Have you ever found yourself at the edge of creativity, teetering on the brink of inspiration, only to discover that the words you need are just out of reach? As writers, we all know this struggle: the frustrating sensation of waiting for the words to come. It feels as though they’re hovering just beyond, and we just need to reach out to find them!
This week’s dVerse prompt both inspired and stumped me, found me wordless, at a loss on
How to Find Words?
The Edge of Creativity, or…
The Ledge of Language
I waited, for something less hackneyed,
At the edge of the world, or so it seemed.
For sure, I was at my limit’s end—
Why did I think my end was limitless, my friend?
Alice-like, I tumbled into rabbit holes,
Chasing slipping words like sand through my soles.
Glancing at my watch, I whispered in dismay,
“Oh dear, oh dear, I’ll be late today…
If the words don’t come,
If the right ones don’t arrive,
All those ifs and buts and whys.”
Tripped over tangled thoughts
I swore I’d never trip over again
Forgetting I promised
Not to tumble into rabbit holes as well.
And as I sat, toes curling on the ledge,
Waiting for a deus ex machina
To descend like a hero in a wordless arena.
A thought rushed in – just do it!
What if all they* wanted was simply for me to laugh and leap?
What if the edge is where the words wait, to be woken from their sleep?
Perhaps over that precipice,
Lies a place you might call something else—
A horizon, a haven, a paradise.
You see, maybe the words are there,
The words are there, laughing over the edge,
Waiting for me to stop chasing rabbits
And join them for tea, to stop being led.
~ Vidya Tiru @ LadyInReadWrites.com
How to Find Words and Navigate Creative Ledges
Using this poem as one of the many struggles of finding words, of writer’s blocks, here are some steps I think helped me, and will help you step navigate your own creative ledge.
1. Allow Yourself to Wander… Briefly
The “Alice-like” rabbit holes we tumble into can be sources of inspiration if approached mindfully. Allow yourself a set amount of time to explore ideas, tangents, or even distractions, but set boundaries to avoid getting lost.
- Tip: Use a timer. Spend 15 minutes journaling or freewriting whatever comes to mind, then refocus on your main project.
- My Aside: Okay, this is where I need to remind myself to practice what I preach (for I do say this to my kids often but keep going into a myriad thought-trails as often!)
2. Embrace the Waiting
Creativity often requires patience. Sitting on the proverbial ledge may feel like stagnation, but it’s often a vital part of the process. Let yourself sit with the discomfort.
- Tip: Practice mindfulness exercises. Focus on your breathing or surroundings to calm the frustration and make space for inspiration.
- My Aside: I have patience down to a T, almost!!
3. Write Imperfectly
One of the greatest barriers to creativity is the fear of imperfection. Waiting for the “right” words can paralyze you. Instead, let the wrong words spill out—they’ll lead you to the right ones eventually.
- Tip: Commit to writing a “terrible first draft.” Remind yourself that editing is where the magic happens.
- My Aside: I go between posting those terrible drafts and spending tons of time to get to that perfect post myself so I need to find a balance for myself.
4. Step Beyond the Edge
Taking a leap of faith in your writing—whether it’s starting a daunting project or sharing your work with others—is often the key to finding your words.
- Tip: Set small, achievable goals. For example, write one paragraph or share your work with a trusted friend.
- My Aside: I am working on this each day. My family and a couple of close friends are my first audience.
In Summary
The edge of creativity can be daunting, but it’s also a space full of potential. Whether you’re sitting on the ledge or leaping into the unknown, trust that the words are waiting for you—sometimes you just have to build the bridge to reach them. Keep writing, keep waiting, and, most importantly, keep believing in the process, like I do everyday!
Related Reads and More
- 5 Nifty Ways You Can Easily Improve Your Writing
- 51 Great Poetry Ideas to Inspire and to Ignite Imaginations
- How to Say: I’m Still Writing and Getting Better
- Words and Games that Challenge You and Books + More
- Writer’s Block??? Overcome (literally)
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, hope you enjoyed this read and found something useful/fun within. What are your tips to get over writer’s block? Do you use any of these mentioned? Do let me know
What a delightful read, following the persona’s lead into rabbit holes to return to the edge (that dizzying margin) and finally take the leap in the exuberance of this poem! Loved too how you used imagery and allusion to achieve your (self)instructive purpose.
There are so many rabbitholes to avoid of follow.
I love the pictures in the post and the little girl was so pretty. Thank you for sharing them with us.
I enjoyed reading this poem. It describes me on days that I don’t know what to write.
Vidya, this is so delightful! We all have such days when we want to write but words play hide and seek with us.
I do struggle with finding things to write about, words, and articulating things. I can certainly relate to this, and I enjoyed your poem.
The phrase “ledge of language” is so evocative! It’s a comforting reminder that even when words feel out of reach, the act of waiting and trying is part of the art itself.