Scribbling & Scrabble

I sometimes feel as though writing is like a jumbled pile of Scrabble tiles. I mean, the CONCEPT, is bouncing ’round inside the noggin’. Oh yes, I’ve fingered the five w’s; trapped them in my spotlight as they climbed out of the second-floor window at three am.  BUT, actually putting them into words is a nitpicky process of sifting through those tiles, plucking the ripe ones and discarding the rest. Now, repeat that dozens of times.

Please don’t get me wrong, I really do enjoy the challenge and there’s no plans to pack up my carpet bag and move on to selling cleaning products.

However, I’d be guilty of hoodwinking, or at least attempted deception, if I denied that there are times when scooping up those tiles and tossing them into the trash would be considered a viable option for getting a Klondike Bar. 😊

Now put away those Kleenex’s (not an endorsement of any kind, if you prefer Puffs, or some other brand, that’s okay, I guess). This isn’t a woe is me tale. Okay, maybe take just one final blow into that velvety soft tissue and be done with it. This gets better, because the truth is, no matter how much you enjoy something, these moments come.

The best part is when they go away, far, far, yep, keep on walkin’ self-doubt, oops, mind the cliff! That quiet confidence sets in. Those stubborn tiles are eventually wrestled into place, yes, they are nice and snug in their new role as tellers of a tale! Characters birth from them, like images born from the one’s and zero’s of binary code. They rely on us to truck on and finish their story.

If you’re staring at this screen, yes you, right at this moment, and feel like swatting that ‘Delete’ button to send your work to the void of, ‘forever gone.’ DON’T! Sorry, got a wee bit dramatic there.

Ahem. I plead with you to reconsider. The journey is a reward in and of itself. Give yourself TIME. Be gentle and patient with yourself, and others.

Have a blessed day!

(Oh, and maybe eat dark chocolate instead of that ice cream bar . . . much better for you)

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markbierman

Born and raised on a farm near Brockville, Ontario, Mark Bierman's childhood consisted of chores, riding horses, snowmobile races across open fields, fishing trips to a local lake, and many other outdoor adventures. He was also an avid reader of both fiction and non. Transitioning towards adulthood also meant moving from the farm and into large urban areas that introduced this country boy to life in the big cities. After a short stint as a private investigator, he moved into the role of Correctional Officer, working at both Millhaven Institution and Kingston Penitentiary, until it closed.

38 thoughts on “Scribbling & Scrabble”

  9. I like scribbling, Mark. Scrabble is my absolutely favorite game. In fact, I feel relaxed and scribble whatever comes to my mind in my journal or notebook, knowing it’s only for me. Then I crossed out words, add another sentence or a paragraph on the next page and draw an arrow pointing back to the previous page. Only when I feel the shape is somewhat formed did I type it on the computer. Great post.

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    1. I like that process, Miriam. What I find works for me is just typing whatever comes to mind, no matter how ridiculous it seems at the time, and then picking out what works. Out of the mess usually comes a direction.

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      1. I’m good it works for you, Mark. I do that sometimes. Typing it is faster. I spend time in my garden so it’s easier to take a journal and a pen than the laptop. I dropped and broke a laptop once so I’m cautious.

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  13. Haha Mark. Keep on plugging away. You’ll get there.
    Love your words in pictures!
    — Mom

    Sent from my iPad

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  18. I think we all have this moment, and chocolate is a good little helper. I have to just walk away and come back with fresh eyes. I have one short story where an ending elludes me, so I think I will put it aside for a while till those word tiles line up for me. Good post, Mark 🙂

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    1. Yes, I agree, Denise. I also tend to take breaks when I hit the wall. Like our bodies, sometimes our minds just get tired and need a rest. Thanks for dropping by. Have a great weekend.

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