Or it may already be dead, and no amount of phoenix tears could revive it.
They said micro-blogging sites like tumblr and twitter killed the blog, but I beg to differ. There were times before, that my blogger activities were as profuse as my twitter shenanigans, and one was feeding off the energies of the other. It may be true that the ADHD culture helped kill the web log, but in my opinion, what ultimately killed it is the advent of the web-ready smart phone.
When the internet is just at your fingertips, what need do you have for the clunky laptop? Unfortunately, while the smart phone is perfect for typing that 140-character tweet, or the real-time posting of pictures and video, it is a cumbersome tool for the drafting of paragraphs-long posts, which the blog encourages. That little screen just wont do for running sentence after sentence of post, not to mention the editing of photos.
But still, the need to write calls every once in a while. But the lack of time and the promptings of other impetus eats away at what little time is available for writing. And then, there is the doubt. How many times have I, at the urging of envy after reading someone else's words, turned contemplative, searched deep inside, and picked...
a broom.
And in the pretext of distilling my thoughts, sweated phrase after phrase; sentence after sentence; thinking, revising, plotting. But never committing anything on paper. And when the luxury of time and thought had passed, forget that erstwhile writing assignment committed on meager memory. Looking forlornly once more on that blank screen, unable to again shape the words into existence.
I fear I have developed a fear for actual writing. I still claim to want it; to love it and pine for it. To yearn for the time when, pen in hand, I give shape to my thoughts, letting it flow like blood from hand to paper. I romanticize about it still, but more often, it feels like an empty task, more like a hollow dream you tell yourself, but never act upon.
How this former love become a fear, I wondered. Back then, writing was a joy, and posting my thoughts away from the prying eyes of co-workers was a needed respite from the humdrum and monotony of the desk. Escaping to the world of words and anonymity was a boon, a welcome color to the blacks and whites of the world of numbers.
How do I regain that drive? And ultimately revive this space, if not in tears, then in a blazing fire of glory and rebirth.
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youre pre occupied with fear of something else but definitely not with writing coz it seems to be one of those things u do best to express yourself...smartphones are already equipped with notepads, and other blog apps, for sure you can utilize it, so that even when youre on the go, words flow, thoughts form, and ur idea materializes into a post. keep em coming ;)
ReplyDeleteWhen it is worth reading, it will be read. To those of use who acknowledge the depth, insight, and perspective of a well-written work, there will always be a time for it. Despite the dwindling state of attention-spans.
ReplyDeleteThe bit about the smartphone is so true. Ang hirap! I usually compose my stories in my phone, and my fingers are always yearning for a real keyboard, with clickity-clackity-click-clack sounds.
ReplyDeleteI think it is perfectly normal for writers to experience this kind of feeling. Usually, when you feel you are stuck at something or if you feel that you've already reached your limit, you should only reread your first posts (your best posts or your favorites will do too) and try to relive your passion and focus during those times. And somehow, maybe, inspiration will rush back into you.
Don't worry, this too shall pass. :)
Smartphones are never a problem, as I usually start my words while walking. It is the 140 character release that kills what prose can weave into lyrics.
ReplyDeleteYour entry tells that you've missed writing.
this is why i'm envious of bloggers who until now are still active in writing posts regularly. where are they getting their ideas? and time?
ReplyDeletesigh