I have never had writer's block. Fran Lebowitz has permanent writer's block which is a great loss because her stuff was so good. I agree with Schulz that, barring psychological issue like hers, you can't afford writer's block.
However, I've stalled a few times in my newsroom days. I learned to take a five-minute walk, either back to the empty pressroom or around the block, which is the equivalent of turning it off and then turning it on again. And think about something else while you walk -- that bird, that tree, what you'll fix for dinner tonight, whatever. All you usually need is a reset.
The real cure though is to write the first paragraph, even if it sucks, so you can write the second one. Can't tell you how many times I wrote the whole thing and then went back and deleted that first paragraph because it still sucked. The rest was fine.
I very much rely on the power of incubation to solve my problems--don't even think about it while my subconscious mind figures it out and then presents it to me, gift wrapped on a silver platter. Your five-minute walk sounds like the same sort of reset. Circle around and come to it fresh.
Always appreciate your experience-based insights. Thanks for reading and commenting!
A lot of authors have told me that writer's block isn't real, only for me to see them having it, later. To date, just one of them has come back to me and shared a "Yeah, I get it now."
Thankfully, he was able to work through it and get back to writing.
Thanks, and I look forward to reading you next Tuesday!
Going on three solid weeks of terrible work in the studio. It's depressing and disappointing, but it's happened before. I like to (have to?) consider it like composting. Eventually, when enough manure has been cast something good springs forth.
I'm sorry about the slump. I like your experience and confidence that you've gotten through it before and will again. Maybe with some new ideas and approaches to the work? Could be the path to something better, or at least different.
Always looking for new ideas and approaches. Reality is things seem to come together by accident or luck and I take advantage of that. Sometimes it feels like the luck has run out. So far, eventually the tap comes back on.
I have never had writer's block. Fran Lebowitz has permanent writer's block which is a great loss because her stuff was so good. I agree with Schulz that, barring psychological issue like hers, you can't afford writer's block.
However, I've stalled a few times in my newsroom days. I learned to take a five-minute walk, either back to the empty pressroom or around the block, which is the equivalent of turning it off and then turning it on again. And think about something else while you walk -- that bird, that tree, what you'll fix for dinner tonight, whatever. All you usually need is a reset.
The real cure though is to write the first paragraph, even if it sucks, so you can write the second one. Can't tell you how many times I wrote the whole thing and then went back and deleted that first paragraph because it still sucked. The rest was fine.
I very much rely on the power of incubation to solve my problems--don't even think about it while my subconscious mind figures it out and then presents it to me, gift wrapped on a silver platter. Your five-minute walk sounds like the same sort of reset. Circle around and come to it fresh.
Always appreciate your experience-based insights. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I appreciate your take on writer's block.
A lot of authors have told me that writer's block isn't real, only for me to see them having it, later. To date, just one of them has come back to me and shared a "Yeah, I get it now."
Thankfully, he was able to work through it and get back to writing.
Thanks, and I look forward to reading you next Tuesday!
Roland
Thank you for subscribing, reading, and commenting! I appreciate your insights.
I agree perfectionism has something to do with it. I get wrapped up editing it in my head before the first word even hits the page.
Thanks for your generosity in sharing these wrtitings, Brian.
You have 19 subscribers and 7 comments. You have the subscribers we all dream of having. Kudos
I have a lot more than 19 subscribers, but am more interested in quality than quantity anyway. My subscribers are the best!
Ah, ok. I looked at your personal profile. But I agree! Quality is the defining factor. I have 13 subs :)
Going on three solid weeks of terrible work in the studio. It's depressing and disappointing, but it's happened before. I like to (have to?) consider it like composting. Eventually, when enough manure has been cast something good springs forth.
I'm sorry about the slump. I like your experience and confidence that you've gotten through it before and will again. Maybe with some new ideas and approaches to the work? Could be the path to something better, or at least different.
Always looking for new ideas and approaches. Reality is things seem to come together by accident or luck and I take advantage of that. Sometimes it feels like the luck has run out. So far, eventually the tap comes back on.