Mental Constipation
Thought I'd discuss every writer’s worst fear -- WRITERS BLOCK.
Now I've never had what I'd consider true writers block, which as I define it would be having a desire or need to write but not the ability to conjure up a subject, characters, plot, or even an idea.
But I do sometimes have what I'd describe as writer's hurdle. I can see and imagine where I want to go, but there an obstacle between me and the finish line. An impediment between the thoughts within my noggin and that flashing cursor on my computer.
When this happens and I find myself staring at a blank screen for ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes I have a choice to make. Forget trying to get it right and just get something down. Sometimes this works and I write myself over the hurdle. If that doesn't work I have a few other constructive tactics that help, playing Farmville, doom scrolling, or banging your hea agaisnt the wall are not among them.
1) Listen to music. I favor Texas songwriters who tell a good story through their lyrics. Such as Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Robison, Cory Morrow. But I like nearly all types of music as long as the person singing actually writes the majority of the songs they perform. I have very little respect for the pretty faces that have decent enough voices but no heart behind their songs. But don't get me started because that is another blog for another day.
2) Read. Diving into a good story and getting involved with someone else's characters sometimes allows the voices I created to become clearer. But be careful of letting their voice becomes yours.
3) Drive. A good long car ride by myself is always good for my writing. But maybe not for the other drivers on the road once I get my mind wrapped totally around the story in my head.
4) Shower- A really long hot shower has away of melting away my mental barriers and allowing the flow to resume.
So how about the rest of your writers out there? Do you get writer's block or writer's hurdle, and how do you combat this hideous disease?
Jerry does his MS Telethon. Whoopi, Billy, and Robin host Comic Relief, Willie puts on Farm Aid. Where is Writers Relief and who should be the big name behind it?
