will be gone and I can end up with a dreaded case of writer's block!
It is so frustrating when that happens because I know the ideas are inside me, somewhere...
I love the days when I can sit and write with a wonderful sense of peace; it is during those times that I can create my best pieces. 
1 person likes this
@bubbletush (1332)
• Philippines
21 Feb 09
this happens to me sometime and usually in the middle of the night. thoughts and ideas keep flowing and all i want to do is sleep. but then my mind is so active i have to get off the bed and turn my laptop on and start typing them.
1 person likes this
@AnythngArt (3302)
• United States
21 Feb 09
I wish I had something like this! Well, not the mania part of it but the creative gush of thoughts and ideas. There are times when I write when I feel like I am "in the zone," but it's just a relaxed, zen-like state where everything just flows out naturally and in perfect pitch, not the massive torrent you describe.
I guess that we have to count ourselves lucky for whatever gifts come our way when it comes to writing, even if they are not in the "ideal form." Having a lot of ideas and things to write about is great. I tend to get the most ideas when I am doing something active (like walking) where it's inconvenient to be writing.
Good luck and try and get it all down when you can!
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
25 Feb 09
Oh, how I think we all love being in "the zone"...that's the perfect happy medium, I think, not "too much (if there is such a thing!) or too little!
But you're right, however our talents come we're fortunate to have them.
Thanks, I will! Good luck with you own creative works!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Feb 09
Yup, you're weird...
Just kidding. In a way I kind of know what you mean. On my particularly productive writing days where I'm writing it seems non-stop I too find it hard to "switch" off even though I'm tired. I don't exactly go on writing but I do find it harder just to wind down and get to the point of getting to sleep
Just kidding. In a way I kind of know what you mean. On my particularly productive writing days where I'm writing it seems non-stop I too find it hard to "switch" off even though I'm tired. I don't exactly go on writing but I do find it harder just to wind down and get to the point of getting to sleep
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
23 Feb 09
No you aren't weird. Sometimes I feel like someone has a "Clap on Clap off" attached to my brain. I'll write for weeks then suddenly nothing is there. Out of the blue something will spark and I'll start writing again.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
16 Mar 09
I'm not a writer by any means. I will sometimes have a burst of inspiration and then other times I won't. I can't say that I can't sleep when I'm like this, but when I do sleep I'll sometimes be upset at myself for not first writing down what I thought about. Then sometimes I go to bed and let my inspiration seep into my dreams, and make it that much more real. I've got many interests, one of which is writing, and I'd say that I need a lot more practice to get to the stage your in, where you just can't sleep without first writing.
@celticeagle (160806)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Feb 09
Writing is a gift. And I do get the same way you do. I enjoy just journaling sometimes. Professionals say it is good to just write. Your thoughts and feelings and opinions of life and situations. Descriptive situations as well.
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
25 Feb 09
I think they're right. Pure expression's good for anyone, but for artists of any sorts (like writers) I think it's especially beneficial.
@snowcat46 (2322)
• United States
22 Feb 09
I used to, and I honestly miss it. When I'd start a story I was interested in writing, it was like the whole world stopped and that was all I could think of. It hasn't happened in decades. Guess I'm not interested in much of what I'm writing anymore. Sad.
So be thankful you have the urge, and glory in it. As you get older, it might go away. Things just don't hold the same passion as they did. I guess I've had to learn to cope with not being able to do what I want, so I don't let myself get into it anymore.
@ljbinkop (744)
• United States
21 Feb 09
I wish this happened to me more often! I do have moments when I am away from my desk, especially when I am trying to get to sleep that I somply can't stop thinking about what I am writing at the time, but I would have to say it is not all that common to me. I do often however just start writing and the words at times flow and flow. I spend a lot of time here typing when that happens!
@TriW0lf (7)
• United States
21 Feb 09
I know exactly how you feel. Sadly, I am under the writing block pressure right now, but a few weeks ago, I felt exactly the same way as you do. I think this first started happening when I began to write more to my short story, which has reached 6 Chapters now [7 if I can get off this block], and I was on a natural high from the entire idea of the story. Maybe it is just the starting part of a story for me, I am unsure about you. However, last week, drama ensued per usual in highschool, and to release my tension, I wrote until the wee hours of morning, even on school nights. Even when I didn't write a chapter or two, I would have to write something. I would just lay in bed, thoughts buzzing around furiously. Normally I would just write out a idea chart or put on some ideas. I have never heard anyone who has the similar problem until now. I think that this is just a natural process, but a very frustrating one at the same.
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
21 Feb 09
I go through stages where I cannot think of anything to write about at all, and others where I am so full of ideas and thoughts, I have to write them all down and wirte about it all as quick as possible. It is nothing for me to go a week without writng anything at all just to sit and write 5 or 6 article in a matter of a couple of hours. I think it just has a lot ot do with my own creativity and schedule. Then again, maybe it is a writers trait. My Mom is the same way!!
@Spook619 (335)
•
21 Feb 09
It's not just you, I find that after a long peroid of block I get a rapid flow of ideas to try and counteract the block if you like. I found the easiest way to cope was to learn short hand or have your own form of code. That way you can get much more down and lose less of your ideas, even though you have to bulk them out agani later.
