Writer's Block

Have you ever had writer's block? I have and it is a terrible affliction. I don't know how or why it comes upon me, but when it does I feel as if a part of my mind has closed and I am floundering in a sea of despair. It may take days for the mood to end, and the desire or the need to write comes back. There are, according to the experts I have read, at least 4 reasons for writer's block.

1. Fear 

2. Procrastination

3. Perfectionism

4. Distractions.

I agree with the causes, but it doesn't help the kickstart the writing process. I know that fear can be real or imagined. If I was writing a book or some great essay I would be afraid of rejection but I am writing for myself and a few of you who may or may not agree with me about what I write, but you are polite and give great feedback on my topics, so fear is not the cause of this particular block.

Procrastination is a wonderful excuse for not writing, but I sit down and caress the keyboard with my fingers, but what comes out is a confusing series of letters and spaces that make no sense. 

I have never been a perfectionist, just ask my friends and those who know me. I don't sweat the small details but focus on getting out the big ideas, and sometimes make errors in grammar, and structure that is inexcusable to a perfectionist.

Distractions, yes at this time of year I am very distracted, so that must be the reason for the block this time. I have a lot going on at this time of year and it is easier to deal with stuff then sit down and listen to the voices in my head that are trying to escape onto paper or the computer. 

To end here are some quotes on writer's block by some high powered writers.

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration; the rest of us get up and go to work.” — Stephen King
“My cure for writer’s block? The necessity of earning a living.” — James Ellroy
“Writer’s block is just another name for fear.” — Jacob Nordby
“I don’t believe in writer’s block. Just pick up a pen and physically write.” — Natalie Goldberg
“If I waited till I felt like writing, I’d never write at all.” — Anne Tyler
“If you tell yourself you are going to be at your desk tomorrow, you are by that declaration asking your unconscious to prepare the material. ‘Count on me,’ you are saying: ‘I will be there to write.’” — Norman Mailer in The Spooky Art: Some Thoughts on Writing
“The secret to getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” — Mark Twain