Writer’s Block Is a Load of Malarkey
Who here has claimed writer’s block as a reason for not meeting your deadlines? (Looks at self in mirror. Slowly and shamefully raises hand.)
It usually sounds something like, “My muse refuses to produce quality ideas, and therefore, I can’t write.” There should be a place to file a formal complaint. Like a Yelp for slackass muses.
Something tells me there might be another side to this story. (And about 75% of the stories behind online reviews, but that’s another conversation.)
Defining Writer’s Block
So what’s really going on when we can’t get words onto the page? It could be any number of things, but I can guarantee you this. It is NOT a tiny little imaginary person standing, shoulders squared, refusing to let you make a move. Your muse doesn’t have that much power.
Did you paint yourself into a corner? Possibly. Take a deep breath and work backward. If you’re sitting in a corner waiting for paint to dry, it might be worth taking another look at the plotline that got you there. Instead of turning left, could your character have turned right? Would that light a fire under the story?
Do you have an idea people might not like? So what? If you think it’s good, give it a shot. Don’t let nerves or fear freeze you before you ever take a step. You have to write your story before you can judge it. You’ll probably surprise yourself — and your audience — with unique and fresh ideas. (Pro tip: Nobody wants to read that other guy’s story. It’s already been written.)
Are you lacking energy? Motivation? Creative spark? Do this. Slowly take a deep breath, close the lid of your laptop, lace up your running shoes, and go outside. Go to the park and feed the ducks, watch planes take off at the airport, or take a hike. Give your dog a bath or people watch at the Dollar Store. (Seriously, that last one is GOLDEN. You can pick up conversation tidbits and plot ideas galore just watching interactions at your local discount shopping venue.)
Feeling frustrated? Is your story not going in the direction you want? Or not taking shape at all? There’s a club for that! It’s called ALL THE OTHER WRITERS. We’ve been there. A lot of us might be there right now. Find a writing buddy, a coach, a mentor — someone who will help you cut through the crap and remind you to keep writing…even when you don’t want to.
Block = Excuse
Sorry, it had to be said. I’m as guilty as every other writer for leaning on the whole “I’m blocked” excuse. (To be honest, it sounds like writers could collectively use a strict regimen of Metamucil and a high-fiber diet with all the blockage that’s happening.)
My muse gets a lot of blame. That poor guy has been blamed for everything from a meager lack of inspiration to downright intentional sabotage. But the true culprit? My own internal excuse factory. As humans, we’re pretty good at making excuses in just about every area of our lives, so the whole muse-as-scapegoat thing isn’t too surprising.
Blocks Are Everywhere
They’re not just for writing. How easy is it to say:
- I have dishwasher block. (Translation: I’m not dealing with caked-on pasta sauce right now.)
- Let’s just order a pizza. I have cooking block. (Translation: I’d rather watch TV than go anywhere near a kitchen utensil.)
- Man, wish I could, but I have exercise block. (Translation: The trail is how long? I’ll be taking a nap.)
Feeling lazy? Frustrated, stuck, insecure? You and everyone else. Buck up, Buttercup. It’s time to crack those knuckles and sling some of your brilliance onto the page.
Do you need a day off?
You might. You may be dealing with honest-to-goodness burnt-as-toast burnout, wilted-lettuce energy droop, and a stretched-to-the-max schedule that’s packed with obligations and deadlines. If that’s the case — and if you’re not giving yourself the time you need to creatively rest and regenerate, it’s possible you need a breather!
Caveat: Notice, the operative word is ‘breather.’ Take a few hours, heck, take a day! Get out, see your city, observe some craziness, recharge your story-writing machine. Then, get back to it.
And banish that whole idea of writer’s block from your brain. You’re not blocked. You’re just super-creative about coming up with excuses for…well, not being creative. Stop that.
