Passion for Writing: Invite the Writing Block to Lunch

Writing blocks, these monsters–these hydra that attack from behind–how do we deal with them?!

Turn and face yours. And know that you are not alone. Every writer on the planet has probably experienced moments of complete block.

To get to know this creature better, invite him, her or it to a meal. Be it lunch or high tea at home, on a picnic, or at the seaside, assemble all your favorite, delectable delights. Be sure to ask your monster its favorites too. Be courteous by providing a few. Your invitation must be specific and kind. Your writer’s block monster wants to feel welcomed after all. Set a definite place and time.

When your monster arrives, greet it kindly. Once it is settled, engage it in polite conversation. Around the time of the after-meal digestif, settle into the more serious matters. Share with the monster what you write and the reasons why, and ask it why it comes around at certain times. What is the monster’s agenda with you? What does it want from you? Be sure not to scream this last question. It might cry.

Once you understand each other’s motivations and goals, then perhaps, over the last bites of cake, you can come to an agreement. Arrange for your writer’s block monster to come over by invitation only, instead of crashing your precious writing sanctuary. After all, these monsters once served a purpose, and now can serve a new one.

By understanding why and how our internal “monsters” inhibit our passion, we can then galvanize our writing in new ways. Let us remain respectful of the creative drive and feed it plenty of fuel. If we do, our passion will remain faithful for as long as we choose to be the creative beings we all are.