Writer's Block: A Forensic Exam


I'm writing about not wanting to write. Can I get a witness?














A forensic examination of writer's block. Here's how I take it apart:

• My first task is dusting the part of my mind that puts words on paper. It usually hasn't been used in a while, for thinking (which I do a lot of) is different from writing (which I do occasionally). I find a cup of brisk black tea and background music helpful.
  
• Then I banish my Inner Brat, the one who squeals "Don't WANNA! Don't WANNA!" when faced with the project.
• Next, a gut search for the germ of an idea. Usually a naked feeling, huddled somewhere in my tummy, feeling neglected, with no attached words. Attaching the words is my job.
• Following the find, I banish the Inner Critic who opines that really, Mary, you have nothing to say. The Critic gets alerts, and shows up punctually when I sit down at the keyboard. The Critic cannot be given the time of day.
  
• From there, I'm feeling my way. I let the idea take me unexpected places. I allow myself to type weak sentences or off-topic ideas.
  
• Next step is like bread baking: I put the piece away for a day or two, like setting dough in a warm place to rise.
• The bread analogy continues - punch down the loaf. I pull out my work and eliminate half the content as unnecessary, redundant or self-indulgent. I eliminate the words "that," "very," and, wherever possible, "it." Really. I get rid of off-target paragraphs that stray from my point; I eliminate lazy, non-contributing words that clutter my style. (Aside: I LOVE editing.)

• Another day, another edit, unless a deadline looms.
• PUBLISH. Even if it's not perfect. The art in this post isn't perfect; I'm learning new software. I'm sticking it in anyhow. An imperfect-but-published product encourages my heart; an unfinished, unpublished product weighs me down.
  

That's my process. It applies, with modifications, to any creative endeavor. My advice? Push yourself past your Inner Brat, firmly dismiss your resident Inner Critic, be ruthless with your editing and kind to your heart.

How does your process work? I'd like to know.

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