Have you ever wondered if writer's block can be a good thing?
Psshhhhh! Of course not! Writer's block is like that bully on the playground who always gave you a wedgie right as you were finally about to talk to the prettiest girl at school. It's like the ketchup stain on your nice shirt just before a big interview.
It's that one thing every writer knows about and tries to avoid at all costs. So how could anyone – anyone – find a positive in being saddled with writer's block?
Look, I hate writer's block just as much as you do. As I explained in last week's blog, it happens to me, oh, almost every day. It's the bane of my existence, and the havoc it creates knows no limits.
But I do enjoy a challenge.
I did a quick search of the Internet and found pages upon pages of posts offering sage advice on how to beat writer's block forever. One of my favorite headlines read, "How to punch writer's block in the face." Very few, if any, of those posts took a serious look at trying to find the value in writer's block.
I will attempt to do just that. Here are 4 reasons why writer's block can be a good thing.
Writer's block teaches you the importance of time management
Granted, most of the time writer's block is a big jerk. But it can teach us that making friends with the clock on the wall is a powerful antidote. Give yourself time to write, prioritize your time, and set realistic goals. Consider waking up an hour or two earlier or working late when everyone else is in bed. When we practice good time management, everything else falls into place – and we feel less "blocked."
Writer's block gives you confidence
What? No, hear me out. We always talk about the negatives of writer's block, but I heard somewhere that good writing is never quick or easy. Writers must maintain a high level of assurance, optimism, and even a sense of humor. Every time I struggle with and ultimately overcome writer's block, I build a little bit more confidence in my writing. It's sort of like, "I beat it once, I can do it again."
Writer's block teaches you to think outside the box
Maybe, just maybe, writer's block is trying to tell you something about your writing. Maybe it's too bland, too predictable. Maybe it just sucks. When writer's block has you down, loosen up and think outside the box. Be goofy and stop writing for the reader. Write what you want to write, and write it in a way that is different than your norm.
Writer's block tells us when we're working too much
You should really check out my blog from last week (check the link above). As much as I love to write, too much of a good thing can be draining. You need to step away and take a mental breather. Go workout, play with your kids, hop on Facebook and "like" every post you see. Whatever floats your boat other than writing, do it. When you come back, that bout of writer's block will be a thing of the past.
Thanks for reading!
*STEVE GAMEL is the Owner/President of Edit This, a writing and editing services company located in Denton, TX. Along with being a sports writer for the Denton Record-Chronicle, Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.