Writer Unblocked
Writer's block is a condition, primarily associated with writing as a profession, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work. It can be temporary. At the other extreme, some "blocked" writers have been unable to work for years on end, and some have even abandoned their careers. It can manifest as the affected writer viewing their work as inferior or unsuitable, when in fact it could be the opposite. The condition was first described in 1947 by psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler.[1]
That being said, I have never had one in my many years of writing. Then again, I've never had a single contraction through pregnancy either so I may just be a rare breed of indifference.
I have had monster hurdles though. Those huge mountains of 'How do I freakin' write this shit???' episodes.
But I don't let them stand in my way for long. Must be an ego thing, but it will take more than a heap of negativity to tell me that I'm not doing great work.
That --and the fact that I can't do anything else. I cannot stop writing to pursue a new career in baking, or traveling, or painting. Honestly, I can't whip up a cookie to save my life. All I know is writing. It's a first and only love I would kill to keep.
If you're just as passionate --and as single-celled-- as I am, here's a block-killing tip: When you're stumped, find the source of your stumpery. If it's as trivial as a messed-up brief or a personal problem that's seeping into your professional performance, simply slap yourself and move on.
If it's as catastrophic as a crippling lack of inspiration or a continuing dissatisfaction toward your output, take a break. Watch TV, drink beer, drive around (not necessarily in that order), lose yourself. You might even snag inspiration along the way.
When you've found your mojo back online, confront the block and nuke it by splitting its freakin' head in two! Catch your breath. Then write your way onward to that beautiful sunset in the horizon.
Well, that's what I do.
It's beat or be beaten. Because it just can't be the quick-bake oven.
That being said, I have never had one in my many years of writing. Then again, I've never had a single contraction through pregnancy either so I may just be a rare breed of indifference.
I have had monster hurdles though. Those huge mountains of 'How do I freakin' write this shit???' episodes.
 |
| See the block. |
 |
| Face the block. |
 |
| Kill the block. |
That --and the fact that I can't do anything else. I cannot stop writing to pursue a new career in baking, or traveling, or painting. Honestly, I can't whip up a cookie to save my life. All I know is writing. It's a first and only love I would kill to keep.
If you're just as passionate --and as single-celled-- as I am, here's a block-killing tip: When you're stumped, find the source of your stumpery. If it's as trivial as a messed-up brief or a personal problem that's seeping into your professional performance, simply slap yourself and move on.
If it's as catastrophic as a crippling lack of inspiration or a continuing dissatisfaction toward your output, take a break. Watch TV, drink beer, drive around (not necessarily in that order), lose yourself. You might even snag inspiration along the way.
When you've found your mojo back online, confront the block and nuke it by splitting its freakin' head in two! Catch your breath. Then write your way onward to that beautiful sunset in the horizon.
Well, that's what I do.
It's beat or be beaten. Because it just can't be the quick-bake oven.
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