One of the things writers are reluctant to talk about is writer’s block. I must confess I have suffered from it in the past, and indeed I am suffering from it today. No idea what to say in a blog, so I thought I’d talk about a block. They do say that writer’s block is nature’s way of telling you to shut up, but today that is not going to happen. Block happens to me usually when I am stressed over things, which are not related to writing. Something will put me in a bad mood and all creativity seems to stop. So what to do about it. Stephen King has always been a source of inspiration to me, not so much his books, though I am an avid reader and fan. It is his work ethic. I have tried to model my own work ethic after him. I heard in an interview that he works every day, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day, then said he was lying, he worked those two days too. A couple of his quotes I find useful “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” And “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” He talks about when the inspiration is not there go back over previously written work and you will get back into the rhythm of writing. That is something I always do when I am stuck. I also have a long hot soak in the tub to dispel the bad mood.
A few quotes from other writers:
“Writing something new is an effective way to get rid of writer’s block. Or you can observe the people around you and fantasize like I do.”
― B.A. Gabrielle
“I don’t sit around waiting for passion to strike me. I keep working steadily because I believe it is our privilege as humans to keep making things. Most of all, I keep working because I trust that creativity is always trying to find me, even when I have lost sight of it.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
“If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don’t just stick there scowling at the problem. But don’t make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people’s words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient.”
So what is your cure for bock? Run and hide? Or come out fighting? I would love to hear your thoughts, stories, or any views you might like to share. Here, the blog, Facebook or Twitter.