By Iris Perkins (Poetry Editor)
Most people that write know about the stumbling block that most call, consider or term “writer’s block.” Well, I am here to let you know that there really is no such thing.
Make sure that you’re writing for you, then for your readers. There is a story that you are trying to convey and you are trying to get it out. Don’t force it.
If there is a block, then that is from not surrounding yourself with creative people who can help push you or from being in a stagnant place for far too long. Also, something else could be requiring your attention, halting your creativity.
If you ever have that moment where you feel stopped, halted or blocked, think about what is the best way to push yourself—or even come up with a different storyline. Or even find something else to do like cook, read, watch a movie, go for a walk or rest.
Is it hard? May be for some; however, not impossible.
The biggest part of writer’s block comes from the writer him/herself. It is like you are trying so hard to make yourself do something when it is not time. It will not happen.
Forcing yourself to idly sit at a blank page/screen will not make words come to you; however, you can make yourself a word bank and keep that around to spark some creativity.
Go outside. Watch television. Listen to some music. People watch. Do something.
Doing something else may trigger a memory or provide something to write about in your so called “dry spell.”
The advice I was always given when totally stuck was to envision the one scene or moment that made me want to write the entire story. Capture the original spark and forget about how you get to that point, or what happens afterwards. Imagine you’re looking at that scene through a little hole cut in a sheet of cardboard and describe only what you can see in that shot. Forget being linear, or chronological or logical. Just go with the descriptive flow. Save (and print, if you like things visual) then move onto the next clear image. Eventually your brain might figure out how to link things up, and then those moments become the reason you wanted to write that story…
Don’t underestimate that dry spell though. That dry spell just may mean you’re on the brink of greatness!
Very wise words, Iris. In fact just the phrase “writer’s block” is enough to terrify the average author. You have demonstrated how dry spells are part of the normal ebb and flow of creativity.
Thank you so much!
Good advice all round, Iris!! I must remember not to obsess about being linear…
I appreciate you so much!! Thank you Sam!!
Good advice about distractions. A good eye can turn them into inspirations. When out and about, make up scenarios about interesting people you might encounter. That hot guy brewing your coffee. A young woman in a short dress and bare legs scaling stairs. The possibilities are endless. Of course, this is from a guy who’s been on a downer for a year as far as inspiration is concerned.
I love this and it is much needed. A wise writer once told me there is no writer’s block change is occurring. I think you helped describe how to work through that change.