June Shaw
What is writer's block? Is it real? What can cure it? Those are today's questions.
In my early days of writing, I was happy to learn of the term writer's block. That was it: my ailment. I'd caught it, and that was why I couldn't think of anything else to write. Gosh, I loved knowing about it and having that terrific, legitimate reason for not having any more words to put on the page.
My excuse was NOT that I hadn't planned a thing for my book except who a couple of people were and what they wanted. Of course why they couldn't get what they wanted didn't take much to solve, so I couldn't go on.
But the fault was writer's block--not mine!
Wow, I discovered I could start lots of stories this way whether I wanted to write a script or short story or novel. Each time I reached a spot where I didn't know what might come next--I could get up and go to the mall! I mean, why not? Writer's block had grabbed me and dug itself right under my skin and wouldn't let me put down another word, so--off to purchase new earrings (which are so easy to shop for since they don't have to fit :) Shopping for earrings is almost like having the ailment that kept me from writing.
Back at home with my new pair of earrings, I needed to find just the right spot to put them. And the outfits they would go with. And then I needed to iron the shirt that would go perfect with them. And since I went through the trouble of getting the ironging board out, I couldn't believe how many other items I owned that needed pressing.
Oh, and then later I'd get back to writing. Of course first I needed to put supper on. And then keep an eye on the pots so nothing would burn.
And back to my story. But goodness, it was time for my favorite TV program and then I needed to shower and get to bed. After all, I had to get up and keep writing my great American novel in the morning..... If that dreaded disease, writer's block, didn't snag me again.
Of course if it did, I had a friend I hadn't gone out to eat with in a few weeks and that extra bedroom closet I'd been meaning to clean out......
Okay, those large spaces between the paragraphs of my post and my post coming up late this morning weren't my fault. Blame it on you know who: WB.
ReplyDeleteSob! I haven't written a word since March, June. This is the first time in my writing life that I've been stricken with writer's block. However, an idea just occurred to me the other day that might haul me out of my miasma. I honest thing I was just burned out.
ReplyDeleteThat was supposed to read "I honestly think." Sighhhh.
ReplyDeleteHi, June,
ReplyDeleteAs both you and Alice observe, it's easy to succomb to writer's block. We get lazy or discouraged. We start making excuses for ourselves. I blogged about a method for dealing with it recently. I won't get into a lot of details here. But it involves stream of consciousness. Sit down and for a half hour just write whatever comes into her head. Just write without overintellectualizes or worrying whether it's good or bad work. Don't put on your editor's hat at all.
Jacqueline Seewald
THE TRUTH SLEUTH--request it at your local library
Ughh! I just read back what I wrote and noticed the errors! But it was stream of consciousness technique. So you see, I do practice what I preach.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm lucky that my writing started out as journalism. Reporters have to sit down and write--no matter what! Now that I'm away from the press room, I have two or three manuscripts going at once so that if I hit a snag (or temporary block), I go to another ms. But I always read the previous day's work before I start and that carries me forward into the story.
ReplyDeleteI teach in my workshop for beginning writers that there is no such thing as writer's block, it's called lack of planning.
ReplyDeleteMy stories churn in my head a long time, and my plot points are all pretty much defined on index cards before I begin a book, so I always know where my story is going. I don't always know how I'm going to get there, but that's where the fun and creativity comes in. (Though pantsers will argue that point.)
I have more partials in my office, and more book ideas in my head than I will live long enough to write.
Alice, I believe you just needed a well-deserved rest to get your creative juices flowing again.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline, yes, stream of consciousness can help get the juices flowing again. Thanks for bringing that up.
ReplyDeleteJean, I used to have two or three manuscripts going at one time. Doing that certainly can help.
ReplyDeleteC.C., how great that you have so many ideas and know how to organize them == and also let those ideas flow freely. So glad you shared that suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, June. My problem was a classic case of burn-out. I'm better now :-)
ReplyDeleteJune, I forgot to add that it helps that I have very few demands on my time other than writing. Well...none actually.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you're better, Alice. We need you.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better, Alice. And June, thanks for the post. In my case, it's exhaustion and lack of time.
ReplyDeleteIn one of my many writing books (I'd tell you which one, but I don't remember), the author advised printing out this statement and posting it near your computer: Resistance always has meaning.
I love that. So all you have to do is figure out why you're blocked. Tired, burned out, busy, depressed, starry-eyed in love? Or is there something in the story that isn't working and needs to be re-thought? Once you know the nature of the resistance, you can tailor a solution.
Fun post but true, June. I like the way you spelled it out. I think writer's block is a chronic condition for me. I'm hoping having an extra day a week will help me get past it. I always feel pulled in too many directions. I need to set aside time and a quiet place and just settle down and write.
ReplyDeleteInteresting ideas, Jaden. Thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteEllis, how about if you decide to give yourself a certain amount of time to write every day? You do deserve it, you know.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I love that quotation, Jaden! In my case, I've been writing non-stop for almost 20 years, and I just got TIRED of it all. However, although I haven't resumed the book I quit on, at least I know where to take it now.
ReplyDelete