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.