An Honest Definition of Writer’s Block
I don’t believe in Writer’s Block.
At least, not as it’s commonly defined.
Many frame Writer’s Block as a towering monster that thoroughly stomps all motivation to write. But I don’t believe that’s accurate. It takes the responsibility away from the writer and places it on an impersonal, mysterious force.
Escape from responsibility, no matter how alluring, is counterproductive, and I believe a more honest definition, while painful, will serve writers in a way the common conception can’t.
What is Writer’s Block?
I can’t count how many times I’ve run across new (and experienced) writers online who claim they can’t write because their motivation is gone. But what does that really mean? What does it look like?
It’s sitting down to write and being pulled away by daily tasks. It’s skipping a writing session to take a nap when you don’t need one. It’s re-reading what you’ve written and finding yourself in a fog by the time you’ve finished. It’s that little voice that says, “Nobody’s going to like this. It doesn’t make any sense.”
It’s fear.
Of taking the wrong step. (Except in cases of burnout mislabeled as Writer’s Block.)
What remedies Writer’s Block?
Mental Discipline:
Fear slips in quietly, but knowing what it looks like for us personally and learning ways to combat it is a good first step toward stopping it. For me, it’s wandering focus.
There are writing tasks I love, and writing tasks I don’t particularly like. When faced with the latter, I have to have the discipline to say, “This needs doing, and I’m not moving until it’s finished.” I convince myself that when I don’t know where to go I will figure it out. Sometimes, answers don’t come right away, but that’s all right. I choose to believe they will come.
Goals:
When you have something to aim at—something you really want to accomplish—you find a way around inadequacy.
Not all athletes are naturally athletic. That doesn’t stop them. They practice until they can perform. 99.99% of musicians aren’t born knowing how to play instruments. That doesn’t matter. They put in years to better their skills.
The same is true with writing. Some have natural talent, and that’s always a plus, but what about everyone else? Writing is about hard work. It’s about sitting down and doing it. We might not have skill, knowledge, or experience, but given the time and resources, we can get it.
Make one goal. Just one. Something you want to accomplish by the end of the year, or month, or week. Whatever works for you. Keep that goal where you can see it, and take steps to accomplish it.
No Excuses:
Do things happen? Yes. But far less frequently than we believe. Many excuses for not writing can be summarized in a few words: laziness, boredom, pride, self-doubt.
We feel we can’t. So, we give up.
Emotions are powerful and can be helpful in certain contexts, but when it comes to writing, evaluate feelings carefully, because they might be lying to you.
Envision the Best:
Many struggle with thoughts of “What if x-horrible thing happens?” Well, then it happens. But it hasn’t happened yet. If it does, be prepared, but focusing on the worst isn’t healthy or productive. Spend time considering what the world will be like when you’ve accomplished that goal you made a few minutes ago. When those “what-if” voices attack, fight back.
Take Time to Rest:
Burnout is real. Overwork can deal just as must damage as under performance. That balance looks different for everyone, and finding it takes a long time. If you haven’t found it yet, take heart, it’s likely most of the people you know haven’t either, so take those feelings of failure and lock them out. They don’t deserve to live in your head rent-free.
How can Writer’s Block be redefined?
We’ve looked at what writer’s block is, and how to combat it, so, it’s time to break its choke-hold and call it what it is:
(Def) Writer’s Block
[ rye-terz block ]
noun
allowing fear and other negative thoughts and emotions to influence writing habits.
If you don’t know where to go next, take steps to find out. Wrest power from crippling fear, and don’t give it back.