Tips, Tricks, And Talks With a Beginner: Writing Tools - Part 2 Writer Block

Part 2 - Writers Block

A common problem amongst most writers is the dreaded writer's block… Nope, too formal.

I wanted to start this article by saying this… Eh, Nope, try again.

Yep, you guessed it, I've hit the wall: that dreaded writer's block….How would they have guessed it?

As a writer, you know it all too well…

I have writer's block. In the simplest terms. I, like all of you—and I say all because we've ALL had it—have struggled with those stalemate moments where nothing rises to the top. The circuit shorts and your favourite key is backspace. You spend more time staring at the empty spaces of your surroundings than the computer screen (or wherever you write your work on.) You'll muddle through excuses: It's too late; I'm too tired; I just can't think of anything. You take so long to set up the perfect ambience that your computer dies. Eh, it wasn't meant to be, maybe next time. (You have a charger, don't you?)

I didn't mean to be harsh on that last bit. I clearly jest! It's actually self-mockery because those excuses are the ones I use. I'm sure if you've suffered from the foreboding writer's block, you've done the same. And again, if you're like me, you don't want to make excuses. You love to write; you wish nothing stood in the way of that. Unfortunately, there isn't a foolproof way or magic bullet to get rid of writer's block. But throughout my experience, I have come to learn how to work through it.

Oftentimes at the outset, we just accept it. “Oh, I can't think of anything. I have writer's block.” Or my writing has been suffering. I have writer's block. I haven't written anything in a while because I have writer's block.

Sometimes when we want to negate the effect of the negative, we have to approach it with a different question.

That's why the most recent time I attempted to tackle writer's block, (that giant of discouragement) instead of accepting it, I asked why? Why do we get writer's block? What happens? Throughout my ponderings, I surmised it is due to a number of things: you could be suffering from just one or a couple of these examples—or all of them if you're lucky (sarcasm). Regardless, the effect is the same.

Reasons for Writer's Block.

THE VOID:

We've all felt the void in some capacity. The feeling is universal; the reason, however, is not. If you were tasked with a multitude of writing assignments, for example, writing challanges that encouraged you to turn those creativity gears and pedal out some truly great short stories, what happens when those challagnges come to an end? Well, the veil lifts, and you enter the void. You've been working on a passion project, and you’ve reached the final round. You've put all your heart into it, but now it's complete. Sure, you try to hang on by rereading it, sharing it, discussing it, but at a certain point, it fades into the completed archives and you free float into the void.

CREATIVITY FATIGUE:

This one is simple to recognize as it is more of a feeling that you can't put into words. Your imagination pool is completely dry. You try and try, but like a broken elevator, nothing reaches the top. This one can certainly be discouraging; oftentimes, a writer prides oneself on their creativity. It is deeply saddening when it seems there's none left to be found. My only explanation for creativity fatigue, which I can rightfully assume, is that you're burnt out. Don't forget: the mind occupies more than just creativity. It is a harbinger for external expression, and an analytical machine for the data of life. It is your processor for the world around you. So, don't be hard on yourself. Your greatest asset for writing is also your greatest asset for everything else. Yes, you will get burnt out. But remember, even pro athletes have off days. They get burnt out too—that's why they have trainers. So if you're reading this, I'll be your interim corner man.

DOUBT:

This last one is big. If you are a writer, there is a 99.9% chance you are a creative type. That's just the rules. I didn't make it up. Being a creative type usually means you are overly critical and judgmental of your own work. You, unfortunately, operate on a hairpin trigger, and that little bit of doubt can extinguish a creative flame the size of a city. Doubt can come in all types of forms: self-doubt, peer doubt, general doubt. Regardless, the sting invokes the same effect. You can't seem to move past it. Worse, your doubt and creativity begin to occupy the same space in your head. Unfortunately, if you give it an inch it takes a mile. The most important thing to remember is the following: when you constantly hold a mirror up to yourself, it reflects not only your own doubt, but other people’s doubts as well and they shine back at you just the same. But never forget, you are your own worst critic, and peer doubt is usually over-exaggerated constructive criticism—you simply can't see it as such because you're still holding the mirror.

As I've stated before. There is no magic bullet for writer's block. But because I've worked out the why, I can formulate a small degree of remedy. The first thing you should do, which helps both the creativity fatigue and the feeling of void, is to take a break. Revel in your accomplishment; you've done something great. Allow your mind to rest, and allow it to be open to new ideas. Take a walk, listen to some music, read a book. Art begets art. You can't expect new ideas to flow downstream when the water is still dammed up by old ones.

My second exercise I like to practice somewhat coincides with the first. Let time be your friend. It's OK if you don't have any ideas currently. If you've been struck by a creative spark once, you'll be struck again, so don't force it.

The last bit of advice I have in overcoming writer's block is to, well, write. Sounds counterproductive, doesn't it? It's not. It works best in bouts of doubt. We often think we have to develop the next big masterpiece, and we won't be satisfied unless we do. Guess what: no one’s looking; you are your only judge! So, dial down the criticisms and dial up the fun. Expect nothing, and you'll find something. Like an engine in the winter, it works best after it's warmed up, but you still have to start it.

There is an inevitability in the game of writing. As soon as you accept that, you'll learn to love the process—writer's block and all.

Until next time folks, until then, happy writing (or not!) Write when you're ready.

James U. Rizzi

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