Writer's Blocks

Books/Literature/Writing - Writing - Freelance

By: gerrielynn 18-Apr-2011

Introduction:

I know it sounds silly, but for the past 30 years I've flirted with the idea of enrolling in a children's literature writing correspondence course. I passed the entry test years ago, kept all the brochures, and spoke directly with one of the instructors as recently as last month. This has been my dream for so long, but I'm still dragging my feet and making excuses. So...what's my problem? I've tried to be honest with myself and figure this out. So far, I've been able to (conveniently!) come up with 5 possible answers.

Fear of Failure

Whether one is already established as a writer, or has never shown another single soul anything they have ever written, all writers have to overcome the fear of failing. The fear of not having what it takes to become a published writer seems to plague us all.

Self Discipline

No matter how much one loves writing, the serious writer knows it is hard work. Writing requires the discipline of focused determination and the willingness to set aside and protect a given amount of time each week to the act of writing and research. Those who cannot find it in themselves to be consistent in the practice of the self discipline of sitting at the computer, fingers poised over the keyboard, ready to write even the most simple of sentences over and over if needed, are apt to give up their writing dreams before they ever really get started.

Time Element

Writers love it when their muse comes out to play. This is what makes a writer desire to write in the first place! I quickly grab a notebook or jump on the computer before this elusive friend disappears for lack of having a playmate. Such rare playtimes do not last long though, and when the muse disappears it's easy for the mind to begin wandering. Justifying the demand of time it takes for the hit-or-miss of what I call, "serious writing," can be difficult when inspiration seems to be gone and there are so many other things that one could be doing.

Commitment Level

Anyone who wants to be taken seriously as a writer must have a high level of commitment to the act of writing. While we might think we have a high level of committment, "the proof is in the pudding", as the saying goes. Many of us have very little pudding to show. When I was younger, it seems I had a great deal of discipline when it came to writing. My writing style and ability was very immature, but I would write away nonstop as though I was writing something that would win a Pulitzer Prize! I have to face the facts now...my commitment level is like a hilly road with constant ups and downs.

Varied Interests

Not everyone has a specific field of interest to which their writing seems to naturally gravitate. While having varied interests can be a real plus when writing a variety of articles on websites such as "list my with 5", and is helpful in writing stories with various characters and personalities, writers who do not feel they have a particular area of interest or expertise are likely to struggle with low self confidence. Having a vast area of interests is, however, a tremendous plus overall as this can give the writer a real advantage in reaching a great number of readers with a great number of varying interests. The writer who has succumed to this as a block has yet to discover their unique writing style and voice.

Final Thoughts

"There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein." by: Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith

Give this list a high five!

Comments

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goodselfme 6/8/2013
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Returning with another h5
goodselfme 7/23/2012
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I am back with another h5
belindayhughes 3/27/2012
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I totally agree w Red Smith! H5
goodselfme 7/4/2011
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Coming back once again and I was permitted to give you another h5.
PajamaMommy 5/29/2011
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You should pursue your dream! But I understand the blocks, I suffer them, too.
goodselfme 4/20/2011
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I am all over the many subjects. I consider it a great attribute to be comfortable doing a lot of different areas with my writing.I know your writing and want you to know I think you are a really GREAT writer. Maybe you just don't believe that about yourself. I do!
snowfence 4/18/2011
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Thanks for the list on writer's block. H5