The strangest thing about my experience with writer's block is how long it takes me to realize that it is writer's block. Sometimes, I am positive that I'm too lazy to earn a career in writing. Sometimes I suggested to myself that I'm out of love for my craft and I'll never care for writing again. Sometimes, I blame my busy lifestyle for the blank screen. Once I realize it's writer's block things get a little easier. Once I know what I'm up against I can beat it. So every time I realize I have writer's block I troubleshoot and usually, I use a guide found online, even one I've read a hundred times. Most of the time, the guide sounds something like '15 Common Causes of Writer's Block.'
I'll run through that article or dozens for more information on my enemy. We all have the 'causes' memorized but it's good to refresh our memory banks. The quicker I remember my triggers, the quicker I can remove those triggers. If I don't know that I'm blocked, I'll never know what's blocking me, and if I don't know what's blocking me, getting unblocked remains a crapshoot. I just have to remember to remember to remember that I'm blocked. And here's another thought, this process cures my block almost instantly, takes a few hours tops and I'm writing again. I wonder if that could be less the reading of these articles and more of the whole cue, routine, reward thing. Maybe, implementing a solid writing routine could banish writer's block for good?
Having the courage to write what I see in my head as nakedly as it comes to me. I usually find myself doling out the 'modest' versions of my ideas so as not to offend, confuse, or stray too far outside of expectations. It's when I'm brave enough to risk losing everything to keep one little sentence that I truly feel proud of myself as an author.
You're not being dramatic. It does hurt. It actually hurts. But that's because you care. So make sure you also care for yourself, ask for help, and keep going. You can't stop in the middle of labor, but it's okay to scream and hold someone's hand.
