The Writer’s Speed Bump

Written by Deb Dorchak - March 18, 2010 4 Comments

Writer’s block is a common subject on a lot of blogs. Sooner or later everyone runs into it. For the past few weeks, I went through one. So did Wendi. Even Davina wrote about it here.

That got me thinking: Is it really a block or is it just a bump in the road? After all, one never really stops writing. You keep trying to make something happen. You might write, feel it’s not right, ditch it and start over dozens of times. But you’re still pushing forward.

I think from now on I’m going to look at writer’s block as more of a writer’s speed bump. Usually, when I put on the brakes and slow down, creativity has a chance to refill its stores. Sometimes this means doing things other than the current project or post you’re working on.

I go off on a lot of tangents. On the outside it looks like I’m procrastinating. The truth is I’m shifting gears and driving around that little dip between the curb and the speed bump. You can do that kind of thing on a motorcycle, you know.

Doing something else frees up my mind to both concentrate on what I’m doing and think about what I was working on before.

And if I don’t come up with a solution while I’m working on the other thing, I end up with a kick ass project anyway. This lifts my mood, I feel on top of the world again and then I dive back into the other project with amazing results.

So, instead of thinking of writer’s block as a wall, reduce that brick and mortar to a little bump. See if it works.

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4 Outstanding Responses to "The Writer’s Speed Bump"

    Davina on March 23, 2010 at 11:41 am • Permalink

    A bump is much better than a pothole :-) And your tummy goes all funny when you fly over those bumps; I love that feeling. Writer’s block is frustrating and a person can get caught in the frustration itself. Makes it hard to move forward. I like your analogy because at least you’re moving. You won’t feel the speed bump if you’re standing still.

    And… just a suggestion, if you feel like playing with metaphors, I’m still running a coaching promotion. There are 25 hours offered for free on a first-come first-served basis. There are still some hours left. It’s interesting what comes up during this process. If you’re interested, or the next time you feel writer’s block, it would be an interesting experiment to see how this process might help alleviate it.
    .-= Davina’s last post… On the First Day of Spring =-.

    Barb Hartsook on March 24, 2010 at 8:50 pm • Permalink

    You know, blocks (or bumps) come in all areas of life. Can you believe that an artist gets them too? What to paint when nothing inspires? Sad, isn’t it?

    When I get one of those, I read. I take an afternoon off and just read. And I look at pictures in magazines at the local Borders’ book store. I roam the shelves and look at book titles. I wander back to scan the front cover topics of the magazines.

    All without a plan. I’m just taking in information. I think when I’m blocked — or bumped — it’s because my sponge has dried up. I need to re-absorb. And you know, as I do this and just let it all go in without trying to DO something with it, after a while something will grow into an idea. Out of the blue. Maybe the next morning. Maybe a week from now. But it will grow…

    Thanks for making me think about it… and letting me know none of us is ever alone.
    .-= Barb Hartsook’s last post… Do We Recognize Opportunities as They Soar Over Us? =-.

    Barbara Swafford on March 25, 2010 at 2:34 am • Permalink

    Hi Wendi,

    I like your idea of seeing it as a speed bump vs a block. When I think of a block (or is that blogk for us bloggers?), it sounds so “solid” – like we can’t get through it.

    Like you, I also find if I concentrate on something else, my creativity returns. Then I find myself typing as fast as I can so I don’t lose those thoughts. Oh, what fun…
    .-= Barbara Swafford’s last post… Warning! Online Bullies Hide Behind Their Words =-.

    Deb Dorchak on March 26, 2010 at 11:04 am • Permalink

    @Davina: Movement is the key! Whether it’s mental or physical. Sometimes it’s best to keep the momentum going no matter how slow it is.

    @Barb: Oh I know! And I do the same thing you do. I’ll watch movies, read books and magazines, go out someplace I’ve never been before – anything to spark new ideas.

    @Barbara: “Blogk”. I like that! Yes, the moment you start thinking about something else the mind is suddenly free. Never fails.