What is writer’s block?

For me it is not a dearth of ideas, but a multitude of mediocre ones. If I push through this initial uninspired feeling and write, eventually a creative thought or two should appear. Sometimes I stretch to express a concept higher than my current ability. While writing, I grind my teeth in frustration, wondering if I should give up. Other times I keep typing until I feel a flow of unique words coming out. A day later I review these pages and find that I have said almost nothing. But, not completely nothing. There are still a few paragraphs worth keeping.

 What causes writer’s block?

For me it is exhaustion. When my brain fails to remember words, I stop searching through my mind. Maybe after some rest I can come back to writing. Brainstorming brings up ideas from past experiences. They arise inside of me as I stare into the darkness, deep in thought, or when I dream while sleeping. These thoughts, and even dreams, are influenced by what I’ve read, what I’ve watched, and even more by what has occurred in my life. When I wake up from an interesting dream, I record the scene on my phone, and consider why these images appeared. Were they based on something that I desire or fear? They may become the conflict for a new plot.

How do I deal with writer’s block?

I look through old photos or notes I’ve made about plots. Often, I change my location, and go walking, especially at a park, or in a different section of the town. I stop thinking about what is pressuring me and let my mind wander. An hour-long walk is good for me. As I see new things I morph them into elements of my story. If the outside is wet and freezing, which is typical in Oklahoman winters, I try a local museum or a library. I favor the children’s section as an answer to shove aside a block in my writing may come through a beautiful illustration. If not, the children’s books are still fun to look at.

The key for me to prevent writer’s block is to write on a regular basis. I don’t have to always be working on a new novel. I often try my hand at a poem or essays first. When I play with the idea for a new poem, story or play, I don’t have the full concept in mind. I must elaborate and create details that I had not thought of beforehand. Sometimes writer’s block may strike, but it’s never permanent.

Photo of Aliso Wood Canyon by K.N. Listman