Fighting Writer's Block

Even something as simple as a thank you note or an email to mom can turn us into quivering blobs when we can't find two words to put together. And that's all bad enough on a regular basis, but when someone is paying to see your words, it just adds to the stress.

How do I get over writer's block? It depends on how severe it is, how long it's lasted, and what the project is that I am working on.

I have never had much success just going for a walk to clear my head. My head usually does the same thing as I walk down the street as when I sit at my computer. It worries, it stresses. Fresh air and a change of scenery just don't do much for me.

A trip to Starbucks with my laptop sometimes helps. No idea why, really. Perhaps it's the general ambiance of the place, other quasi intellectuals sitting around trying to get work done and ignoring their counterparts nearby.

What works best for me in general, however, is to read. The newspaper, things I've already written, online headlines, even a Victoria's Secret catalog --- keep the words flowing and soon NEW words will be flowing.

The other day I was working on a piece for a medical device manufacturer. Bored me to tears. Really! I took breaks, I returned calls, I went shopping. I had lunch. I played with my seven new kittens. I did everything I could to avoid getting this paper done because I had no idea what to write about.

But suddenly one of my kitties did something inspiring. At a mere nine days old she opened one eye and looked at me, and purred. I picked her and put her on a little towel on my desk where I could pat her and suddenly the words just started flowing. It was amazing.

Was it because I was totally relaxed? Happy? Giving my heart to another creature who needs me? I don't know. And I don't care. All I know is that words can come from anywhere, for any reason.

There is no perfect way to get rid of the block or uncongest the mind. But I'm starting to learn, after all these years, that worrying about it won't help.