Writer’s Block and the Creative Well

We’ve talked before about the importance of refilling the creative well. Jessica has discussed it in a couple of her posts (here and here).

Last year, I wrote two novel rough drafts, along with a handful of short stories. Between working full time, spending time with friends and family, plays, and what traveling I managed to squeeze in, that’s . . . insane.

In retrospect, it’s no wonder my output is down so much this year. I’ve had a crazy case of writer’s block. But that knowledge hasn’t allowed me to have more patience or less judgment for myself.

I have this theory that my productivity has lessened so significantly this year because my creative well ran dry. And wow, the recovery time has been ridiculous. To make matters worse, I didn’t realize what was going on until I came home from the recent New York trip.

The trip was amazing: visiting a friend, meeting even more awesome people, wandering and exploring and observing, visiting museums, watching a show that challenged my ideas of what a play is . . .

I’ve been writing more since then. I’m still not to the point of tackling any big, novel-sized projects, but the short stories are clamoring for attention.

The point is that all sorts of things can contribute to writer’s block. While traveling isn’t always feasible, taking time out to fill the well is necessary. Take a walk somewhere new, visit a library or museum (or both), see a play – do something for you.

So what have you done to refill the well lately?

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