Dear Dr. LeCrone:
I am a student in a creative writing class, and the teacher has given us the task of interviewing someone who writes regularly and has experienced writer’s block at some time in his career. I know you have been writing your newspaper column for many years, and wonder if you would share your own experience of dealing with writers block.
-A reader in Arizona.
Dear Reader:
I have indeed experienced writer’s apathy on more than one occasion.
This problem is often complex, and for those who are full-time writers, writer’s block can be a real occupational hazard.
Since I am only a part-time writer, because I have kept my day job, I have never suffered the psychological trauma that a full-time writer must experience when struck by this malady.
I tend to be a perfectionist at times, and without introspection and self-care sometimes feel that I need to become better and better at what I am doing. Honing my efforts to a sharper edge makes self-criticism and rejection a real problem. During these times, I end up throwing away two or three columns before deciding I am done for the day.
Another problem can develop when I have chosen a topic that I really don’t enjoy writing about. I sometimes struggle with the topic until I finally realize that the topic and I simply have bad chemistry.
At other times I feel like I am in a rut. The spark necessary to start my writing engine churning is absent and I am stalled.
The following are some things that I have found helpful in overcoming my bouts of inertia.
• I switch to different tools and/or a different working environment. If I have been using a computer, I may try dictating or handwriting in an attempt to “jump start” my creative juices. Instead of sitting at a desk, I go to Starbucks or my back yard.
• For me, exercise frequently gets me past the mental block that I call my creative blahs. A good workout at the gym followed by a massage usually puts me back in the frame of mind necessary to compose a piece. I then quit trying to make the words resume by beating myself up with unproductive thinking.
• Finally, I don’t quit writing because I know that for me, this is not a terminal condition. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Hi.
I’m an experienced Clinical Practitioner, Administrator, Professional Writer, and Lecturer.
