Writer’s Block or Procrastination? Be Honest
May 29, 2008 · Print This Article
Most of us struggle with it. We’ve got a writing project due soon, but we just can’t think of anything to write or how to intelligently write what thoughts we do have.
While our brains could be freezing up on us, barring us from the creative ability to write something worth turning in, I think it’s more likely we’re being lazy–or, at least, we were lazy when we first got the assignment and we procrastinated so long that with the deadline almost here, we either don’t have enough material to work with or we haven’t allowed enough time to comfortably finish the project before it’s due.
And now we don’t feel like dealing with the mess we’ve created.
There’s only really two ways to combat this, I think.
Take a break
Take a walk outside, lie back and watch a movie, or go out for a couple drinks for a couple hours. Forget about the project and just relax with activities that don‘t tax our minds. The key is to take a break for a set amount of time to relax and refresh and then to come back and knock out the project. The excursion should provide energy, and possibly, ideas.
Get to work
Usually, when we complain about writer’s block preventing us from finishing (or beginning) a project that’s due soon, we’re being irresponsible. We agreed to do the project by a certain time; we need to get it done. Don’t wait for inspiration or even motivation–with a paycheck and your reputation on the line, you should be motivated enough.
Here’s some great advice from Robert Ringer:
“What separates professional writers from amateurs is that they take action and start putting words on the computer regardless of whether or not they are motivated. In my experience, after I force myself to start writing, a seamless transition takes place and I become motivated.
When you force yourself to write, it stimulates your brain and body cells and gets your creative juices flowing. And that, in turn, revs up your motivation. It’s the only way I know to combat procrastination. Writing is not about the future. Writing is about putting your hands on the keyboard now.” [bold emphasis mine]
Getting Honest and Real
I’ve found that to be true–often, I’ll have a deadline looming, but very little interest in my subject or desire to do the hard work of creating. But…once I simply sit down and start writing, usually, that “seamless transition” that Ringer speaks of occurs. I begin to pick up steam and rather enjoy writing the piece.
When we have a project due, it’s time to do the hard work of writing regardless of how we feel. Just begin writing and stick to it, and often, good things will happen.
In upcoming posts, I’ll share some of the things that help me to create the energy and focus necessary to forge through difficult, time-consuming projects.
Writer’s block is coming up a lot recently. Here’s what I said at LinkedIn today:
I think writer’s block is a phantom… a self-made fabrication thats sole purpose is to justify our fear of the blank page and/or our fear of sucking. No other profession in the world — aside from maybe that of performers or athletes — can claim such a thing and have people excuse it. You never hear, “I’ve got software developer’s block,” or “I’ve got airline pilot’s block,” or “I’ve got sheet metal presser’s block.”
I don’t know about you all, but I have deadlines. Deadlines don’t afford me the luxury of getting writer’s block. Sometimes what I write is crap. I call that stuff “drafts.”
But I’m always writing… which means writer’s block doesn’t become a factor.
Rob in Denver’s last blog post..Another reason my wife is awesome
Nice new look.
Roll with it? Who are you?
Let’s hear a rap…when is your video coming out?
Rob,
Great point you make:
“No other profession in the world — aside from maybe that of performers or athletes — can claim such a thing and have people excuse it. You never hear, ‘I’ve got software developer’s block,’ or ‘I’ve got airline pilot’s block,’ or ‘I’ve got sheet metal presser’s block.’”
You’re right–deadlines are deadlines. Regardless of how we feel, we gotta roll with it.
Thanks for your thoughts.
There’s another difference between the professional and the amateur: professionals not only start writing no matter how they feel like, we also put down words on paper no matter what they are like.
As an amateur one always want to write ‘well’. I don’t, at least, not at the start of a project. I just go by the word count. I set myself a certain amount of words to write. Then I put down words on paper that somehow relate (or not) to the theme I’m developing. When the wordcount is complete, I close the laptop.
At that point I don’t care whether my writing is ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Because I know that when I come back to it later, what I’ve written will spark more thoughts and slowly this thing will get itself written.
I’d like to put together what Rob and Mary said.
It’s all about fear - fear of discovering that you are not as good as you thought and fear of not producing something ‘perfect’ (whatever that means).
And these fears, honestly, are the indulgences of the ‘amateur’, that is someone who thinks writing is all about muse and talent and nothing to do with hard work and practice. When you are serious about the craft you sit down and write.
One of my favourite quotes:
“…if it’s writing time, I write. I may write garbage, but you can always edit garbage. You can’t edit a blank page.” Jodi Picoult
Rebecca Leigh’s last blog post..A secret rebellion: why do you really forget to take your meds?
Mary,
Good point about writing regardless of the quality of the words–it’s important to get a full rough draft out there to have something to work with when you come back after your break.
Rebecca,
You’re right–”When you are serious about the craft you sit down and write.” That’s a great quote by Picoult too.
I only write when I already have sufficient notes written down. I know what I’m going to write, before I write it. So writers block usually isn’t an issue. The only issue then is procrastination.
Perhaps writing can be likened to being nice, or to being patient. Often, we may not feel like being nice or patient; if our behavior always reflected how we felt, we’d be pretty crummy people.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..I Survived Abercrombie & Fitch
Bamboo,
Good point about not letting our feelings constantly dictate our behavior.
Yeah, I really do think most writer’s block stems from procrastination.
Thanks for the Stumble, by the way. I really appreciate it.
I have found in my blogging that most writers procrastinate like crazy, but blame it on one of two things: 1) not having the time to write or 2) being blocked/not having anything to write about.
I find that procrastination can ruin a writer, heck it’s ruined my writing for years!
If you’re a procrastinating writer and need more advice, inspiration or motivation, check out my Procrastinating Writers blog at http://www.procrastinatingwriters.blogspot.com
jennifer’s last blog post..Never Give Up On Your Writing Dreams
Jennifer,
You’re right, procrastination really can ruin a writer.
So…let’s all stop procrastinating.
Starting with me. Ok.
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