My Response to Writer's Block
Inevitably in the course of writing, you hit a mental block that seems insurmountable
Today is one of those times. By now, I've scrapped at least 5 different blog posts, tossing them back to the idea-stage heap for a more clear-minded time.
The self-doubt has found its way into every aspect of my mind. Perhaps it's more than writer's block, maybe it's just my itty-bitty-shitty-committee having its regular unannounced meeting on my behalf. Thanks guys, life wouldn't be great without the balance of shittiness that you provide.
I'm writing this post to openly discuss this experience because it's something all writers deal with. It's an inevitability, one that should be embraced, not feared.
I place emphasis on 'should' because it's not something we embrace with ease
Writer's block is a brutal experience. It seems like the doubt, uncertainty, and anxiety won't cease until your thick skull is able to churn out another few lines worth reading. You write, delete, write, delete, start over, pace around your room like you've drunk a pot of coffee, wondering if the sirens outside are headed to help with your creative emergency.
Like many things in life, it's easier to say that you will embrace the moment when it inevitably arrives, yet you still rue the day when it does.
"Suffering's a tool man, just learn from the pain."
Ok, does that give me the right to punch you in the face and provide you with a fresh dose of learning for saying that?
Blocks happen, they suck. Nope, no easy answers here
This might be the time where I'd offer a convenient, easy, digestible solution for writer's block. I'd say something along the lines of "take a break, come back with fresh eyes, jog your creativity by reading other people's work, stare at the wall, go for a run." Perhaps some of those strategies work well for you, in which case I'm glad I wrote them, regardless of my bitter intent.
But there are times when nothing seems to work, where your doubting mind has you right where it wants you, and you're just supposed to shut up and take it. Forget all of those grand ideas you wanted to share with the world, it's time to slump back into your chair and reminisce about the moments when you were able to compose your disorganized thoughts into something worth reading.
When all else fails, go meta
Ok, maybe I do have some kind of 'answer' to this undesirable situation. If you can't figure out what the hell to write about, write about the experience of not being able to write about anything.
The book 'Bird by Bird' by Anne Lamott is a fantastic resource for all writers, one that delves into the idea that all experiences are worth writing about, even the ones that include nauseating self-doubt.
Tonight was not one of my more productive evenings in regards to writing. I didn't complete any blog posts for the company I do work for. I threw away all of the ideas I had in mind, as I couldn't get the gears turning fast enough to gain momentum in any direction.
But I decided to persevere through the agony of creative uncertainty and publish this post because I'm driven to get better, to continue writing in the face of obstacles and mental walls that accompany this activity.
Writer's block: you're a bitch, but thanks for helping me write this post.
I know very well what you are talking about. But what I found to be the case for me on Steemit is that others' articles inspire me in a roundabout way. When I read an article which I find myself capable of adding a decent comment to, I finally find that my comment is written in a form that I can turn it into an article, with some minor changes here and there.
Yesterday I too wanted to write a new article (I have about two dozens left accumulated over many years), but I found no inspiration. Then, I had this idea of skimming over my comments, and one hour later I had 15 new articles that now add on to the two dozens I had already.
I released one yesterday, and I really guess it is the mind barrier which always wants to make it perfect. But what is perfect in our view might be received differently by others. So I just dropped my article without much expectation or thought, and it doesn't perform any worse than my others :)
Reading other people's content is a great source of inspiration, you are spot on there.
In general I was running into some of the same stuff. I was almost getting post block. I was actually supposed to do a live stream today but ultimately I didn't really get around to it and now I want to drive to wal-mart and get a tub of icecream. Yeah..... today hasn't been productive. lol
These days are bound to happen. It's great when you can still power through and manage to post something.
But ice cream ain't a bad fallback, ha
Collin my man. Write for fun, do it to get better. But when it stops being fun take a break.
Gotta power through in the face of difficulty! It's even more fun jumping over an obstacle, IMO
It's fun to enjoy. You write with an incredible ability. Really, your sentences flow like water. Sharp and powerful! Thank you @colinhoward have been sharing knowledge about the writings that are very unusual.
Have a nice day!
Nice article sir.... based on our daily life... like the way you explained.👍
Yes I agree too that yr content is based on yr true knowledge which further is based on yr reading and researching. We get the final amazing article every time we read it. Thanks man👊🏽