Writer’s Block is Bad, Productive Procrastination is Worse

There’s a line in Turner & Hooch that goes something like, “When you’re having a problem remembering something, think about something else and the answer will eventually hit you.” I was having trouble coming up with a solution to a problem I was having with a scene I was writing. I refuse to claim a cop-out like writer’s block, but I couldn’t find a solution that felt plausible, should this screenplay ever get purchased.

So I decided to follow Hollywood’s words of wisdom, forget about it. I turned off the computer and picked up a book; I was reading about Delta Force. Part way through the chapter I was reading Colonel Charlie Beckwith was discussing the frustrations the planners were having with certain obstacles with the rescue plan for the hostages in Iran in 1980. Beckwith spoke of instances when someone would return the next day with a suggestion, and that suggestion might resolve four or five problems the planning team was facing. Then the team would be off and running again.

Just like that, as Charlie Beckwith talked about miracle cures to problem solving, the solution popped into my head, like spontaneous creation. Interestingly enough the solution did more than solve a problem; it opened the door to an entirely new storyline to explore.

By solving one problem I created an entirely new problem that is significantly more dangerous for me and my A.D.D., OPTIONS. I don’t truly suffer from writers block, or I haven’t thus far. My problem is that I suffer from Productive Procrastination. When I don’t want to work on something I locate another task of equal importance, and work on that instead of the task at hand. The solution that I came up with is broad enough that I could actually start brainstorming a second screenplay, potentially throwing me off schedule for a week or two, which I did.

Solve one problem and create a new one. I guess you are damned if you do, and you’re damned if you don’t.

 

 © Christopher L. Hedges and AverageJoesStory.com, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Christopher L. Hedges and AverageJoesStory.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.