Writer’s Block gets a lot of bad press. Authors fear it. It’s called an occupational hazard. People write about how to avoid it and how to get unblocked, and I’m one of those who’s written posts like that (here and here).
Could it be that Writer’s Block (WB) might really be a good thing?
Today I’ll try finding some positive aspects of WB. I’ll put it on a pedestal and let it shine a bit.
I came across this brief quote from author Gay Talese and it caused me to look at WB in a different light. He says it’s a signal we’re not ready to write at our best; it’s an inner voice that is doing us a favor by holding us back.
True, WB is an interruption in your production of words, and you will earn no sales from future works until production resumes. But Talese is saying there are worse things, such as creating stories of inferior quality. At best, those low-grade stories won’t get published. At worst, they will, and your reputation as an author will suffer.
Perhaps, then, you should think of WB as an opportunity. It’s the stranger who grabs you by the shoulder while you’re hacking your way through the forest with your machete and says, “There’s quicksand, and a hungry bear, and a steep cliff that way, Mate.” Then he vanishes somewhere into the foliage.
It’s decision time for you. You could ignore him and continue hacking. Or you could consult your map and compass and discover he is right. You were going the wrong direction. The lost city of gold lies that way.
Note: this mysterious guide only detained you. He didn’t point out the right way, let alone lead you straight to El Dorado. Writer’s Block by itself doesn’t get your story going aright. It only stays you from going awry. It’s up to you to figure out the proper path.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying WB is something to seek out or strive for. It’s best not to be hacking your way toward the quicksand in the first place. It’s just comforting to know that if you are headed for trouble, some strange entity, some being from your unconscious mind, may seize your shoulder before you’ve gone too far.
Maybe changing the name will cause us to think of it in a different light. Writer’s Block sounds dreadful, like some career-stalling or hobby-killing disease. Perhaps Writer’s Pause or something like that would be better. If you can think of a more positive term for Writer’s Block, let me know by leaving a comment.
Got you to look at it differently, didn’t I? You’re welcome. Don’t worry; I’ve already thought of a way you can express your gratitude. If you do get a good case of Writer’s Block, and it causes you to rethink your story, and a publisher gives you a million dollar advance, it would be only right for you to mail a modest but significant check to—
Poseidon’s Scribe
