Writers Block- Sidewalk style

I have been battling a huge case of writers block for the last two and a half months. The fact that this coincides with my boys summer vacation is purely coincidental I’m sure. I have lots of ideas but as soon as I sit down to put something on paper, I just stare at a blinking cursor. On one of my fruitless writing days I decided to do an internet search for ideas to overcome writers block.

The following is from About.com, the list is from Ginny Wiehardt, the comments are mine.

1. Implement a Writing Schedule.

Now I know I am suppose to write everyday, but with my busy schedule the only time I could truly schedule writing time is at about six in the morning, I really don’t see that happening.

2. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself.

Thanks Ginny, I think I will use this tip in some other areas of my life as well.

3. Think of Writing as a Regular Job, and Less as an Art.

I would love to write the next Newberry Award winner but at this point all I have managed is “Clickety Clack Track”.

4. Take Time Off If You’ve Just Finished a Project.

This might be the root of my problem. I just finished a big project and I need to take some time off or maybe that’s just what I will tell myself.

5. Set Deadlines and Keep Them.

Now this is a big problem for a procrastinator, because in my mind I know it is a fake deadline. I really need to have the pressure to meet the deadline otherwise I will be searching for cool tips on the internet.

6. Examine Deep-Seated Issues Behind Your Writer’s Block.

What???

My problem is that it is very hard to write when your sons are playing Rock Band in the same room, and that chicken we are having for dinner won’t defrost itself.

7. Work on More Than One Project at a Time.

No problem for this one. I’m a mom, I am usually doing laundry, making dinner and sewing a birthday gift at the same time.

8. Try Writing Exercises.

Now this one might be a problem. I don’t like regular exercise, so doing writing exercises sounds like too much trouble.

9. Re-Consider Your Writing Space.

Hmmm. Maybe my problem is that the computer is in the living room next to the Play Station.

10. Remember Why You Started to Write in the First Place.

This is probably the most important tip of all. I love to write, I love sharing my stories and I think I will tough this out a little longer.

I think my writers block will be ending soon, school started last week and I can already feel those ideas coming.

Suzanne  Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

“Read a lot. Write a lot. Have fun.”    (Daniel Pinkwater)

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