Writer’s block is not a myth
Am I among the minority here? I’m tired of seeing generalized opinions out there about the writing process. Just like a creative person has dry spells, they have “juicy” seasons. Or is the overflow of creativity also a myth? Some people say, if you sit your butt down at your desk, it will come. They say you’re just lazy, a procrastinator, not a real writer, if you can’t get through your writer’s block on demand. If only it were that easy.
Let me clarify. I think in academic, journalistic, and technical writing, you’d probably have a better chance at getting your thoughts flowing because your work depends on facts that are already there. You’d just have to force yourself to do the research and put it all together, mainly. Creatively, it’s a whole different story.
When I first started blogging, sketching, and self-publishing eBooks, I thought I was always going to be in a creative trance, and it was going to be beautiful and I was going to write so many books and create so many illustrated stories in record time… To say I was met with disappointment is an understatement.
I was bummed out to find out that some days you’ll really bomb. You’ll lack and slack and will feel like you “don’t have it” anymore; that you’ll never recover. I started reading up on this upsetting phenomenon and soon understood I was far from being alone. I believed a lot of those posts on creative block, thinking that if I just sat down and focused really hard, my quick and fun ideas would flow like water. Wrong.
Personally, I notice that I get creatively blocked whenever I’m going through a difficult time, but not necessarily when I’m sad. On the contrary — feeling lost, depressed, and in total misery is a poet’s best friend. [shrugs] But stress and tough times are the enemy.
So, no, just sitting down in front of the computer won’t do it. I have, however, found a few things to be helpful when you’re not feeling like yourself or going through writer’s block. In no particular order:
Let things breathe for a few days, if possible. It can help you gain a fresh perspective when you come back.
Seek inspiration on purpose.
Go out for long walks…miles long walks, or do any work out.
Listen to music, especially any songs or playlists that may inspire you.
Turn your tears into posts. I find that writing poetry and personal stories helps the heaviness.
Get your problems sorted out so that you can be yourself and enjoy life again.
Whatever the reason, I just know writer’s block is not a myth. Some of us really go through it. And I’ve learned that it could take a few days, or a long while, but you won’t face this blockage forever.
