Dealing With The Writer's Block Bugaboo

So, what is writer’s block? Have you experienced it? You are ready to write; you want to write; but the words just won’t come. Here are some reasons why writer’s block occurs:

1. You are being too hard on yourself. Your self-criticism is ‘way too harsh. Lighten up! We are all a bit imperfect. Your flaws can be forgiven and might just be offset by your strong points.

2. You are afraid of comparison with other writers. We are all in this together. Other writers had to start somewhere, too. Instead of being afraid, study other writers and try to learn why they do what they do. What are their strong points? Are there some that you can employ as well?

3. You feel that you lack external motivation. You feel the need for attention and praise. Well, learn to believe that what you write has the potential to bring you the attention and praise you desire. If you don’t get out there and try, you will not receive such rewards.

4. You lack internal motivation. Perhaps you do not have sufficient desire to tell your story. Perhaps then you need to rethink your idea and come up with one you think will have more universal support.

5. Perhaps it’s not the right time to write. Perhaps you need to think about what you wish to say a little longer. If you are simply afraid to put your ideas out there in front of others, take courage! You can’t succeed if you don’t try.

6. Do you feel that what you write must be perfect before you submit it to others? I don’t know if anyone in WA reaches perfection on the first try. If we don’t write, we can’t improve our writing. If we wish perfection, that can only come by doing a great deal of writing – so get out there and get started.

These are some basic ideas. I’ll be adding some suggestions as to how to move past your problem in later blogs. Hope these suggestions give you ideas you can internalize.