No really, I don’t get writer’s block. There’s always another idea.
Oh, you want a specific idea in a narrow set of parameters, like a blog post maybe, that provides some sort of example or instruction with a smidge of encouragement and a pinch of humor?
Sure. In the meantime, here’s an unrelated picture I took on a trip. Not a metaphor.
Nice, huh? Wait, seriously, you don’t think that’s a brick wall, do you? I mean there are windows and a door — clearly you could get through it unless the windows are closed and the place is locked.
Or you could break a window, pick the lock, and tear down that wall, Mr. Gorbachev.
I really don’t get writer’s block, and neither do you. So don’t embrace the delusion that you do. That freezes you in a giant bear hug that keeps you from moving any direction.
Some things I embrace instead:
- Procrastination
- Depression *
- Television
- Anything Amusing
- Laundry
- Long Naps
My point is if you need to “not do,” try that out for a little bit. You don’t have to put a timer on it, but be reasonable and then start doing again. I don’t think I get “writers block,” because I could write whatever it is I need to, if I just started doing it, at least a first draft.
Like today: I wasn’t writing a post because I didn’t start thinking about a post because I wanted to do something else. I had stepped outside the process flow.
And then I wrote a post, because I started writing the post.
Now the simple fact that the draft probably needed editing and cuts, like chopping off the first paragraph or so to get to the point quicker — even if I threw everything out and started over again — that’s not writer’s block, that’s editing, and editing is part of the process of writing.
Calling it “writer’s block” is making an excuse for not doing something because you feel like doing something else instead.
In the same way, writing is an excuse for not screwing around. (Or when you are really good, an excuse for not doing housework!)
What do you love more at this moment? Do that thing. Then switch. But switch soon-ish, especially if you have a deadline.
—–David
P.S. I call this methodology “proactive procrastination.” Yeah, I may put off a priority but if I get something else out of the way , it won’t interrupt me or be an excuse later.
* Depression can be a small dip or a giant cliff, either way it’s a speed bump even if it’s not “clinical” depression. It’s a lower energy that doesn’t feed you.
I enjoy it as a break because it’s never felt permanent for me, but — and I’m not a qualified source here — if it’s not “temporary” for you, seek help from someone who can guide you to a shovel or sherpa and climb out of it at least once in a while. Even night gives way to day with persistence (and yes, vice versa) and with regularity.
P.P.S. A slightly related musing from the archives, and this watch again post on procrastination.
Also published on Medium.
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