Writer’s block has got to be about the worst thing that can happen to a writer, especially when the writer has all of 14 minutes to submit their writing in order to meet a deadline. It’s quite frustrating -- all you want to do is shut the computer off, go grab yourself a bag of chips and sit down and watch some Netflix.
I remember a time when I could write something every single day, and although it may not have been my best work, at least I was always writing something. I never understood how people could claim they had writer’s block when literally all a person has to do is pick up a pen and paper or sit down at a computer and open a Word document. But now (unfortunately), I do understand.
Writer’s block isn’t the inability to write an essay, a lab report or a resume. It’s sitting with your computer, staring at a blank screen at 3 a.m., and simply having nothing to say. Sometimes the thoughts pour out of you faster than you can even begin to write them down, and other times, you can’t even seem to formulate one thought.
I went through a writing slump when I started college. I still don’t know why exactly. Maybe it was the transition from being at home in a familiar place to a completely new setting and location. Maybe it was the fact that I was happy with my life and didn’t have much to be sad about, since I usually write the most when I’m feeling unhappy. Maybe it was because I didn’t have the time. I don’t know, but I’m trying to fix it.
I’ve started writing a little more, but it’s a lot harder than one might think. I realize now how wrong I was about writer’s block. It’s a real thing that happens to all writers at some point in their lives. The only way to truly get past it, though, is to write – anything. It doesn’t matter how awful you might think it is. It could be the worst poem or story you’ve ever written, but as long as you’re writing, that’s all that matters.
This is something that has been difficult for me to grasp. I used to think that if what I’m writing is so awful, what’s the point in writing it? But again, I was wrong. The point is to just write, because the only way to overcome writer’s block is to write. Simple as that. Writing a little bit every day is what improves your writing as well as what helps you overcome writer’s block.
Believe me when I say that the first song or first poem you ever write won’t be nearly as great as 100th. This is because, as the cliché saying goes, practice makes perfect.
That being said, I challenge you to write something right now. Have fun and have at it.
