There have been some recent articles surfacing about how writer’s block “isn’t a thing.” While I have held my tongue on that topic so far, I will now take this opportunity to declare once and for all that I agree completely. Now that isn’t to say that I have never been “stuck,” but that stickiness wasn’t due to writer’s block. No, it was due instead to a lack of spirit.
There have been some recent articles surfacing about how writer’s block “isn’t a thing.” While I have held my tongue on that topic so far, I will now take this opportunity to declare once and for all that I agree completely. Now that isn’t to say that I have never been “stuck,” but that stickiness wasn’t due to writer’s block. No, it was due instead to a lack of spirit.
I am not a religious person, but I consider myself spiritual, and to me, writing is just about as close to pure spirit as we can get. When the flow of writing begins, it isn’t of us. It flows through us and onto the page and often causes a very physical response. I know that when I am on a writing gear, I can visualize or almost hear the words coming to me...and it’s easy. It just works. I am the channel. I am the conduit. I am not in the driver’s seat.
This is a concept that runs in direct opposition to my default personality type. I am so type A that I won’t settle for an A! I know that many people use “I’m a perfectionist” as a way to avoid showing weakness, but it is actually my Achilles heel. It weakens what I’m capable of because I often avoid putting out anything that falls even slightly short of flawless. That desire typically results in a lack of production...if I let it.
The more I write though, the more I learn that perfection isn’t something to strive for (at least in my case). For me, writing means letting go of the grip I exert so readily on my life. It means letting something come naturally...no force needed. And that means that some days, I do not write.
On the days that I do not write, I am not blocked; I am simply not channelling. And that’s okay. It’s alright to write what you feel when you feel it. My best writing happens when I’m tuned in.
So for all of you writers out there who are struggling with the concept of writing every day or writing for the sake of the act alone, that may not be your path. Just because you want to write, does not mean it will happen. It’s true, you can force out words...you can cut them loose from your mind with sharp laptop key-shaped blades, but I’m guessing that they won’t be your best. They certainly aren’t mine.
What should you do instead? If you’re asking me, I would say read. Read blogs. Read books. Read the descriptions next to paintings at museums to learn about their history. Just read something that it will provide you with a new perspective. That’s what I do when I’m in a creative quagmire and it always provides me with a way out. Stop focusing on the need to get out and instead break down a wall you never knew was a barrier. Don’t let your need to win overshadow and wreck what’s waiting to burst forth from your fingers. Just let go and let it happen when it’s supposed to. It will. Have faith.
Gillian F. Barnes
Gillian is the Creative Content Manager for a recruitment advertising agency by day and an independent writer at all other times. She has been writing and reading for as long as she can remember, but professionally, she has worked as a collegiate English level tutor and a psychology website contributor. So far, she has written blogs, books reviews, poetry and many other things and currently she is working on her debut Young Adult novel. Outside of writing, she has a BFA in photography and she really enjoys strategy-based board games, well-written television, camping, travel and cooking.
Follow and get in touch with Gillian F. Barnes
Twitter: @JustGBarnes
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