So, THIS is Writer’s Block!

March 10th will be the 18th anniversary of my writing life and here I sit–not writing–for the first time in almost two decades. It’s not that there’s nothing to write about—far from it! But I am restrained, as if someone has hit the ‘pause’ button or put my creative juices in the freezer.  Is this that ‘writer’s block’ idea I’ve heard people talk about? Before this, the only Writer’s Block I had ever experienced was a bottle of wine by that name. (And it’s yummy!)

I’d like to process this concept with you because when I feel blocked, I feel very alone; cut off and isolated. I could use some support. Here’s what I think I’m learning just in case it helps anyone else who’s feeling a dead spot in life that used to be teaming with activity.

First of all, whatever blocks us, teaches us. Get ready to learn—that’s what I’ve learned.

Secondly, we all need to pause now and again even if we feel like the timing’s wrong. Our productivity and creativity must be nurtured. If it’s feeling abused, it has a propensity to quit on the job and it doesn’t care what the impact is.

Thirdly, ever notice how (for most of us), it’s our natural propensity to sleep every sixteen hours or so? Sure, we can stay awake longer and use artificial stimulants to stay conscious, but that can lead to disaster. Same for creativity.  It has to be fun and captivating and we must be awake enough to recognize when it arrives.

We need rest and so does our creativity. Why do we beat ourselves up instead? Because we have a deadline? Because if we don’t meet it, we think our lives are over?  I’ll be honest, it is scary. Once I hit this period of time, I squealed like to stuck pig and went into counseling because I have such deep grief about not being able to write.

My nudge to take a break came to me a few months ago after I completed my memoir, ‘I Was a Yo-Yo Wife’. I had to stop, even though I already knew what I’d work on next. Thank goodness for my assistant, Beth, who advised me to stop for a while even though I must have looked at her as if she had suggested I stop breathing. I also checked in with my astrology chart and an IFS therapist to understand if it was the right time. Not writing felt like I needed a permission slip from an authority I respected; it wasn’t the kind of thing I could do without a support group.

Thirdly, let’s not call them blocks; let’s call them bridges. A block can scare us; a bridge feels more like a transition point over an otherwise impassable area. It’s simply a vitally important pause so that we can rejuvenate. And if there were no more stories for me to come back to—in a worst-case scenario—that could still be a blessing.

It’s important to remember, that who we are is not about what we do. A pause in creative activity reminds us that we are more than a label—a talent factory making only a certain product.  We are more than the process of meeting our own or someone else’s expectations. In other words, as long as I am being directed from within, I can roll with the punches. It’s when I’m looking

Here’s what made it easier for me.

Our creative purpose does not stop just because we do. I believe that the energy that creates does not stop while we are resting and restoring ourselves.  Behind the scenes there is plenty of activity going on—we just can’t see it.  Everything is still on target and on schedule for its purpose.  While external activity appears to cease, it doesn’t really. What needs to be done is getting done even if we think we’re not ‘doing’ anything. In fact, our most creative work probably happens when we’re not paying attention. Imagine the fairy tale about The Shoemaker and the Elves?  While I’m busy with other things, I imagine that my stories are getting the additional content they need. That makes me excited about getting back to work.

You’ll know when it’s time to get back to work.

So, rather than a ‘block’, a time of not writing is really an important break in the action so that we can renew and revitalize. It’s a good thing.

It might help to actually plan some time away from writing before the blocks show up. Look at your calendar and put social time in as if it were an important appointment. Let friends and family gather around and connect with you. Think of what they sacrifice every day so that you can devote yourself to your calling. It’s also good if you do something different with your time off.  Take a trip; take a class; try a different creative activity; do some research, join a health club.

Much of a writer’s life is spent on their asses so that a day, week, month—whatever—to stand up, stretch, and step out into the real world again can only be a good thing!

Vivian Probst

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