Is there a writer who’s not weary to get The Block, I wonder? It makes one shudder just to think about - The Block. You know, the “dreaded disease” that strikes writers at one time or another.

If you’ve been through one (or still having one), I know you know what I mean.

Since it seems to be a pretty common ailment among writers, I consulted several references on the said ‘disease’. And, when I excavated the library of writing books that I have, I realised that practically every writer wrote about it. Natalie Goldberg, Anne Lamott, Sophy Burnham, Marshall Cook… Yes, each one had a chapter dedicated to The Block in their books.

They’ve noted different causes and prescribed various ‘cures. Here’s a summary of what they had to say -

Cause #1: Lack of Concentration - One is unable to focus right on the project. Keeps on jumping about. Can’t finish any-

Rx: Okay, giving one or two words of your topic description would help. An outline is better, of course, in some cases. But, don’t bother if you don’t work that way. Just write down your main idea then tape it in front of you as you write, if you wish. Refer to it every now and then. Then start writing!

Cause #2: Reign of the Inner Critic - A feeling that nothing you come up with is good enough. Some call it the Inner Judge, the Inner Editor or the Little Mind.

Rx: Just remember that editing comes later. Let the writing come first. Let it all out. Enjoy the words as they come and let your mind and imagination play. Think that anything is possible at this time. And that you’re allowed to make several not-so-good attempts. That’s why the word “draft” is invented. Just write on.

Cause #3: Unfinished Efforts - Or not enough ‘composting’ (according to Natalie) or the idea is ‘barely cooked’. Perhaps, it’s just way too early to tackle your writing idea.

Rx: Leave that idea for awhile and just come back later. It will not disappear. Jot down all you can as of now, then leave it. Think of it as a bank deposit in your journal. It will earn interest in the process. And, think of all the other ideas that’re begging for your attention saying: “Write Me - Now!”.

Cause #4: Fear of Failure - Or the irrational idea that one will be rejected or would feel quite inadequate. Oh well…

Rx: “Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again, Fail again. Fail better.” That’s what author Samuel Beckett said. Quite apt indeed. After all, what are the chances of success and failure? They’ve got 50-50.

Cause #5: Fear of Success - A-what? Well, yes some people do wonder if success will bring additional stress, responsibility, and/or expectations that they do not wish to face. And, that stops them from writing.

Rx: Don’t worry about something that may not even happen. If writing is important, nothing else will matter. We’re all born survivors. You’ll learn to deal with things as they come.

Cause #6: Stress or Depression - A feeling of being overworked, pressured, or wishing to tear your hair out or something. Well, not quite but…

Rx: Don’t push yourself too much. Sometimes, it’s better just tolet yourself be. Do something else. Or write in your journal if you must about why you feel stressed or depressed. Otherwise, take a break and enjoy life.

Cause #7: Undergoing an Overwhelming Task - Otherwise known as taking on a project that’s ‘more than one can chew’. The job just appears too enormous.

Rx: Break it down into small pieces. Take it one step at a time. And, according to Anne Lamott’s father, you may take it “Bird by Bird”. Thought by thought. Word by word. Before you know it - you’d be all done and ready.

More causes and cures may be brought out, perhaps. And yes, there is no one-cure-for-all answer to this. But, when I find myself tempted to give in to The Block, I tell myself this:

“When the words won’t come, fetch it. Knock on its door. Bang on the windows and refuse to let up. Sooner or later, like a distraught neighbour you pester, it will reveal itself. In a nightgown or robe, the Words will come out yawning and perhaps angry for having been disturbed. And then- then - sparks will start to fly.” Just make sure you’ve got pen and paper (or word processor?) ready to catch those sparks.

Also, the book Room To Write by Bonni Goldberg is highly recommended to help with ‘Starter Exercises’ that will kick The Block out of the Writer’s Way. It contains several (as in, a book full of) short activities to pump your creative writing juices.

The Block may be a dreadful disease. But, there are definitely ways to go around and get ‘cured’. Just be a persistent writer. After all, if you really really want to write, then nothing - not even The Block - can deter you from doing what you love to do best.

* First published on Suite101.com in a slightly different format.
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