Wiseacres West Blog

Why can't I finish my play? It's never been an issue until this current play. I've never been prolific, but since I started finishing plays, I've never had nothing.

Of course, non-writers are chock full of advice. To them, I say, Offer no advice, unless asked. And writers who've never been blocked, please don't tell me what you do.

I'm full of oh, that won't work advice for myself. But one idea just occurred to me. People are always saying write it out in one way or another. Of course, when you are blocked, it's like telling a depressed person to exercise to make them feel better. Ain't happening. However, since I've been doing this silly blog thing, telling stories for myself and my five readers, I've been writing- just not playwrighting. So, here's my thought… Use this blog to write it out. just not as a play.

I've been thinking a lot about writing and addiction lately. So much has been written on the subject, I should probably read some of it. But I'll probably watch TV instead.

I quit Facebook because I was spending too much time there. I know to most of you it sounds like the most pathetic addition, but I've given up almost everything else. All that remains is coffee, TV, cheese, and the computer. Not necessarily in that order.

Reflecting on 2010 as one does at the beginning of a new year, I realized how I hadn't written anything except maybe two scenes in a play I'd been diddling with for two years. And to write those two scenes, I'd had to retreat to Northern Wisconsin for several days specifically to write. My retreats are usually where I start or finish something. This time, I sat. No substantial writing. Then I thought again. Oh no, Murphy, you've written way more than two scenes. Think of all the status updates and witty comments to other people's status updates. Think of the time and energy spent on pithy little nothings.