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The 7 Stages Of Writer's Block

It's the pits.

Lauren Wester

Sep 07, 2016

Jacksonville State University

welcome2thewritersbloc

As I'm sitting here writing this, I'm experiencing a terrible case of writer's block. We've all been through this, whether it's for a school assignment, work, or our own personal writing. It's the pits. You try and try for what feels like forever to just come up with one decent sentence to at least get the ball rolling, and you can't even do that. They say to write what you know, write from your experiences. Well that's what I'm doing here. I'm experiencing writer's block (and do quite often, actually), and I'm going to tell you what it's like.

1. Optimism

You sit down, open your laptop (or notebook, whatever), and get ready to start your next writing adventure. No big deal. Easy peasy. You've done it a million times before.

2. Unease

The cursor keeps blinking at you... and blinking... and blinking. But... where are the words? Why aren't they coming? It's fine. Just give it a minute. They'll come.

3. 30 minutes later...

WHERE ARE THE WORDS?! Brain, why are you not working?? Just. Do. It. Put one letter after another and make a word. Any word.

4. Break time

Your vision is starting to blur from staring at the empty screen/page for so long, so you take a break. Make some coffee, get a snack, stretch - do something to get your blood flowing and hopefully kick start your brain.

5. Research

When all else fails, if you're writing an article hit up social media or other news sources and figure out what's going on in the world. Maybe you have a different opinion or perspective on something. Or if you're writing for school, try and find other papers on the subject you're writing on. JUST DON'T PLAGIARIZE.

6. Try again

Now that you've spent most of your research time stalking people on social media, it's time to crack down. Get serious and... is that your phone ringing??

7. 1 hour later...

Just give up and go to bed. You gave it a valiant effort. It may only be two in the afternoon but you deserve a nap after all that non-work you just did.

I wish I knew the cure for this annoying mind block, but I don't. I don't think anybody does, really. People have written articles on how to overcome it, but each person is different. What works for one person might not work for you. Try different things until you stumble upon something that works for you. And if all else fails, just go to bed and try again tomorrow.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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The 7 Stages Of Writer's Block

It's the pits.

1. Optimism

2. Unease

3. 30 minutes later...

4. Break time

5. Research

6. Try again

7. 1 hour later...

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What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1. You feel like an elder.

2. You may feel lonely.

3. Senioritis is more real than ever.

4. You may feel a little down sometimes.

5. Fear of missing out won't be as real.

6. You are a college pro.

7. You'll have more free time.

8. You're happy you're still in school.

9. You feel like a guru.

10. You continue to grow.

"I don't want to do things. I want to do not things."

1. When your advisor tells you that you should declare a major soon.

2. Seeing the lost and confused freshmen and remembering that was you a short year ago, and now being grateful you know the ins and outs of the campus.

3. Going to the involvement fair to sign up for more clubs knowing that you are already too involved.

4. When you actually do the reading required for the first class.

5. Seeing your friends for the first time since last semester.

6. When you're already drowning in homework during syllabus week.

7. Realizing you don't have the same excitement for classes as you did as a freshman.

8. Going home and seeing people from high school gets weirder the older you get.

9. You've already established your de-stress routine.

10. Wondering where all the new freshman came from.

11. But ultimately being glad that you have a lot more knowledge than you did a year ago.

Freedom vs. Curfew

No one cares if you wear pajamas to class

You don't live with mommy anymore, say hello to cereal and Ramen Noodles

Curfew? Never heard of her.

Everything said in class is most likely posted online

Sundays are now for hangovers and homework

The realization that you need your pet now more than ever

High school parties are nothing compared to college

Exams are worth way more than participation points

The library is now your new best friend

You don't live with your mom anymore... call her

Moms are super heroes dressed in yesterday's clothing and they deserve an award for that.

1. For all of the endless hugs and kisses you always seem to smother me in.

2. For teaching me how to cuddle and being the best cuddle buddy still to this day.

3. For teaching me some of the best "mom dance moves"

4. For pushing through all of the sleepless nights and still being super mom.

5. For not killing me every time you found me cutting my own bangs.

6. For showing me all the classics and helping me develop a good taste in movies.

7. And for watching the ridiculous reality TV shows with me because no one else will.

8. For helping me with all of that awful homework that even you couldn't understand.

9 For giving us a taste of our own medicine when we needed it.

10. For setting my curfew at a reasonable hour to ensure I didn't get into any mischief. (I was still able to accomplish a little mayhem though)

11. For spoiling me as a little girl but making me do chores as I got older. I now understand the point of having a clean house.

12. For being the best host to all of the weird friends I would bring over.

13. And for standing up for me when those weird friends stabbed me in the back.

14. For listening when I needed to vent and always giving the best advice possible.

15. For being the absolute best cook. No arguments there.

16. For answering every single phone call and the millions of questions that I always have.

17. For letting me form my own identity and encouraging me along the way.

18. For going on shopping dates with me and always telling me your honest opinion.

19. For rolling the windows down and singing along to the music with me.

20. And for being the best mom possible. I love you!

I wish I had my mom.

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