Hey everyone! Recently I've been struggling a bit with my writing process. Any time I try to write or revise something, it's as if any word I've ever known goes straight out of my head. Getting frustrated, I started thinking about a time when I really enjoyed writing. When I was getting my illustration degree, I took a lot of writing classes. I thought this would be useful as an aspiring picture book writer and illustrator. I really loved writing, and most of the classes I took were either creative nonfiction (memoir) or poetry.
Thinking about this, I came up with several ideas.
1. I should write poems again
2. I should approach writing my picture book manuscripts like I approached writing poetry
3. I should illustrate some of my old and new poems and share them with people
Sharing my poems is a little bit terrifying. I don't often share my writing with people. Going to art school, you quickly have to get used to showing your art to people. Is it still scary? Yes, but it's easier for me than sharing my writing.
This is my challenge for myself. Starting now, I would like to share one illustrated poem a week on this blog. It could be an old poem or a new poem. The idea is to start enjoying writing again. Let's see how it goes!
Which brings me to this week's poem. I wrote this in 2012, after Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey.
The day after Halloween is a holy day in the Catholic Church. Despite poorly lit roads with trees across them, my parents went to a vigil mass on halloween and I went with them. This poem is about that experience. I did the illustration this week.
I'd love to hear your thoughts! What do you do to get out of a creative rut?