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11 Thoughts That Every Aspiring Author Has When Dealing With Writer's Block

"Breaking through writer's block is like thinking out of the box: Both require an ability to imagine a world outside your four walls or rearranging them to get a better view." ― Susan J. McIntire

Laken Pritchard

Jun 17, 2019

Elon University

11 Thoughts That Every Aspiring Author Has When Dealing With Writer's Block

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Research papers, book reports, thank-you notes and even poetry; I've always loved writing, hence me writing this article. Writing is something that comes fairly natural to me and I'm grateful to have it as a talent. However, one thing that has been fairly difficult to do, is beginning my book.

I've started three different books, all different plots, all vary in length--from a page to multiple chapters--and all represent different aspects of my life. But regardless of the many different characters, plots and settings, I almost always get writers block.

After searching for advice, the only thing people could tell me was to "keep writing, no matter what." So, I decided that I'd write down the first 11 thoughts I--as I'm sure many aspiring authors have, as well--have as I go through writer's block.

1. No...No...NOOOOO!

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When the writer's block starts creeping up on you...and you can't stop it.

2. Ok...let me go back and reread the last twelve pages and see if anything has changed

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You're silently praying something jumps out at you, giving you an idea to continue...when all it really does is cause you to go back and change everything.

3. Maybe if I leave the room and come back it'll hit me!

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...And it never hits you.

4. Maybe the cat knows?

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He doesn't know and he doesn't care.

5. Why can't Hemingway come down from Heaven, sit on my bed and give me the answers?

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Now, that'd just be too easy.

6. That's it. I'm scrapping the whole thing.

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This stage happens many, many times.

7. Screw it. I'm throwing in aliens.

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That's one way to do it.

8. Why couldn't I have been good at math?

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If I added up the number of hours I spent with writer's block, it would cover half my lifespan.

9. Shall we check with the cat again?

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Different cat. Different computer. Oh, look, still doesn't know nor does he care.

10. I need coffee.

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Ask for extra shots of espresso...lots of extra shots.

11. Write.

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Once you've calmed yourself, write.

Above all, just keep writing. One sentence turns into a paragraph, one paragraph turns into a page, a page into a chapter, a chapter into a book.

Sounds easy, right?

Now, stop reading and get back to writing. After all, the water can't flow if the faucet is turned off.

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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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11 Thoughts That Every Aspiring Author Has When Dealing With Writer's Block

"Breaking through writer's block is like thinking out of the box: Both require an ability to imagine a world outside your four walls or rearranging them to get a better view." ― Susan J. McIntire

1. No...No...NOOOOO!

2. Ok...let me go back and reread the last twelve pages and see if anything has changed

3. Maybe if I leave the room and come back it'll hit me!

4. Maybe the cat knows?

5. Why can't Hemingway come down from Heaven, sit on my bed and give me the answers?

6. That's it. I'm scrapping the whole thing.

7. Screw it. I'm throwing in aliens.

8. Why couldn't I have been good at math?

9. Shall we check with the cat again?

10. I need coffee.

11. Write.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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