Writer’s block is said to be an annoyance for a great many writers. It is described as being the slowing or stopping of creative output, which can last for days, weeks, and in some cases months or years. Writing greats such as Leo Tolstoy, Virgina Wolf, and F. Scott Fitzgerald are among the victims said to have been afflicted by the condition. However, here’s the thing — writer’s block is not real!
Writer’s block is a myth, a myth perpetuated by popular culture. We’re all familiar with the romanticized idea of the “struggling writer.” You know, the writer that suffers for his or her art, living in a sqallor, creatively constipated and hunched over a typewriter in a garrett somewhere, smoking and drinking.
Being creative doesn’t come easy. It’s tough to stare at a blank page, or at the blinking cursor on your word processor, and to will yourself to write. But novels don’t write themselves and you can’t edit a blank page. The resistance you feel when you sit down to write is natural. This is the default or neutral state (the jumping off point) that we all work from. Overcoming this is part of the process.
Writers block, or giving in and allowing yourself to be blocked, is harmful self-indulgence. No you’re best not to acknowledge it, or give it a name. Giving it a fanciful name gives the thing substance. It is less of a ‘Block’ and more of a ‘Hurdle.’ A hurdle to be overcome.
It can be a daunting thing to sit down in front of a blank page and try and create something from nothing. This is just part of the creative process.
Here’s some ways to combat it:
1. Don’t acknowledge it: It is not a thing, just part of the natural process of writing. It is less of a ‘Block’ and more of a ‘Hurdle.’ A hurdle to be overcome.
2. Make a start: Start by writing anything! You could even try writing yourself a letter about what you would like to write about e.g. “Dear me, today I am going to write an awesome story yadda yadda yadda.” And you’ll be pleasantly surprised, when you start warming up, the letter will mutate into what you intended to write anyway.
3. Don’t be critical: So much of what people think is writer’s block is actually just stage fright: you’re either thinking of that 60,000 – 80,000 word count target you have to hit if you’re going to write your dream novel; or you’re comparing your prose to that of your favourite author’s. It is the writing equivalent of hearing your own voice echo on a telephone call. “Ooo what’s that I’m saying….oh geez my voice sounds weird….is that actually what I’m saying.” Shutup! – and accept that it is just an initial draft and it is going to be shit, no matter what. Leave the polishing, and your critical voice for the re-write.
4. What you call writer’s block could actually be depression: Lots of people suffer from depression at some point in their life. Churchill used to call it his “Black Dog.” And we’re an introverted and introspective lot us writers anyway. If you start to feel depression take hold try putting on some cheery mood altering music; or make a funny face or smile at yourself in the mirror (it really works trust me); or get some exercises, go for a walk or a swim; or speak to a loved one or family member.
5. The path of least resistance: Sometimes if you’ve been working on the same project for a long time it starts to feel like work, so switch to another work in progress before coming back to the first one. Variety is the spice of life after all.
6. Ritual: It is important to train yourself the right way. What I mean by that is, you’ll find that if you sit down at the same place (your desk, or cafe), at the same time, each day (or set time), you will train your mind to think “Okay, it’s that time again, I’m in my writing nook. Time to be creative.” And you’ll be pleasantly surprised that if you keep turning up then your muse will keeping turning up. You need to make an appointment with yourself and your muse. If you get off schedule then there’s a good chance, that when you need her, your muse could still be off at the hairdressers.
