Stop Waiting!
Breaking Through Writer's Block #1
- "Who has a good prompt for me?"
- "When will a new Challenge drop?"
- "What's the next holiday, anyway?"
- "How do you write something everyday?"
- "Where can I find writing ideas?"
Do these questions sound familiar? I see them, almost daily, in group chats and plaintive social media posts. Writers trying to fulfill daily writing goals, considering participation in NaNoWriMo, struggling with the confines of a writing challenge, and dreading to face the blank screen and blinking cursor.
This is the first of a series addressing Writer's Block, which is defined by Mike Rose, a writing expert, as 'the inability to begin or continue writing for reasons other than a lack of basic skill or commitment'.
It's helpful, I believe, to define a thing before you proceed writing about it. That very simple definition from Mr. Rose gives us a lot to consider. Here's my three takeaways for you:
WRITERS experience Writer's Block
This condition is exclusive to WRITERS. Said another way: if you aren't already a writer then you don't experience writers block. Other professions don't have this problem.
During a book signing and keynote address, I once heard author Ann Patchett talk about this. She noted that doctors don't have 'doctor's block'. A surgeon prepares, consults, diagnoses, and operates. They don't have 'surgeon's block'. They proceed with their work.
Teachers don't have 'teacher's block', bus drivers don't get 'driving block', chefs don't get 'chef's block'. They do what they do.
Actors, now they may be on to something. Film actors don't get 'acting block'. They do 'takes', which is a single filmed performance or scene, which are then evaluated and then move on to the editor to be polished and inserted into the overall film.
Actors, then, take ACTION, producing work that requires EDITING and EVALUATION. In fact, many films even include the outtakes, or bloopers, that give a behind the scenes view of the creative process and the subsequent mistakes.
Writer's Block is NOT Related to Skill
The hesitancy to write, to move forward with a project, or to complete a self-assigned piece doesn't mean a person is a 'bad writer'. A person isn't writing because they cannot write. They are, simply, not writing.
Writer's Block is not writing. It's standing at a closed door and expecting the door to open without any assistance save the will of the door itself. That's not realistic.
It doesn't mean that the closed door is a bad door. It doesn't signify that the door lacks talent. There is no whiff of the door being past its prime because it is closed at this very time and had been merrily swinging on its hinges just a few months ago.
A closed door is simply not open. Writer's Block is simply a writer not writing. When a writer writes they have opened the 'door' and eliminated the illusion of writer's block.
Writer's Block Isn't a Lack of Commitment
A writer isn't writing because they are uncommitted to their craft or vision. They aren't 'terrible with resolutions', or 'not good with time'. Time has a funny way of proceeding day by day whether we are terrible about it or not. Time just is.
Often, writer's block is standing in front of the door and waiting. Waiting for inspiration. Waiting for motivation. Waiting without seeing progress isn't a lack of commitment. Far from it. Unfulfilled waiting takes a powerful commitment. The issue is a lack of action and the presence of anxiety.
Looking Ahead
This series will address Writer's Block, the Evil Twins of Inaction and Anxiety, and of course include that wonder of wonders: Writing Prompts. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?
Limber up by leaving a comment: what are your thoughts about Writer's Block? Have they changed any after reading this? What do you do when you feel caught in the non-existing grips of Writer's Block?
~ Here's the next in the series:
About the Creator
Judey Kalchik
It's my time to find and use my voice.
Poetry, short stories, memories, and a lot of things I think and wish I'd known a long time ago.
You can also find me on Medium
And please follow me on Threads, too!
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More stories from Judey Kalchik and writers in Writers and other communities.
Comments (25)
I like this, although I have my doubts about writers' block. Often, the people who tell me they have it are the ones who claim that they are too busy and yet can tell me all the details of their favourite show or movie. It is more of a decision than we would like to admit.
Wow! Fantastic knowledge! Congratulations also 💫✨💥👏
Congratulations on top story, Judey! This part really opened my eyes: "Often, writer's block is standing in front of the door and waiting. Waiting for inspiration. Waiting for motivation. Waiting without seeing progress isn't a lack of commitment. Far from it. Unfulfilled waiting takes a powerful commitment. The issue is a lack of action and the presence of anxiety." Personally, a timely read, too! My day job leaves little time for writing and somehow I've allowed my small doses of free time to become consumed with other stuff. Sometimes, I find myself saying, I must have writer's block, when in all reality I simply choose to not write. I need to assert myself more and I will. Thank you for this read-much appreciated!!!
I’m very glad you mentioned writers block has nothing to with skill, great work🥰
Writing healed me and sometimes the block can make the healing a struggle.
Thank you for this reflection. I often find myself lost in a sense of shame. I may have a great idea but struggle to write due to the feeling that I won't do justice to what I'm intending to communicate. I may just need to try writing even if I don't feel what I'm writing will work and consider it an outtake, as a way to separate my sense of self from the anxiety of producing 'bad writing'.
Great article - It seems to me that writer's block is actually a brain glitch. There's a meditation trick to quiet your mind instantly - you ask yourself "What will I think of next?" - and wham, not one thought will enter because you put yourself in a brain loop. Isn't that what we do when we're trying to write a story - don't we say, "What will come next?". Just don't ask the question, just write and see what comes out.
Oof. I feel like this is me - sometimes I will do anything other than write. Look forward to your series. This was a fab top story.
Back to say congrats on Top Story Judey!!
A good deep delve into topic, Judey! I honestly don't believe I've ever experienced it, but what I have had happen is a lot of issues, mental, emotional, physical, etc., that have interrupted my natural life flow that can throw everything out the window for a while. It's among the yuckiest of YUCK! Congrats on the top story!
this is an interesting article, is really well deserved👌
I never saw it like this, with other professions. I feel I am lucky, I seem to come up with ideas, however there have been enough stalled times to cause worry. Thank you Judey, I am looking forward to more in the series. Congratulations
This is an interesting article. It helped me understand my own writer's block and gave useful tips. Congratulations, too, on the Top Story achievement!
The article employs a conversational tone and structured insights to demystify Writer's Block, emphasizing its unique impact on writers while encouraging action and reflection through relatable anecdotes and practical advice.
Another great and thoughtful article. This helps knowing we are not alone when it happens. Stepping back has its benefits sometimes
Love that this got a Top Story. Another intriguing series from you is always most welcome, Judey! Fab fab fab! I've been saying fab a lot today. Funny. I am not really one to say fabulous. Anyway. Congrats and well done and keep up all that fine work you do being a supportive and helpful creator, writer and woman, Judey!
I like the way you framed this, Judey. I'm excited for this series!
I love this! Can’t wait for more 🩷
So true about it being unique. I'm not ever sure there is a painters block? I struggle so much. I need that spark to ignite. It's why I appreciate the challenges with the opening lines (even though I know others dislike them). But when it's simply write about xyz I get totally blocked. I'll stay tuned in. Maybe it will help!
a wonderful reframing. thank you ❤️
Great piece, Judey and I look forward to the next installment. I very rarely experience writer's block, although the current book project has stalled a few times. That's usually due to holes in my memory. Does that count?
Judey, I'll definitely be tuning in for more information... love what you've given us a taste of so far!!
I have written many pieces on this and the Vocal Prompts in their resources are good. We have an Unofficial Challenge thread in VSS where Creators can pick up ideas. Excellent piece.
I may have said I had Writer's Block when I could not think of a certain word, but it usually doesn't last long. I write short pieces and that keeps me going in the writing process. What a great article and series to begin. You must be a teacher in a past life.
I am actually feeling all of those at the moment. How eloquently you have penned it. Hi Judey. I have projects to start, projects unfinished and a brain begging for order amidst the chaos. I have plenty of ideas, it's forming them into order that hinders me. I look forward to your articles.