Writer’s block

6,000 words.

Six thousand words.

That’s what I have to produce this weekend. I keep putting it off.

First I had to do filing. Pay my bills. Clear my desk.

Next, I decided to install Sibelius, a process that took four CDs and two hours. While that was going on, I sat outside and did a “free write” to warm up.

I wrote the story of Maui EVA – why electric vehicles make sense on Maui — the big picture of why I spent the last two years dedicated to this cause. Just when I got into the rhythm of writing, using a very nice black pen, sipping my Italian espresso coffee outdoors, I heard a click.

Maui EVA project kicks off at the Grand Wailea, November 1, 2011

Sibelius 7 finished installing. I went back online to activate this music notation software. Normally I would start using the software, but I knew I had to write the story.

Instead of plunging into the 6,000 words, I plunged into another writing activity — a four-page reading log (double spaced, font 12) capturing the four main concepts in chapter four of “Interpersonal Conflict,” the textbook of the cross-listed psychology and communications online course I’m taking this semester.

By the time I finished all assignments due next Thursday, it’s nearly time to do my laps in the outdoor public pool nearby. Should I skip it as punishment for killing time and not writing those six thousand words?

No. Swimming gives me clarity of thought. As I already have the entire story in my head, I  just need to type it up and get into it.

I have also finished all other admin and e-mails that could possibly get in the way of my writing. There should be no more distractions except for the reward of attending a free concert tomorrow with my mother.

It’s always like this. I resist and resist. I do everything to get rid of what might get in the way of the flow of writing. And then I plunge into writing, unstoppable but regretting that I didn’t start earlier.

Looking outside, I fidget. The grass needs mowing. I can’t afford to do that now. I shall take a dip. When I return from Sakamoto Pool, I will have no more excuses.