Writer’s Block
The term “writer’s block” has been described in so many ways that any real definition is in danger of being a cliché. Yet, since it is a real phenomenon, and I’ve experienced it myself, I thought it might be valid to write about it. Simply put writer’s block is the experience of not being able to write down thoughts, feelings and ideas when they are needed to compose a piece of writing. This inability to write can be apparent, for example, when attempting to write an essay for school, composing a poem or story or describing spiritual experiences. It usually begins when I feel locked out of meditation or, I’m put on the spot to write something. It can be temporary or exist for only a few hours or longer, but regardless, it makes me feel frustrated. It’s as if the faucet is turned off. The fear is the faucet may never turn on again.
Perhaps an analogy might be a good way to approach this illusive topic. The opposite of writer’s block is inspiration. So with inspiration there is a stream which represents creative or inspirational thinking. I’m remembering the stream; I’m in the stream or the stream has disappeared entirely. When the stream disappears it can be compared to writer’s block.
When I was young, I would write down my ideas, so I’d be sue to remember them. More specifically, when ideas for a poem or story would come to mind, I’d jot them down. I still do this to some degree but mostly, I trust that a good idea will return and not be lost forever.
Over the years I’ve definitely stopped romanticizing about the whole idea of writing and have a more mature attitude. Sometimes writer’s block is sometimes laziness. Writing is actually hard work that requires self-discipline and perseverance. Writing is really ten percent inspiration and ninety percent perspiration.
Occasionally, inspiration is truly remarkable. The spirit moves me and a great poem is created with little effort. This idea can sometimes be misunderstood. I remember an experience that took place when a professor was attempting to dispute a poet’s claim that a great poem truly came to him in its entirety through inspiration. This professor pointed out that - Shelley - had changed some of the punctuation in the second draft of this work, so it couldn’t be inspired. This remark missed the point. The poem itself, including the words and the rhyme, were composed intuitively despite the petty punctuation comment. The poem was clearly inspired.
In terms of my own writing I’d don’t take disapproval well at all, so I don’t like negative feedback (constructive criticism). Because of my insecurity it often freezes me, and then I get discouraged and I doubt my abilities. This creates writer’s block for me. For example after I finished writing my sci-fi fantasy novel, Northland Chronicles: Mother World in Peril, I sent it out to be reviewed. I received one great review and one that seemed deliberately harsh, cruel and belittling. Of course my mind focused on the cruel review and I was devastated. However, months later I reread the novel and it was just as inspiring as it was originally.
Since negative feedback plays into my insecurities, before I send out my writing, I only trust my wife, Donna to review and edit it. I usually disregard anybody else’s opinion because it creates doubt and writer’s block for me. I know this seems unwise, but my wring ability has continued to improve after years of practice. This insecurity is not uncommon with writers in general. For example, Ernest Hemingway had the reputation of regarding the work of average writers to be exceptional and generally perceived good writers to be inferior. This was to protect his own sense of superiority of his own novels.
I do have one thing that almost always helps me when I’m experiencing a dry spell. I read other poets to become inspired or I simply remain patient until some memory or creative thought occurs. I’ve also come to trust that after years of meditation some good ideas will simply present themselves. In fact, these day’s most of my ideas for poems come from a simple line of poetry that appears in my mind.
I don’t know if this discussion about writer’s block is very coherent but it has made sense to me. A number of times in my writing career my sister-in-law has encouraged me to “keep writing” and it seems to work. I’d like to finish by sharing a poem I wrote that is actually about writer’s block called “Stuck”. Thanks for your support and see you next week.
Stuck
There’s a brick in my brain
with no momentum of thought
like a tied up knot
with no ending or front
an unyielding doubt
with no trigger or sound
no way inward or out
blocked up underground
There’s a block in my head
I’m alone and half dead
neither coming or going
with no hope of success
a listless existence
that won’t follow or lead
with no backward or forward
that smothers my soul
There’s a wall in my mind
that won’t offer a sign
a dead meditation
a lowering coffin
a grim nothingness
like a dull empty breath
a death without dying-
an insomniac’s bed
(Please remember these are my own ideas, and I’m not attempting to persuade anyone to change theirs.)
Quotes: “If I waited for perfection…I would never write a word.” Margaret Atwood
“When I’m writing, I write. And then it’s as if the muse is convinced that I’m serious and says ‘Okay. Okay I’ll come.’” Maya Angelou
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.” Mark Twain
Photo credits: matheus-farias-Gnw2lV2x6eI-unsplash; william-felipe-seccon-R2y1K8Fcb-8-unsplash
https://www.facebook.com/writerjohnfzurn
