If you’ve been around the block, you’ve probably come across some posts stating that Writer’s Block just doesn’t exist. According to
some it just has to be some figment of our imagination. How can someone just run out of words to write? There’s always something to say! Well I’m here to tell you that what you’ve read is false. Depending on how you define writer’s block, it most certainly does exist. But if you allow it to exist, it very well can mean the end of your career. According to Wikipedia, Writer’s Block means, “a condition, primarily associated with writing as a profession, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work.”
However, one might argue writer’s block only exists to those who don’t write for a living. I have to admit I agree with this sentiment. If your well-being depended on your writing and it meant you staying out of the poorhouse, I’m pretty sure you will find a way to churn out words with every breathe within you. It doesn’t matter if the words are good or not. You will find them and apply them to your bills. Therefore, those who have worked at a newspaper and were expected to write five reported stories a day cannot relate to the sentiment of writer’s block. They don’t worry about finding words that are good enough, because they know they can. They focus on finding enough words in time to meet their deadline so they can pay the bills. Hence the reason, why some argue that writer’s block simply does not exist.
However, if you associate writer’s block with the sentiment that no words seem good enough I think most can relate. No matter what industry you are in, everyone can relate to feelings of insecurity and second-guessing yourself. It’s natural, but it’s definitely not a feeling we should let linger whether it refers to writer’s block or not. The key is to find confidence and reassure yourself that what you do and say is good enough. You have the words. You are just afraid to say them.
Of course, that’s not always the easiest thing to do. Ease your mind by remembering the big picture, your goals, and your accomplishments. If that doesn’t work try a change of scenery. If you normally work at the desk in your office, move to the kitchen. Bounce some ideas off your friends and family or do a search to see what else has been written on that topic for inspiration. (But don’t plagiarize!) Most importantly, start to think like a veteran New York Times reporter and write like your life depends on it!
Do you believe Writer’s Block exists? What do you do to cope?
