The Dreaded Block

I've noticed that there seem to be roughly two types of writer's block. (If you can think of more, feel free to mention it) But for the most part I can think of two. The first is where you can write, but everything you write you hate, and end up trashing it. The other one, the one I get when I suffer from the block, is not writing at all. This one is characterized by staring at your screen or paper, but no words come. Having time to write, but not being able to force yourself to do so. The second one, is my usual form of writer's block.

I tend to write in bipolar swings. For a while I will be really productive, and then not productive at all. But I do have a cure, which for me has been never fail. I read. I know, it does sound ridiculously simple. For a while I fought it too, telling myself I couldn't read another author's book while I was trying to write my own. Too many ideas would seep in, so I thought. But it turns out that that's exactly what I needed. To get the ideas going again.

Now it doesn't always work the way I want. Sometimes I'm stuck on a current project, I sit down and read, and will find myself inspired to work on a different project, or start a new project. But I'm writing again, so I've started to run with it. Just getting back into the writing no matter what I'm working on, will eventually transfer to my other projects. I just need that kick start. So I always keep a few unread books on hand. I buy my books in bulk to ensure I won't make it through all of them. That way, when I find I'm not writing during my writing time, I can grab one and start reading. I'm usually back to writing within a day or two.

Try my cure. I'm not even selling anything. Next time your hopelessly blocked, pick up a book. Make sure its in the same genre your writing in though. Yes, it does make a difference.