Your Writer's Block Is Not Like Mine
Start writing a post
Life Stages

Yes, I Know Everyone Can Have Writer's Block, But Us Writer's Have It Worse

We aren't talking about the same kind of writer's block.

343
Yes, I Know Everyone Can Have Writer's Block, But Us Writer's Have It Worse
https://unsplash.com/photos/UK78i6vK3sc

It's week 6 of my last semester of college and writer's block has hit me hard. Some days I'll write 17 pages and brain dump and or expand something, and other days my brain is empty and I'm thinking of food, instead of the story I am trying to write for class.

I thought taking 3 writing workshop classes this semester would be great. I love writing. I love creating new pieces all the time, and the amount of writing I do keeps me accountable as a writer outside of the classroom. This semester I have to write 1-2 poems a week, 2 writing exercises and read 5 poems a week, and 6 short stories a week. People ask, "How do you do it?"

Can I be honest? I skim a lot of the time. I barely have time to eat more than a meal a day, and my brain is fried by the time my head hits the pillow. Am I in over my head? Probably, but I just want that diploma in my hand and be done with school after five years.

Whenever I say, "Man I have writer's block," a lot of my non-English majoring friends agree.

Yet we aren't talking about the same kind of writer's block.

They're talking about writing an essay off of a lecture or a book from class, and I'm writing about creating a world or writing a poem to what form was due that week to be picked apart in class.

Many nights I sit in my bed with a blank Microsoft Word document open, books opened around me and a cup of tea next to me with a blank brain. My brain is as blank as that document. Sometimes I think I'm in over my head being a creative writing minor, like what the hell am I gonna write when I'm out of school?

https://unsplash.com/photos/52AAiXWoVi0

I mean, I have two separate stories I'm working on that I want to be published one day, and I'm also writing articles that are being published weekly, but all I can think in my head is, "yikes." My best friend edits my stories and is always there to bounce back ideas and give comments when needed while editing and my boyfriend cheers me on even though he doesn't know what I'm writing. Honestly, only professors and Becca know what I'm writing, what stories and realities I am telling and creating.

Some people think having a concentration in the English department is easy. Being a part of the English department is an easy way out, but that's not the case. It's hours of writing and hours of reading and pages and pages of notes of literature plot lines and character arcs. Already lost? Me too.

Yes, I know everyone can have writer's block. Yet when you think your writer's block is the worst thing in the world, think of us writers who are doing this for a living and their careers and goals are on the line.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

95496
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments