Blocking Out Writer's Block

The so-called "writer's block" is a mental barrier to inspired writing. It's loosely defined as the inability to begin or continue writing for no reason other than a lack of inspiration, skill, or commitment. It's not an actual medical condition, but for someone who derives their living from transcribing thoughts and ideas from their imagination to the electronic page, it can feel like it is.

Some writers maintain that writer's block doesn't really exist, that it is an excuse or a crutch to justify procrastination, a lack of focus, or outright laziness. Others believe in it almost as a physical manifestation. A boogie man that haunts the recesses of their minds and their writing spaces, waiting to pounce at the most inopportune time and bludgeon their chances at turning a phrase—or worse, to even know what to write about.

In my experience, writer's block is quite real. When it comes out of the shadows for me, it stands before me like an insurmountable wall—a blank canvas—bone white, thrice painted over brick with a rough-hewn surface. It stands a mile high and extends into infinity in both directions. It is impossible to scale and offers nothing in response—nothing to say, nothing to think about, angry and foreboding in its nothingness.

Perhaps that's the very reason I'm writing about it: to slay the beast, to banish the ghosts, to call Voldemort by name into the daylight to do battle once and for all.

Admittedly, my salves for writer's block have always been reliable yet inconsistent and even ill-advised writing partners: reading, deadlines, and drinking (in good measure and moderation, I assure you).

I've found that nothing inspires me to write more than reading what others have written. When the ideas and words flow, it's often because I'm in the middle of a novel or autobiography with clever turns of phrase, interesting characters, and unforeseen plot twists. By absorbing those other voices and views, I can more easily find my own.

As for deadlines, I have thrived when the clock is ticking down my entire life. I delivered my college thesis written, bound, and delivered by hand at 7 a.m. following several sleepless days of cranking to do so. Despite every appearance being contrary, I do not miss deadlines, flights, or appointments. I may and do cut it very close, but I find true inspiration in the pressure. Time slows down. The gears come together. Everything clicks.

As for the drinking part, writers love to cite Ernest Hemingway's famous advice, "Write drunk, edit sober." Unfortunately, Hemingway never actually said that, but I truly wish he had. The soul and brain sometimes need a little lubrication for those gears to start their spin and unlock. However, the edit sober part is a key ingredient in that cocktail. Let the floodgates open when putting words to the page, but later, let a sober person decide what is and what should never be.

Of course, if a healthier vice, such as a long run, yoga, or meditation, works as your personal muse, you should probably indulge in that instead.

Expelliarmus!