Writer's block

Last week, I suffered writer's block.

I mean, not exactly. Writer's block is where you sit down and can't write anything.

I couldn't even do the first step.

A bit of context here. We are in the middle of another Casefile Presents podcast, a 10-episode true crime series.

After reading the scripts and listening to the rough cuts, I usually know what I want to do with the project and how I want it to sound. 

This time (it happens sometimes) - nothing, nada.

So instead of just sitting down and doing the first temp score, for the whole week I was looking for something, anything else I could do instead. Fortunately, there is always lots to do.

Why the block?

The body of work and evidence show that I know how to do this; I have done it before and with decent results.

It was fear. Fear that maybe I lost it, that I wont be able to do it again, that everyone will see and judge me.

It's irrational, I know it - I usually put it aside and just get on with it. But this week, I couldn't do it. 

The fear of taking the first step, starting out, and leaping forward can be paralysing even people like me who don't usually let it stop them.

So what next?

Well, I spent some time pitying myself but also had a few exciting ideas I want to try.

New day, new week, new opportunity to start fresh.

Also - advice for any other creatives. 

Whenever I feel a block like that, I remember Brandon Sanderson, a famous and prolific fantasy writer. He says that when he writes, he works as an accountant. He sits down and does the work; usually, something good comes out of it.

We can't wait for a muse, not in today's busy world.

YOUTUBE

I released a very simple video comparing the characters of Avatar: The Last Airbender and offering my opinion on the Netflix adaptation.

LEARNING

I submitted the last assignment two months before the deadline. I am that good.

But, in all honesty, it was a shorter one, so I did it quickly. This means I had lots of time before my final project unlocked (I can’t just access the files). So I spoke to support, and they agreed to move the final project early for me. I started it this Monday. I have 11 weeks to complete it, and that’s it! The course will be over (I’m over it already).

BOOKS

Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel. This month’s book club read, which I only started at now. The author, who is a couples therapist, looks at intimacy and sex in long-term relationships (marriage, etc.) and whether it’s possible to keep the desire and excitement going. It seems like it’s going to be a good read, but I also look forward to the conversation at the next meet-up. I’m sure it won’t be awkward.

The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama. I hadn’t had much to read this lengthy history book. It’s good but very dense, so I took a break to read the other one.

I did finish the chapters on China and started on the political evolution of India.

FUN

On Tuesday, we went to see rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. It’s a classic by Andrew Lloyd Weber, but I’ve never seen it - live or the movie. The performance was very intense, with an amazing set and dancing. Really good.

Halo. We’ve been watching the Halo TV series based on video games. Season 1 was okay but I got hooked with the second season which concludes this week. I played the early Halo games so it was awesome to see the world design, the weapons, the characters. Even though the story is completely new.

Damsel. We watched this fantasy movie on Netflix last week. It’s a different take on the old story of a damsel in distress (and a dragon). It was okay; it could have been better, but I didn’t mind it. I was impressed by Millie Bobby Brown, who pretty much carries the whole film by herself.

The Talented Mr. Ripley. There is an upcoming series on Netflix, based on the old thriller books. However, Paulina did not see the classic 1999 movie with Matt Damon and Jude Law!

So we put that on. I forgot most of the film, so it was a nice refresher 

(films looked so different back then!).

That's it for now. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you (hopefully!) next week!

Mike

https://mikemigas.com/

Some of the links in the newsletter could be affiliate links.