Three-and-a-half minutes ago, I felt like writing something. Now, three-and-a-half minutes later, I can't remember what it was that I wanted to write about.
This isn't writer's block, mind you. I don't believe in writer's block. Saying that you can't think of anything to write is like saying that you're completely unable to observe everything that's happening around you and strain it all into a good story. Being able to think of a compelling topics and then completely forget them a few minutes before you even commit a single word to paper, however, is something else entirely.
I used to write this off as an unfortunate fact of life -- a normal event in the life cycle of an idea. I mean, if you somehow manage to forget something, then it's not necessarily your fault. Maybe the idea was simply not interesting enough to stick to your head. And if it's not interesting enough to stick to your head, what more can it possibly do when it gets placed in front of a reading audience?
Now I feel like a man who thinks he's lost his eyeglasses when they're actually perched on his head: Old, absent-minded, and possibly getting more decrepit with each day. Ironically, my usual cure for this condition involves writing... and I can't write if I keep forgetting what things I'm supposed to write about. It's one of those cyclus viciosa-thingamajiggies... whatever you call it.
Again, this is not writer's block. I'm perfectly capable of thinking up a bunch of interesting plots... it's remembering them that's the problem.
It could be that I simply have a whole bunch of stuff on my mind right now. When this happens, it becomes difficult for the new ideas to come in -- all the other thoughts in my head probably get together for a consensus meeting, and then promptly kick the interloper out. Again, it's possible that an idea just needs to be impressive enough in order to mix with the crowd.
It's almost like an exclusive club that way. And it would certainly explain my headaches, too.
Who knows, really? Maybe that one good idea that I'm waiting for is going to come along any second now. Hopefully I won't forget it like all the others that have blown away like leaves on a strong breeze.
6 comments:
Happens to me all the time. =)
That's why sometimes I jot it down at some place like Notepad.exe or something even if I'm going to start writing it in a minute or two. Doesn't have to be a synopsis, just keywords. Or save it on my mobile phone.
Hey Sean how's it going! I've referred you to one of my clients. He is trying to create a team of freelance writers in the PH if you're up for it. Take care!
Early onset senile dementia.
Charles: The last time I tried that, I ended up with a single phrase saved among my cellphone's draft messages: "Eight Drunken Spirits of Buddha's Righteous Fist!"
To this day, I have no idea what it means, much less if I was lucid at the time.
Dennison: I got your e-mail, and I'll contact you soon. Further information on what the job's about would be pretty good, though...
Dominique: At least it's better than premature baldness. :)
Ah, yes, but you lose your hair early nonetheless with all the head-scratching. Beware, my friend, be-eeeeeeeewa-aaaaaaare!
Dominique: It doesn't look like it... although at 28, I already do have quite a few white hairs...
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