The joy of writers block
Posted: July 11, 2012 Filed under: life, writing | Tags: dedication, encouragement, fear, media, story, thoughts drift, writers block, writing 4 Comments »
Writers block is a funny thing. Writing, in theory, is a simple thing to do but the act of doing it is often very complicated. Call it performance anxiety.
There are times when the computer screen mocks me. It’s blank, grayness resembles an overcast sky and it sucks the color out of everything around it. The same way writers block sucks the life out of your soul.
The blinking cursor glares at me. It’s like an angry boss sitting across from me at the other end of a long conference room table. It taps it’s fingers on the table and demands that I give it something.
“What do you got for me son?” it asks.
Sometimes I stare at the screen and let my eyes lose focus. The few words that I have managed to get on the screen turn into a blur and my thoughts drift. But then reality snaps me back. I still haven’t accomplished anything. I still have something that needs to be said.
The fact that I have nothing makes me sweat. The thoughts in my head have gotten clogged up along the path that leads from my mind to my finger tips. If only there were an Exlax for the mind. Until then the keyboard remains quiet.
Luckily, writers block is temporary. The thoughts will flow. Everything will come out… eventually.
I find that writing about writers block, relieves writers block.
Voila!
What do you do to get past writers block?
Well, one thing for sure, I don’t stare at the blank page because it’s too frustrating! I prefer to distract myself, either by a good book or a fun movie, and then come back for a second attempt when I’m feeling more inspired.
That’s good advice. I find that a good book does get the creative juices flowing.
I sometimes write about the blockage, too. Sometimes I write crappy stuff (sorry, but it is true) and call it a day. Other times – and this is my favorite – I put my laptop away and do something different. I hike, bike, walk, paint, play with clay, sing, play guitar, etc…
It helps. And gives my brain a break from its usual routine. KWIM?
Yes. I write crappy stuff also. I think running helps writers block as well.
KWIM?