The Art of Not Writing

Think Tank #172

Is there an art in not writing? Maybe for some writers it’s a welcome reprieve, a time they can take a step back and get a look around. Perhaps it’s an end to the constant stresses and stomachaches they face. Like when they’re trying to get an essay published, or if they’re trying to finish a chapter that was meant to inspire but had done nothing but caused the writer writing it absolute agony. Maybe during the time spend not writing they get to finally enjoy life for a little while.

Melissa and I haven’t been on Substack in a long time. Honestly, we haven’t written much at all. Unlike whatever writers fit the bill in the paragraph above, we do not find not-writing relaxing. To me, it’s the worst feeling in the world, worse than Chinese water torture. When I get a feeling of dread that slowly dawns and starts to embed itself deeper and deeper into my bones, I know exactly where it originated. If I don’t write, I feel like shit. I have felt like shit for the past few weeks, suffering from one of the worst bouts of writer’s block since I started writing again.

I want to write a new article for Substack. I want to write the script for a TV show. I want to work on the opening of a new novel. Not that what I want matters. I can’t bring myself to write anything. Ideas are flowing in, but nothing is regurgitating out.

The art of not writing could be useful to some. It could be an escape. It can be used as time to recharge so that when they go back, they’re better than ever. I wish that worked for me. Unfortunately, I’m much happier writing, even if it’s some shitty thing like this that no one wants to read. But that’s okay, let’s call it an exercise. Maybe publishing this is just what the doctor ordered. Maybe, just maybe, it will help me get back on track. Or maybe I’m just delusional. Yeah… that makes more sense.

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