Causes of Writers Block ~ Part 2

Continuing on the Writer’s Block symptoms and possible causes, do any of these sound familiar?

You don’t feel confident about finishing that particular section. If this might be the culprit, leave that section and work on one about which you feel real excitement! Go back later and see if more research would boost your confidence for writing the earlier section.

Later consideration may even show that the section doesn’t belong there or perhaps in that book at all! You’ll find various loosely connected subtopics that don’t belong in the main body of the book but that will make either a fascinating appendix at the end or a future, promotional article. So don’t toss out information – file it!

An overwhelming restlessness has invaded your feet and your seat! This is an occupational hazard and has been known to plague even long-experienced writers. It’s an infection of unknown origin, and can only be treated by sitting at the keyboard or legal pad and putting words down.

I’ve never heard a coherent explanation of what causes this. Could it be that we shy away from hard work? Or that the old “who are you to write a book?” message lurks in a bleak corner of our subconscious?Understanding the why isn’t nearly as important as just sitting in the chair and typing. Just plow right through the hesitation and do it regardless of how feeble the words may sounds to you at the moment.

Notice, between this piece and the previous one, most writer’s blocks involve avoidance of writing rather than actually yearning to do some other specific activity. Such is the writing life. It’s acutely personal and emotional on many levels at once. But, again, the only way to experience the heady euphoria of having written something well is actually writing. Really ...

Linda