Robyn Bradley
Simple: I don't believe in it. ;)
Seriously (and this isn't an original thought), but what other profession is given the luxury of a "block"? Why isn't there plumber's block or surgeon's block or accountant's block?
Do I ever have moments when I don't know where the story is going or (gulp) when I have to ditch 100K words and start over from scratch? Yup. Just like the plumber who might pause, leaning back on his knees contemplating the problem. Or the surgeon who needs to think fast because she wasn't expecting THAT to happen during a procedure. Or the accountant who can't--for the moment (or maybe a few days)--find the issue that's causing all the numbers to appear wonky in his spreadsheet.
But those aren't "blocks." Those are the occasional hiccups we can all expect from life.
So what do I do when I have one of those moments? For me, walking away is the best remedy. Perhaps for the day. In rare occasions, a little longer. Immersing myself in art of some sort--a book, a movie, a museum, a play--can help my mind figure out what I need to do next. I've also started practicing self-hypnosis, which has been a big help. Our subconscious minds hold SO many answers.
I think this quote from author Terry Pratchett says it best: “There’s no such thing as writer’s block. That was invented by people in California who couldn’t write.”
Seriously (and this isn't an original thought), but what other profession is given the luxury of a "block"? Why isn't there plumber's block or surgeon's block or accountant's block?
Do I ever have moments when I don't know where the story is going or (gulp) when I have to ditch 100K words and start over from scratch? Yup. Just like the plumber who might pause, leaning back on his knees contemplating the problem. Or the surgeon who needs to think fast because she wasn't expecting THAT to happen during a procedure. Or the accountant who can't--for the moment (or maybe a few days)--find the issue that's causing all the numbers to appear wonky in his spreadsheet.
But those aren't "blocks." Those are the occasional hiccups we can all expect from life.
So what do I do when I have one of those moments? For me, walking away is the best remedy. Perhaps for the day. In rare occasions, a little longer. Immersing myself in art of some sort--a book, a movie, a museum, a play--can help my mind figure out what I need to do next. I've also started practicing self-hypnosis, which has been a big help. Our subconscious minds hold SO many answers.
I think this quote from author Terry Pratchett says it best: “There’s no such thing as writer’s block. That was invented by people in California who couldn’t write.”
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