Jan 10 2009
Are You Still Enjoying Writer’s Block?
Writer’s block is supposed to be a boon for some - for those who want to write but don’t feel like writing.
You know these people - they’re excited about writing - in fact so excited that they can’t get started, so excited that they’re afraid to get started.
When you ask them why they aren’t getting started, they reply, “Oh, I’ll be starting soon. I’m just have a little block.”
Sensible reply. Justifiable excuse.
Trouble is some have been waiting for years for the block to clear and there seems to be no sign of the block clearing.
And while waiting for the block to clear, they’re always doing something useful that will help their writing.
They talk to anybody who is willing to listen.
“I’m planning to write a _____________. It’s about ________.”
They can go on for hours about the content that’s in their heads. They have all the words to explain their works in detail, but can’t seem to put down the same words on paper.
You know these folks, you may have met some, folks with grand ideas, big-time, Hollywood-style, vision, have no time for the ordinary or simple, have no time for those who work hard at their writing (they prefer geniuses because they think they are in that class).
I met such folks at an informal writer’s group some years back. Always taklking about writingas a given. They give the impression that they lead a writer’s life - they read the best books (they read more than practising writers), attend workshops, readings and do everything a writer should except sit down and write.
The next time you ask them, “So, how’s the writing going?”
“Well, starting very soon. It’s all in the head waiting. Just a matter of putting it down on paper,” comes the reply.
All in the head waiting? Waiting for what?
So, I asked one of these folks, “So, you’re still enjoying your Writer’s Block?”
“What do you mean?” He is provoked by this lesser writer who writes at least a thousand words a day.
“I mean you must be enjoying writer’s block. Otherwise, you’ll be writing,” I said.
He gives you the I-know-what-I-am-doing look.
“Can I share a secret with you?”
“What secret?”
“When I get writer’s block, I start writing.”
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