The Woes of Writer's and Artist's Block

I have never really believed that writer's block was a real thing, just a label for procrastination. On many accounts throughout my education, I've used the phrase "writer's block" to justify procrastination to myself and others. But I've always thought that the feeling of being unable to produce writing or art is simply a result of not being inspired.

And maybe that's what writer's block actually is. I'm not exactly sure what the phrase means.

But regardless, I am experiencing a sever lack of inspiration and creativity.

I am entirely and completely unmotivated to edit my short story that is due in four days, after having it read and edited by everyone in my house. I'm also at a loss of what to do next for my sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project, which has ten pages remaining and is due January 31st.

So, I decided I would work on my assignment for my English class. For this project, I had to select a book from a list and read it, then construct a presentation in which I must provide a sort of "teaser" for the story, as well as some sort of a visual representation of a theme within the story. And, being the procrastinator that I am, I finally finished my book yesterday. I did enjoy the book immensely, though.

Now, I am trying to find a way to visually represent the aimlessness of the Lost Generation in connection with Ernest Hemingway's book, The Sun Also Rises. So far, after talking the assignment through with my mom and watching Midnight In Paris in hopes of sparks for ideas, I've decided it will have something to do with a compass.

And that's all I've got.

Did I mention this project is due the day after tomorrow?

I just realized that my short story's main character has a poor sense of direction and relies on his GPS too much. Compasses also tie  into my sketchbook's theme of "uncharted waters." I think my mind is caught up on something. I hope I'm able to figure out what all this direction and compass business is all about.

So, I turn now to my blog in hopes that it will spark some sort of creative inspiration that will help me get through this project. I'm not sure if this creative block is a result of how much I have to do and how ridiculously productive I need to be in order to complete it all, but it needs to go away, because I need to finish these things.

Maybe on each of the four points of the compass there will be an image of a symbol or event that occurs within the story. Hmmm. Paris. Bulls. Alcohol. Fishing. Spain.

The ideas are starting to flow now. Well they're more kind of slugging along, but they're starting to emerge. I'm hopeful this will continue.

I'm off now to try and utilize these ideas and create something.