Inevitably in the course of writing, you hit a mental block that seems insurmountable
Today is one of those times. By now, I've scrapped at least 5 different blog posts, tossing them back to the idea-stage heap for a more clear-minded time.
The self-doubt has found its way into every aspect of my mind. Perhaps it's more than writer's block, maybe it's just my itty-bitty-shitty-committee having its regular unannounced meeting on my behalf. Thanks guys, life wouldn't be great without the balance of shittiness that you provide.
I'm writing this post to openly discuss this experience because it's something all writers deal with. It's an inevitability, one that should be embraced, not feared.
I place emphasis on 'should' because it's not something we embrace with ease
Writer's block is a brutal experience. It seems like the doubt, uncertainty, and anxiety won't cease until your thick skull is able to churn out another few lines worth reading. You write, delete, write, delete, start over, pace around your room like you've drunk a pot of coffee, wondering if the sirens outside are headed to help with your creative emergency.
Like many things in life, it's easier to say that you will embrace the moment when it inevitably arrives, yet you still rue the day when it does.
"Suffering's a tool man, just learn from the pain."
Ok, does that give me the right to punch you in the face and provide you with a fresh dose of learning for saying that?
Blocks happen, they suck. Nope, no easy answers here
This might be the time where I'd offer a convenient, easy, digestible solution for writer's block. I'd say something along the lines of "take a break, come back with fresh eyes, jog your creativity by reading other people's work, stare at the wall, go for a run." Perhaps some of those strategies work well for you, in which case I'm glad I wrote them, regardless of my bitter intent.
But there are times when nothing seems to work, where your doubting mind has you right where it wants you, and you're just supposed to shut up and take it. Forget all of those grand ideas you wanted to share with the world, it's time to slump back into your chair and reminisce about the moments when you were able to compose your disorganized thoughts into something worth reading.
When all else fails, go meta
Ok, maybe I do have some kind of 'answer' to this undesirable situation. If you can't figure out what the hell to write about, write about the experience of not being able to write about anything.
The book 'Bird by Bird' by Anne Lamott is a fantastic resource for all writers, one that delves into the idea that all experiences are worth writing about, even the ones that include nauseating self-doubt.
Tonight was not one of my more productive evenings in regards to writing. I didn't complete any blog posts for the company I do work for. I threw away all of the ideas I had in mind, as I couldn't get the gears turning fast enough to gain momentum in any direction.
But I decided to persevere through the agony of creative uncertainty and publish this post because I'm driven to get better, to continue writing in the face of obstacles and mental walls that accompany this activity.
Writer's block: you're a bitch, but thanks for helping me write this post.