Writer's Block

Gayatri has participated in a creative story writing online contest on Internshala.com. Internshala had kept an online training programme which participants had to complete before they could submit their stories. Gayatri found the course too mundane and basic but she had no choice but to complete it. But I guess, she got a bit tired of waiting endlessly for the boring e-lectures to end. To add to her plight she was also doing the himtrek (Delhi) internship till the 20th and is also actively involved in the DIFS (Department of Interreligious Faith Studies – I am not sure if I have got the acronym right!).

To put a long story short, Gayatri was finding it difficult to write a story based on the four prompts provided by internshala. She chose one prompt in which they have shown a young girl, alone, probably facing a lake, maybe forlorn. Gayatri had the outline of the story ready but was unable to put it in words. She was dejected because of this and was on the verge of discontinuing her efforts.

Vidula and I discouraged her from taking the easy path. It is very easy to lose track of the process if we have our sights only on the results/goals. I told her that she should not get burdened by the prize money (ranging from 35,000 - 10,000). These are large sums, no doubt. And we would feel happy if Gayatri gets one prize. But the tension arising from this aspiration is not worth it. Gayatri spoke with Farishta who too advised her not to terminate her ruminations and keep writing. 

Perhaps Gayatri was putting herself under a lot of scrutiny. This tendency has to be avoided at all costs. We keep reminding her that she is still a novice as far as writing is concerned, or for that matter in any other sphere of life. One should never be judgmental of one's efforts. Critical analysis of our work is required, but not before you begin it! A person should be open to constructive criticism and be able to carry our changes accordingly.

This Writer's Block is nothing but pressure piling on your brain. A little bit of sleep, a cheerful conversation with a friend or a short walk in the park is the only remedy one needs to rectify this 'malady'. I sincerely hope she is able to finish and submit the story on time. I do not expect this for any personal or reflected glory. The only reason is that I do not want her to develop a habit of leaving things unfinished. There are occasions in life when we are plain bored or disinterested or disillusioned but things need to be done. Many young men and women are unable to attain glory or fulfill their potential because of wrong or improper work ethic. Leaving things unfinished simply because you are bored is one of them. Dr. Thatte had advised me once that it is always beneficial to finish the most boring or tedious task first so that we have time on our hands to undertake activities from which we derive pleasure.