Every writer out here has experienced this. I am sure. Infact, the reason why I am writing about writer’s block right now makes this situation a bit ironic.
Writer’s block is something that actually leaves you speechless. Blank. Nothing. It’s just that moment when we’re trying so hard to wake up the grey cells, the time we’re hitting the nails just to randomly hit the right buttons but, to our dismay, nothing blinks. Trying so hard, to think about the one great thing we can write about, to recall what we’ve always wanted to write about, but, nothing hits.
Writer’s block gets on my nerves! Sometimes, it’s just a huge wave of fun ideas and intriguing theories and sometimes, it’s just so empty. It’s like you’ve never known what it is like to ‘think’. Do you go through the same feeling, the same amount of frustration?
The harder I try to dig in the the store of ‘emergency creativity’, the deeper the pit seems to be. Somehow, it’s almost like my brain, responsible for creativity, is teasing me. I really don’t know how this statement might sound to you but, if you get my point then, do let me know!
Now, there are various reasons behind this disaster (yes, a ‘disaster’). Lack of incentives or inspiration, creativity generation problems, and distraction are few of them. However, some of the serious major causes include depression, physical illness, and pressure from various sources. One reason might also be the presence of a lot of ideas but the dilemma of which one to write about.
So, I basically did a research on this topic (Can you even imagine how frustrated I became because of this block?!). Edmund Bergler was the first psychoanalyst in 1947 to describe this condition. Also, I found out that there is a syndrome called ‘Blank Page Syndrome’. In this, the writer faces the absence of ideas for a longer period of time. The only way to get rid of this syndrome is to write about anything, even if it doesn’t make sense.
Now, to make the situation a bit easier to cope up with, you might want to read a book, go out for a walk, listen to music and meditate for a while or even sleep! You might get lucky by dreaming and getting an idea from there!
However, there comes a point wherein you just give up trying. You might go on Google and type “topics to write about” and the prompts it shows helps a lot of people. But, some like me (at times) might just not find anything great and effective in them. For the ones like me, it’s the end of being hopeful, the end of trying. It’s not that we start yelling or crying but, it’s sort of an internal disappointment. Isn’t it? Yet, when all hope is given up, and all efforts have gone in vain, there is again a ray of sunshine that crops it’s way. An idea. A thought. A line. Maybe, a word. Yes, that is how it starts all over again. There’s suddenly a click which makes you feel at ease and you feel ecstatic, once again. It’s like an accomplishment, a situation that makes you feel virtuoso. And, that’s one of the best feelings ever.
Could you relate to this post? Found this post nice? Then, like, comment and share! Don’t forget to tell me how you get rid of this crisis!
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With love,
Meher
Oh God, this is so on point.
It’s like the worst thing.
It’s when my hands are actually aching to write, but they can’t.
My mind wants to get some thoughts out onto paper, but it doesn’t happen.
I mean, I’ll even have a proper writing atmosphere around me, but it STILL won’t happen.
It’s when I wanna write but I can’t.
You expressed it so beautifully and accurately. ❤
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Thank you so much, Shruti! It indeed is the worst thing! It’s like being stranded on an island.
So glad you liked it!!❤
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Thankfully it has not affected me ever. I am always short of time but never on ideas. I can say one thing the more you read the better you become. Corollary: you get more ideas
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Oh, that’s great!
I am a very enthusiastic reader! And, it’s absolutely true that reading helps you get ideas. However, I sometimes do face this block. It’s probably because of either the dilemma reason or maybe, just that sometimes, it takes time to get the ideas flowing in the direction I want to steer them. Of course, it’s not the case always!
Thanks for your view, Siddhartha!
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You must be a voracious reader. Your writing reflects that. It might be some sort of brain fade or something which can affect anybody.
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Reading remains to be the best activity in the world!😊 Thanks for visiting!
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Hi Meher,
Yes, I could relate to it, absolutely.
There is always a point when your mind stops working in collaboration with you. I have never tried to break it, if my mind does not want to work, I comply as I know that it loves to overthink things and I can only give it rest when it wants to.
So when I face a writer’s block, I just sit and read.
I am happy to connect with you here. Would love to read your future posts.
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Hi Moushmi!
I really appreciate your view point! Indeed, one should not force one’s mind to think about something which it is not ready to actually think about…
Reading, definitely, helps a lot in such cases!
I am glad that you liked this post! I, too, am happy to connect with you!
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This is great! I especially love your inclusion on the history behind writers block!
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Thanks a lot! Pleased to know that you liked it!
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though I am new to this blogging world…but sometimes i feel like its all in the mind but doesn’t connected to my fingers…. 🙂
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Haha so true! Thanks for checking this post out!
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I definitely related to this one, Meher. Wow. I feel like I’ve had my fair share of writers block since I’ve been writing and especially over the course of writing my own blog. It’s frustrating and a rotten black abyss of cruelty. I actually liked your suggestions because I have found most of them (granted I haven’t tried them all!) to be brilliant and clever tricks to tip the creative juices into the correct flow. Thanks for sharing!!
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I can totally get you! It indeed is “a rotten black abyss of cruelty”- this is probably one of the best ways to describe it.
I am glad that you could find this post helpful! Thank you!
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You’re quite welcome!! 😃😃
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I really am amazed how people can easily write their thoughts. My problem is somewhat a little complex than just a writer’s block. As much as I wanted to write using my spoken language, I cannot. Since I’ve already establish my blog using my second language and using it means I would have a hard time expressing my thoughts, not to mention having a writer’s block issue TOO!!!
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Oh, I believe that you can overcome this problem of not being able to write and pour down all your thoughts by just using a simple trick! Write. Write whatever comes to your mind. Once you’re done, think about what you’ve written. Edit your writing until you’re impressed. But, always start by writing whatever comes to your mind. You’ll be amazed by how it’ll slowly turn into a meaningful write-up. You can do it!
Hope this was helpful! 😊
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Of course this is helpful. Interacting does the work and having random insights is a must. Thanks!
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Most welcome! Thanks for checking this post out!
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It’s kind of my habit to read somewhere else and explore what’s happening around the world in random.
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Thank you Meher. You nailed it. When I feel down and my inspiration is gone I visit my fellow’s blogs and read what they wrote. I also draw some paintings this relaxes me and makes me feel positive and joyful. Listening to music also helps. You are right instead of sitting there and waiting we should do something. Glad I read your article. Smiles and Hugs.
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Thank you so much, Sylvia! Doing whatever relaxes your mind and enables you to think better is a great way to escape the block!
Pleased to know that you liked this post!
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A really great post. I also have creative blocks, when greetings card design or painting inspiration just doesn’t happen, so I can relate to this post. Well written, thank you for sharing.
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Glad that you could relate to this post! Thank you!
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“Trying hard to wake up the grey cells” best said
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Thanks a lot for reading this post, Shivani!
Yes, the grey cells. They just refuse to wake up at times.😂
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True😂✌️
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Hi Meher!
I started just yesterday and I could already relate to it. You know why? Because I didn’t know how to put across my introductory line but they say it right – Try and try until you succeed.
Took it literally and did succeed! Really like your scribbles 🙂
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Hi Monika!
Oh, great! Glad that you could relate to this post!
And yes, we need to keep on trying until we get it. Thank you for reading!
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On point!
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Thanks!
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