Write or Die
We’ve been told to write for five minutes a day on our side. Where is my watch? I’ll adopt this drama for now as I find the idea somewhat interesting. But don’t fret – I’m only posting today’s entry to the stack.
My writing is usually much more sporadic. Sometimes I’ll go days or weeks without even considering putting pen to paper. Other times my appetite for a word file or a note book is insatiable. The old saying that writing changes or influences how you think is certainly true. Being forced to sign your name to something written, something new, that is not always easy - but you’re usually better for it.
Perfectionism, a trait that many in academia and the sciences face, seldom helps the struggle. It tends not to help the dreaded writer’s block. Although, If I’m being honest with you on this dry and snowy morning, I’m unconvinced that writer’s block exists as a formal entity we should talk or care about.
On that topic - the struggle with creative processes - I’ve recently stumbled upon the great music producer Rick Rubin. Actually, he has been a behind the scenes guy for some of the industry’s biggest acts in recent decades. And this job title does little to capture his role. His recent podcast interviews are wonderful and invigorating. And he’s put all his hocus pocus wisdom down on paper. The front cover of his new book demands attention, and dovetails beautifully with his broader public facing aesthetic and philosophy.
People like Rubin really do seem to operate on a different wavelength when it comes to creativity. I dare say someone as agile and open minded as he doesn’t make friends with the writer’s block too often, even if it does exist.
“The clock’s run out, time’s up, over, blaow.”
-d