Writer's Block

[InbetweenDreams]

A few years ago I had the idea of writing a book. One of those out of left field ideas that I felt would go the way of the dodo, but would certainly be a very rewarding one if I could follow through. Well, it hasn't happened yet. I used to be able to write more freely when I was growing up, but now I find it difficult to do anything that is fiction. Obviously, I can write, but seems the idea of coming up with a story just flops. I have read about how to make outlines and so on but I feel like the problem is in the brainstorming of a story. But, I also don't read much fiction, I don't read books for leisure. Doesn't mean I don't read a lot of stuff, just not like I should perhaps. I do recall reading about how reading books will probably make you a better writer, but I don't know if that is a death sentence for someone who wants to write a book.

Same goes with poetry, probably some 15-20 years ago I could write poems. Granted they were structured properly, or at least how we were taught in school, I simply wrote what I wanted, whether it rhymed or had the correct number of syllables didn't really matter that much. Now I find myself obsessed of trying to fit my thoughts into the structure and I feel that having forced something into some structure, like rhyming something, correct number of syllables and so forth robs the meaning. Perhaps I'm just not that crafty with words.

Its as if something that I once had has died, either lack of self-confidence or perhaps my imagination died, perhaps dealing with the real world has sucked the inspiration out of me? Probably a combination of those....Although I can think of all sorts of things I would like to paint (but can't ever find the time it seems).

I don't know if I am getting across what it is that I am struggling with?

Anyway, probably just another thread where I bitch about things...likewise anyone else having issues with writer's block can hijack the thread lol since it was mentioned in another thread.