Musings of a Part-Time Platypus

Writing about writer's block seems ironic. And it really is.  But I'm thinking maybe if I write a little bit about it, it will help me get over it. I'm not exactly in a slump right now, but I anticipate one coming. Usually writer's block is a sudden thunderstorm that shoots out at you when you least expect it, but I have a feeling I'm making my way toward some gray clouds right now.  I sincerely hope this will be a guide for myself and for all you writers to look back on when you're stuck. (Though I can't guarantee they'll all work, they are worth a shot, and can help you get a better sense of where you are.) Note: these are mostly for stories of the short and long variety. What is Writer's Block? Simply put, writer's block is an inability to write new or creative material. It's when a writer's brain shuts down. It's when you want your plot to move forward, but it won't. Or when you know something is missing from your poem, but al...

I haven't seen my family from across the country in ages. But the other day, I found myself on a Zoom video call with them. But the fact of the matter is that I haven't seen anyone in ages. And I'm not sure how to feel about that. I find that I am happier this way. I have no social obligations. I have far more quiet time. When I focus, I see a drastic increase in my productivity. But I also know that I am less connected. I've noticed the adults around me having virtual school reunions. I call my family more frequently than I did before. Friends that I have not spoken to in months text me. This is a phenomenon. Does separation truly help us love? Does it help us connect? I am not surprised when people I used to speak to on a daily basis communicate with me. I am amazed when people I rarely see reach out. All of a sudden, we crave human contact. We long to speak to someone. We hang on to every precious moment with others. And we are, more than ever, fully realizing the ca...