Thursday

Break those Blocks!

Blocks. I hate them! I never knew that being a writer could make so many show up. What am I talking about? I'm talking about Writers Block, Confidence Block, Idea Block, Blogging Block, Editing Block, and Marketing Block.



It's so frustrating when I get the Writer's Block and just sit dazed, glossy eyed, and dumbstruck at my computer screen because I can't think of one word to write!






Then there's the Confidence Block where I sit down and begin writing only to stop mid-way because I'm doubting everything about the story. All the sudden, I'm worrying that the whole story is sucking!






One of the worst blocks is Idea Block. I search and search and search my brain for an idea for a story but nothing comes. I toss and turn at night not able to sleep but my brain still comes up with not one single idea!








Of course every week I struggle with the Blogging Block. What on earth do I have to say to people that anyone would want to read or even care about.











Editing Block is one of the rarest for me but I still get it. The days that I look over my story and can't find one single thing wrong with it, or a plan to change it, but I know darn well it's still not good enough!









And the Marketing Block. I must say I am lucky by the fact that I do have a book published and actually have to face this problem, but it's still not fun. I am not a sales person, so this is one of my most terrifying blocks.




Sometimes, outside encouragement helps with these blocks. But as writers, one of our biggest challenges is learning to rely on only ourselves. If we need constant encouragement from others, then most likely, we won't last in this business. We have to keep charging ahead and breaking through those blocks even when they are trying to force us to give up!

I know that many times I have often wondered what the true meaning of a successful writer is but I think I've finally discovered what it means to me. A successful writer is one that breaks through those blocks and doesn't let them take over. The love of writing prevails over all the obstacles.

I might be a published author but I have a ways to go before I'm a successful one. I need to get on my boxing gloves more often and beat those blocks to the curb!



How about you? Have you destroyed your blocks yet?

13 comments:

  1. I'm sorry you're facing so many blocks, Al! I have blogging block all the time, and I'm fearful of the day I will have marketing block! You don't have to rely ONLY on yourself, though. {{{HUGS}}} Writers are a great community to be a part of. We're always ready to offer encouragement :).

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    1. Yes, I thank god everyday for my encouraging writer friends! They do help me knock down some of my blocks a bit.

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  2. Loved your cartoons/photos this week. They made me laugh. I definitely have the blog block and sometimes the marketing block. So far I have done all right with writer's block and idea block. It seems to be a day to day process with me. At least it appears I am not alone in this.

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  3. Love this post, Allyn! It's so true, we really have to be dedicated and determined when we encounter each of these blocks, to push past it and move forward. I'm dealing with a confidence block lately. It's no fun, but I just keep reminding myself that I've been here before. It's part of the creative process, and I will get past it. You will get past all of your blocks, too!
    Thanks for this post.

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    1. Ruth,

      I'm glad you enjoyed the post and can relate! I've gotten past all my blocks before... but they keep coming back!! lol

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  4. When I have a block, I turn my focus on something else writing related. Reading (research of course), editing, revising, plotting—there are so many aspects to writing a book. I go with whatever works when I'm feeling blocked.

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    1. Great advise, Kelly. I try to do the same thing but somehow it sounds more "acceptable" coming from someone else!

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  5. I suffer from all things block. It's good to know others have the same problem.

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    1. Yep, you can count on me, Terrie, to be right there suffering those blocks with you!

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  6. I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect!

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    1. Thanks for connecting, Laurence. I'm following you now too!

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