Is writer's block all that common?
I want to become a published author, but lots of people keep telling me that there's a very high chance that I will get stuck. Does it happen often? #people
3 answers
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Natalie,
I personally had a writer's block last year, due to the death of my mother. I was 15 days without writing, because I always remembered her, and thoughts came and went.
Writer's block exists, but is not a rule. It may appear or not. This will depend on your state of stress, emotional, health problems, excessive perfectionism, fear, frustration, ingestion of alcoholic beverages, use of illicit drugs, among others.
This article is amazing, and can answer all your questions:
http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/10/04/writers-block-causes-symptoms-cures-overcoming-it/
Don´t be afraid and good luck in your writing career!
thank you Danilea! :)
Natalie
Oscar’s Answer
Hello Natalie,
Writer's block is pretty much not having the inspiration and drive that you had when you were writing. But it happens to all creative people, artists, musicians, photographers, film directors, etc. I get it myself also, but how I kick it away is changing my time of working, instead of in the morning, I can work in the afternoon. You can also decide to work in another place, like the library, in a secret place that only you know about, a hotel room, any other place that is not the same where you originally work. Taking a break, going for a walk, doing something else that you enjoy like working out, watching a funny film. These are some tips that can help and you can try out when you feel stuck. But don't let what others say about you getting writer's block stop you from getting published, Stephen King, the man who has published some of the most known books of our time struggled with writer's block, and I bet he still does. Honoré de Balzac found out that he got great work done in hotel rooms. So even the best and well known get writers block.
I hope this helps, and don't stop from doing what you love just because someone said you will have walls in the road. Whenever you do get a wall, get a hammer and smash through.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Is Writer’s Block Common?
Writer’s block is a common phenomenon experienced by many writers, both aspiring and established. It is characterized by a temporary inability to produce new work or come up with fresh ideas. While the frequency and severity of writer’s block can vary from person to person, it is widely acknowledged in the writing community as a real and prevalent challenge.
Factors Contributing to Writer’s Block:
Perfectionism: Writers often struggle with the pressure to produce flawless work, leading to self-criticism and creative paralysis.
Fear of Failure: The fear of not meeting one’s own expectations or those of others can hinder creativity and productivity.
Lack of Inspiration: Sometimes writers may feel uninspired or lack motivation, making it difficult to generate new ideas.
Overwhelm: Facing a blank page or having too many ideas at once can overwhelm writers, causing them to feel stuck.
Frequency of Writer’s Block:
While writer’s block is a common experience among writers, its frequency can vary depending on individual factors such as writing habits, personal challenges, and external pressures. Some writers may encounter writer’s block more frequently than others due to their unique circumstances and creative processes.
Dealing with Writer’s Block:
Establishing a Routine: Creating a regular writing schedule can help establish a sense of discipline and consistency in your writing practice.
Setting Realistic Goals: Breaking down your writing goals into manageable tasks can make the process less daunting and reduce the pressure to be perfect.
Seeking Support: Connecting with other writers, joining writing groups, or seeking professional help can provide valuable insights and encouragement during periods of writer’s block.
In conclusion, writer’s block is a common challenge that many writers face at some point in their careers. By understanding the factors contributing to writer’s block and implementing strategies to overcome it, aspiring authors like yourself can navigate through creative slumps and continue pursuing their passion for writing.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Writing Cooperative
Writer’s Digest
Harvard Business Review
These sources were consulted for their expert insights on the topic of writer’s block, providing valuable information on its prevalence, causes, and strategies for overcoming it in the writing process.
God Bless You, Richly, JC.