Slaying the Beast Known As Writer's Block

Inspiration is a funny thing. There are times when the writing comes freely, when ideas and images and the symbolism is redolent in your mind, times when it seems the Muse is talking so fast you can hardly keep up. Then there are times when inspiration is elusive, when you either can't write, or don't want to, when the Muse falls silent, and you wonder if you've done something to insult the creative powers that be. Some folks have difficulty with those times, so I thought I'd post my thoughts on inspiration, or the lack of it; those nasty times of creative drought collectively known as artist or writer's block, and perhaps give my own humble advice for ways to counter it.

Sometimes, you have to give the Muse a little push. Sometimes, you have to slap her ass and pull her hair. Yes, I'm trying to be deliberately funny here, but I'm hoping the meaning isn't lost in the humor.

Writer's block can be serious; it can leave artists and authors alike depressed and desperate, make them doubt their ability or desire to create, and this in turn can affect the other aspects of their everyday life. When those times strike, there are things you can do to light the creative fire. Some are proactive, and some are more passive. Myself, I prefer the latter approach, as it has proven the most effective, but the writer's block beast is one that should be slain, quickly and without mercy, and allowed to die a nasty death.

The proactive way to entice the Muse to speak is pretty much the standard approach used by many; keep the Muse entertained by creating an environment conducive to the task at hand. This can be as simple as lighting a few candles and playing music with an appropriate theme, or as complex as building an inspirational space specific to the particular project at hand, such as toys, artwork, and other decorative elements.

The passive approach, which is one I like best, is to simply take a vacation from the everyday pressures and stresses which can be a leading cause of the block. Go see a movie. Take a long walk, or a drive with no particular destination. Watch your favorite DVD, or better yet, some cartoons, while curled up in a fuzzy blanket with your favorite ice cream (no, don't get the idea I actually do this, I'm more the of the go out and do something sort). Visit the local mall and people-watch. Play a video game for awhile. Almost anything, except stare at the blank page or canvas and waiting for magic to happen. For many, like myself, the best ideas come while engaged in something completely removed from the creative process. Things are always running in the back of our minds, the trick is to recognize the ideas as they float to the surface, and run with them.

An essay I wrote for my writing blog on DeviantArt. Although somewhat obvious, I felt it is humorous, and honestly written. - the Author

© Michael Vain. All Rights Reserved. May not be reproduced in any way without express written permission from the author.