If You Have Writer's Block, Consume Art
Little Thing To Inspire You #14
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“Read, read, read, and when you can’t read anymore, write.”
— James Baldwin
Since posting my Yearly Roundup, I’ve been asked how I read and watch so much. (I don’t know how many films I saw in 2022 since I didn’t have Letterboxd yet, but I did read 73 books.)
I consider consuming as important as creating. Consuming helps us recognize what we love, and what to aspire to. It refines our taste, teaches us immeasurably, and inspires us. It builds our imagination. Sometimes watching movies or series feels like a chore — but if you want to write movies or series, it is work. And you must.
Here’s another truth: I only read about 6 books in 2021. In 2022, I read so much to overcome my writer’s block.
For a long time, creation did not arrive with ease. Inner conflict abounded. So instead, I replaced wasted days of staring at my screen in frustration with consuming something I could learn from. In order to re-spark my creative imagination, I needed to spend more time living in worlds other than my own. It worked, as I believe it always does.
Creative slumps are the time for consumption. When you are unable to write, I invite you to take in everything you can. Feed yourself the artistic nutrition you need to grow. Consume, consume, consume as if your life depends on it. In certain ways, it might. Find films in your area that offer Q&As with writers, and panels with filmmakers, or if that’s not an option, read or watch interviews with them online.
If you’re staring at the page, wondering if your story is finished, or if it needs just one more revision, put down your project. Maybe put it down for a full week, and go read great scripts. Go watch great movies. Maybe even read a novel. Come back to your writing a week later, and you will know the answer.
Want practical advice for reading more? To get to 73, I integrated reading into my morning and nightly routine. It became a habit and a passion. I cut back on scrolling on my phone or computer by about 90%. I also listened to audiobooks all the time. Cooking? Audiobook. Walking my dog? Audiobook. Reading became so addicting that I have a 2023 goal to read less.
I read on every flight (and due to hosting retreats and visiting my family across the country, there were a lot). Add in a week in COVID quarantine, and two cross-country road trips (audiobook prime time), and my list added up.
Schedule time that is exclusively yours to read or watch films. Treat it with the same importance as the time you schedule for writing.
For me, starting a Goodreads & Letterboxd was so helpful! You become part of a community of people who are always taking in art, you get constant recommendations, and adding to your list becomes a fun hobby.
If you start prioritizing consumption, considering it as necessary creative work, you’ll be surprised by how much time suddenly appears to you.
*NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO PANIC by Kevin Wilson was my first novel of the year, and it’s absolutely lovely. Weird, charming, poignant, and fun. Wilson is a delightful writer. Between this and his previous book, Nothing To See Here, I’ll pick up anything he publishes from now on.
*WOMEN TALKING (in theaters) is flying under the radar, but it is truly incredible. Devastating, yet still inspiring. Every performance stuns, but Jesse Buckley in particular is a phenomenon. This script will win Best Adapted Screenplay or nothing is right in the world!!
*THE LYING LIFE OF ADULTS (Netflix), is the latest gorgeously executed Elena Ferrante series. My only criticism is how frequently the protagonist takes off her shirt. Why, male director, why? Otherwise, it’s everything I love about Ferrante: Extremely nuanced, brutal honesty about life as a woman, alienated outcast characters, and a mesmorizing exploration of female obsession. The cherry on top: It was filmed in Italy, of course.
*LASTLY, I RECOMMEND FORGIVING YOURSELF for starting the year in any way that wasn’t perfect.
I showed up 5 minutes late to my January 1st hot Yoga class after I couldn’t find parking, and was told I couldn’t enter. Did I crumble in the humiliation of starting 2023 in such a blatantly negative way? A bit. Did I go home, ride my bike instead, and show up on time to my Yoga class the next morning? Yep. Forgive yourself, and keep going.
We are easing into 2023. We’re not rushing, we’re not stressing, we’re not buying into the myth of sudden transformation, and we’re not punishing ourselves for falling short of impossible goals.
For the astrologically inclined: This year is beginning with the moon in Cancer, and Mercury in retrograde — the universe is begging you to turn inwards and listen, not run to action. This is the time to set your boundaries, feel the depth of your emotions, and offer yourself compassion.
Sha’Carri Richardson On Black Womanhood, Radical Self-Love, and Running Her Own Race
A Guide to Doing Nothing for People Who Are Really Bad at It
Glennon Doyle on Her Little-Known First Book and the Habit That ‘Saves’ Her Every Day
Julia Cho, who co-wrote the Pixar movie Turning Red, reflects on how lingering melancholy has colored her life and work
A bright green comet may be visible with the naked eye starting later this month!
Yesterday, I held my first virtual writing & Yoga retreat, and it was magical.
We started the day with meditation, Yoga, and guided introspective writing, before moving into more concrete writing workshops. Because I always keep classes small, everybody got lots of one-on-one time to discuss their projects.
Take it from Kristen:
“Ali’s virtual retreat was such a great start to my year! The visualizations and intention-setting were so grounding, and the brainstorming exercises helped me get started on new ideas after a long lull in my writing. I highly recommend it!”
Thank you, Kristen! I’ll share more testimonials as they come in, as well.
I’d love to hear from you as I plan more workshops:
In 2023, the below content in the roundups will be paywalled. I did so much free work in 2022 that it left me feeling burned out and devalued. This year I need stronger boundaries with myself and my work. If you’re not interested, that’s totally cool too! Although yes, you will be missing out on a lot of this newsletter’s benefits.
The main script issue my students struggle with is creating an active protagonist who drives the story. It’s one of the most basic elements of storytelling — most of us know this in theory — but the majority of writers struggle to put it into practice.