The definition of writer’s block is: a usually temporary condition in which a writer finds it impossible to proceed with the writing of a novel, play, or other work. (dictionary.com) We all understand what it is, and some people have admitted to experiencing it, but is it real?
My question has an underlying focus. There are times where we, as writers, sometimes write ourselves into a corner, or have created a plot hole so big, it’s more like a black hole, sucking at everything in existence. I’ve had uncooperative characters, or ones that magically appeared out of nowhere and jumped into my story.
So, while yes… the idea of writer’s block is valid… there are times where I sit there, staring at the screen while my brain does its own version of patty cake with itself. But, when I do experience a ‘block’, it’s always my own fault. I’ve had many times where I can’t think of a blog post or story idea for possible future books, but I don’t like to call those ‘writer’s block’. Lack of ideas isn’t writer’s block to me. It’s once you have the idea, and have started writing.
I’ve had slowdowns in my writing, where the words seem to flow slower than molasses in winter. I’ve had times where I needed to take a short break to figure out where the story and characters are going. Neither of those fit my definition of an actual block, though. I’ve also encountered each of the problems above. I’ve written myself into a corner so badly that I had to write a different version of the whole chapter to prevent things from happening before they were supposed to. I’m in the process of rewriting the end of my book because it was too cheesy. I’ve had characters stubbornly refuse to ‘perform’ for me when I needed them to. I’m also working a character in who showed up after the book was written.
But all of those were my fault. In every instance, it wasn’t impossible to proceed. I just chose to focus on the issue at hand until it resolved itself. I could have worked on a different part of the story, or even popped in a placeholder and continued on with the chapter. This begs us to ask another question… how long does the ‘temporary condition’ have to be to be considered a block?
I choose to believe that writer’s block, as determined by the definition, seems to be of our own doing. Then again, I probably haven’t taken into consideration things like mental issues, depression, life circumstances such as work and family, etc… What do you think? Is it something you’ve experienced? Was it your fault? Do you think writer’s block is real, or just something made up by the unimaginative? Let me know what you think.
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