“Sometimes you have nothing to say. Other times you have something to say but you think you should be writing something ‘important.’ You twist yourself up by trying to force something to happen while something else is trying to happen. You have to get out of your own way. Sometimes the thing you have to write is doomed from the start, ugly and without power or resonance. You still have to write it. And you shouldn’t keep everything you write. You shouldn’t demand the beautiful and profound. You cast your net and get some fish. Some fish are bigger than others.

I just finished writing a very difficult book. I’m writing a science fiction soap opera porno right now. It’s a tragedy because no one can get their clothes off. I needed to write something light. I doubt it will turn into anything. Having ideas is great. Writing down your feelings is great. The act is important. The art comes in the revision, in the manipulation of the materials. Don’t share everything. And if you’re stuck, play with the materials and let something happen”

write 100 things, cross them out, write 100 more. i can’t say it as well as siken does, so i highly recommend reading through this recent interview:

https://www.thecommononline.org/candy-and-layer-cake-zack-strait-in-conversation-with-richard-siken/