A few weeks ago while talking with a group of friends, one of them asked me the famous million-dollar question – ‘Where does your inspiration come from?’ I replied as always, ‘If someday someone finds out, they will become a millionaire.’ Then another asked, ‘How do you deal with writer’s block and lack of inspiration?’ and the question made me reflect on the subject.
It is a fact that most artists, whatever their art, have faced moments of frustration at not being able to have enough inspiration to create something. I believe that for writers, this problem can be paralyzing, and even end careers if the person cannot overcome this obstacle.
So I went deeper into the issue. Fortunately I never had writer’s block; on the contrary, I have always had, and continue to have, dozens of ideas that could produce countless books. So why don’t I consistently publish one book after another? In my case the answer is procrastination.
But I came to the conclusion that no matter what the reason is for the artist not creating his or her art, this is a challenge that needs to be faced head-on. So what to do to overcome these obstacles?
Perhaps the first step is to recognize and accept the dilemma. The creation process is individual and has ups and downs, and it will always be necessary to deal with some interfering external factor. In addition, trying to force writing can generate frustration and make the problem worse.
A strategy that can work is to create a kind of fuel for the mind. Reading, talking to other authors, watching genre-appropriate movies or series, and even exploring other forms of art, such as painting or music, can reignite the creative spark. Some are even inspired by everyday situations, such as a walk outdoors, for example. Whatever makes you happy.
Another alternative is to revisit those files full of abandoned ideas or incomplete drafts. A fresh look at a previous job can unblock the mind, relieving the pressure, and help to create something entirely new from it.
Many authors are perfectionists, and sometimes this can hinder progress. Others get stuck in a routine they created to write and end up suffocated with a feeling of stagnation. This can be solved by simply changing your creative process.
Writing is a solitary activity, and it may make procrastination easier. Having someone who stimulates and pushes us to get the job done is essential. Perhaps this is the most important point. Talking to other authors and readers, especially within a genre-specific community, can be extremely stimulating. Sharing the difficulties can take the pressure off and even create a fresh perspective on your work. We have to somehow learn to transform the nightmare, face our own fears, overcome the creative block – and in the case of horror writers like me, confine the horror to our stories.
Threads that Bind 
2 responses to “Writer’s Block v. Procrastination – What Prevents an Author from Writing?”
“Where do you get those crazy ideas?” is the way it’s often phrased to me. My answer spans the psyche, defines the muse, and would take a longer post than this one to explore. Another I’ve fielded recently is “What made you decide to become a writer?” My answer to that has long been, “You don’t choose writing. Writing chooses you.” I believe that if you wake up one morning with a story in your head raging to be put on paper, you’ve been chosen. Conversely, I think a lot of people wake up one morning with the idea that “Writing’s an easy gig. I’ll just write books for a living instead of working.” If this person actually gets a book to print, you can spot them before you finish the first paragraph.
But what of us who, at some point in our lives, were chosen? Does it not follow that you can be “unchosen?” I think that’s what has happened to me. I haven’t written anything original in at least two years, and have assumed that I was blocked. I have dozens of ideas. I enjoy doing “writey” things; chatting with other authors and doing admin for this blog, for instance. But as E.L. DOCTOROW once said, “Planning to write is not writing. Outlining a book is not writing. Talking to people about what you’re doing, none of that is writing. Writing is writing.” And that’s where the process stops for me. I can and do enthusiastically jot down ideas in a little notebook as they come to me, but when I set aside time to sit down and write, I suddenly find everything in my orbit to be more interesting. TV, movies, games… Hell, I’d rather do the laundry than actually stack words into some coherent order. So, unchosen? I think perhaps I am.
So that’s the story of one reader. Do you have another? Come share your woes with the talented group of authors who share this blog. Perhaps together we can find a solution.
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Things writers like to do: WRITE! Things writers don’t like to do: WRITE! It certainly is a conundrum at times. From personal experience, I can vouch that peer interaction does help – as can these inspirational words that could have been spoken by Liam Neeson: “Great idea, I know you’re out there; and I have certain skills, and I will find you, and I will write you!”
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