Today, my mind is exhausted. Actually, it's been this way for the past week, so much so that I've not been able to add anything here, the one place that reminds me I'm a writer. I've long heard "Writers write, always," and never 'got' it — because I usually didn't enjoy it. Until I started this public journal.
Right now, my idea hat is brimming, but I just can't get my mind to form thoughts into words. I have a few theories why, namely stress.
My role as a reporter, though it may seem fascinating to some, can often lead to burnout. I think it's because we are under pressure to churn out six stories each week, and in my case, they are mostly elaborate features. The stress comes not only in needing to find these stories, but then having them done by deadline each week. I think journalists at daily papers have it easy. I see a name I recognize maybe twice a week. Seriously, do they work part-time? My dream would be to have two to three stories to write each month ... they would require research and in-depth interviews with sources across the country. I'd work out of my favorite coffee shop. Then the completed works would be published in a national magazine. They would make people think, cry, laugh ... change.
Right now, my idea hat is brimming, but I just can't get my mind to form thoughts into words. I have a few theories why, namely stress.
My role as a reporter, though it may seem fascinating to some, can often lead to burnout. I think it's because we are under pressure to churn out six stories each week, and in my case, they are mostly elaborate features. The stress comes not only in needing to find these stories, but then having them done by deadline each week. I think journalists at daily papers have it easy. I see a name I recognize maybe twice a week. Seriously, do they work part-time? My dream would be to have two to three stories to write each month ... they would require research and in-depth interviews with sources across the country. I'd work out of my favorite coffee shop. Then the completed works would be published in a national magazine. They would make people think, cry, laugh ... change.
But alas, I remain at my little desk — which I've decorated for fall — chasing down people to talk to about a middle school's 50th anniversary, a church's new piano — c'mon, it's from Estonia! — and a toy store's relocation ... down the block. You see why I'm burned out ....
For the last two weeks, I've been pining to jot down my thoughts on this election circus, mainly the dishonesty, the deceit, the sheer meanness I've read and watched. But that all requires time to research, reflect and respond. But it will come soon — and I'll hold nothing back :)
In the meantime, I could use some encouragement ... to keep striving in this creative outlet because deep down, I really hope that those of you who stop by enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.
For the last two weeks, I've been pining to jot down my thoughts on this election circus, mainly the dishonesty, the deceit, the sheer meanness I've read and watched. But that all requires time to research, reflect and respond. But it will come soon — and I'll hold nothing back :)
In the meantime, I could use some encouragement ... to keep striving in this creative outlet because deep down, I really hope that those of you who stop by enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.
1 comment:
I dig your blog! :-D Although I'm beginning to feel a bit strange that I'm the only one who seems to comment. Come on, people, you know you're out there lurking... ;)
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