Is there any such thing as “writer’s block”? A quick internet search indicates that it is debatable. Some people say it is very real while others say it is a myth or figment of the tormented writer’s imagination. Strange. What is that horrible nothingness that occurs when I am sitting in front of my laptop or when I’m staring at a blank page in my journal? I may call my Coke “pop” and you may call yours “soda”. Similarly, we each may have a different name for what I call “writer’s block”.
Without getting into a debate I would like to share some of the things I do when I have to deal with that mental hurdle I call “writer’s block”.
Bird watching – I sit on the deck with a cup of black coffee and my Canon DSLR. The bird-feeders in my back yard along with the woods that lay beyond invite a variety of birds’ native to the Shawnee Forest and Southern Illinois. The beauty of the birds and gazing through the camera is very relaxing. I often get some of my best ideas while watching birds.
Walking the dogs – I have two White West Highland Terriers – Bo and Tucker. I take them for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood. We often stop, sit on a hill and talk about the day and what I’m writing. Yes, I talk to my boys! I think they understand and strange as it sounds this often opens up the creative floodgates.
Listening to music – We all know how our favorite music can soothe and inspire. I love all kinds of music and often will play everything including Glen Miller, B.B. King, Prince, Luther Vandross, … I find that R&B usually does more to kick in the creative juices than anything else.
Mute the T.V. – I love movies especially classic films. I will sometimes turn on the T.V., mute the sound and play my favorite music while watching a movie. My muse seems to like this combination. I’m not sure why, but I’ve come up with some of my best work while watching muted movies to the sounds of my favorite music.
Go for a ride – I go for a ride through the bottoms of Southern Illinois. Sometimes I simply speed up and down the hills and on other occasions I slow to look at the hills and mountains. The majesty and beauty of this area especially when it is painted with the colors of fall would wake the creativity in any artist.
Carry a journal or notebook – Wherever I go I carry a journal or notebook to jot down ideas. I also keep one by my bed – this is very helpful to write down dreams or ideas that occur when I just wake up. If I wait until morning, I’ll forget.
The technique I choose depends on my mood and which one I think will be the most helpful. Some of these things may or may not help you. You will have to find what techniques awaken your creativity. In the final analysis the most important thing I can do is write, write, write. Like most writers, I have found that setting aside a time to write and doing just that is very helpful. I write anything that pops into my mind. Writing is a creative pursuit, but it is also a job and if I treat it as one I find that most of the time I can turn on the creative juices when I want them.
