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Home » Poems & Poetry » Blogs » How do you get out of a slump?

How do you get out of a slump? - Agnes Krampe's Blog

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How do you get out of a slump?

Blog Posted:7/15/2018 7:01:00 PM

I can't be the only one who gets these periodic spells when I can't write. It's not really that the muse  is AWOL; it's mostly that I don't have the discipline to sit and put pencil to paper, because I am so distracted that my mind cannot focus one writing. And then I also don't feel like reading poetry, neglect keeping up with soup, don't comment - and then it seems like a mountain has piled up and I'm in this deep hole I cannot dig out.

So, what are YOUR strategies when the slump hits? I found that when it's just about not having ideas, I can get over it by choosing to write something light and funny, without pressure to make it meaningful and deep, a little rhyming ditty that brings a smile to my face. Sometimes a contest prompt captures my attention and I can write. But sometimes there is nothing but wait it out, especially when I cannot get out in nature.

Let me hear your suggestions.



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Cornish Avatar
Craig
Cornish
Date: 7/19/2018 2:18:00 PM
Simple, don't think nor worry about it, it is accidental or spontaneous inspirations that create rainbows.
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Turner Avatar
Daniel
Turner
Date: 7/18/2018 11:30:00 PM
Hello Agnes. I have this problem a lot. I usually just ride it out. You will be punished by people not reading yours when you do write but it will come back on it's own. Worrying about it seems to make it worse. Sometimes I watch educational TV and see something that sparks my interest or a wildlife show or you can make up your own rhyme scheme, work a crossword puzzle. Sometimes a word or a clue will give a spark.
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Man Avatar
Lyric
Man
Date: 7/18/2018 9:33:00 AM
Poetry has to be for you first & foremost sweet Agnes. Listen to your inner voice. Don't focus on writing a poem. Focus on an idea or concept that keeps coming to mind. Have a pad or phone with notes app to write down impressions. You have lots of feelings about it not coming, no desire to read poems, it piling up.. hundreds of poets here can relate to that. That would make an incredible write. End it with a stanza to forgive yourself of such false pressure and begin anew. We live in the now, every day is a clean slate. We don't focus on yesterday's defeats or victories. I believe in you. I see what and how you write. If you're in a fog just give me three lines of that angst. Find the words!
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Gauthier Avatar
Line
Gauthier
Date: 7/17/2018 5:36:00 AM
Hi Agnes, I think that looking through the poetry forms might help your muse latch on to something interesting that you may or may not have never tried before. Google for inspirational words or themes, check out pinterest for awe inspiring photos. Best of luck, Agnes.I love your style so I hope your muse is stimulated soon.
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Ajmal Avatar
Faraz
Ajmal
Date: 7/16/2018 9:04:00 AM
Yeah you are right and I can totally relate with you, there are times when i can write as many poems as I like but some when not even a single idea cross my mind, even if there is an idea, I can't put it in a poetic way, and on other days, those same ideas turns out into beautiful poetry, I often wait for a contest in order to get an idea of what should I write, but I still like to comment, it is because of reading so much poems that my poetry has improved a little
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Stebbings Avatar
Barry
Stebbings
Date: 7/16/2018 7:32:00 AM
I am just recovering from one of these, Agnes. I think the worst thing you can do is fight it. I find a coffee shop is the best place to be. It must be the caffeine. Hope you muse returns soon. // Barry
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Krampe Avatar
Agnes Krampe
Date: 7/16/2018 9:18:00 AM
Thanks, Barry. I've toyed with the idea to go to a coffee shop to write. Not that we have a wide choice in our little town. maybe I'll give it a try.
Boreham Avatar
Paris-Maree
Boreham
Date: 7/16/2018 2:11:00 AM
Hello Agnes Krampe ! I'm an 'all round artist', have been bouncing around the arts all my life and often recommend to others-'get into art' so with that my suggestion is to dabble into other art genres. Reading you also are a photographer- it may help to focus on this, step away from writing when not flowing or/and to even pick up a new art, for me this works in any field I'm focusing on when having problems then suddenly BOOM out of no-where 'bounce back', and usually better :)
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Krampe Avatar
Agnes Krampe
Date: 7/16/2018 9:16:00 AM
Good suggestion - I find that spending some time on music or just doodling loosens me up. The problem is that I often can't muster the energy to do these things either :(
Parker Avatar
Frederic
Parker
Date: 7/15/2018 8:10:00 PM
I use many methods but one I use when I really want to write but can't I'll go back over older poems and re-write them, sometimes taking a free verse and try to make a rhyme or take a rhyme and make a free verse, I have one posted now where for an exercise I took 3 separate poems and melded them into one...good luck, hope this helped
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Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 7/17/2018 11:42:00 AM
8-)
Krampe Avatar
Agnes Krampe
Date: 7/15/2018 8:10:00 PM
Thanks, Frederic, that is an interesting approach. I might try that.

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