Image Credit: Dreamstime.com / David Herraez

By Karla Pearce

The Creative Edge

PEARCE: Writer’s block — is it real?

Oct 17, 2024 | 3:28 PM

“THIS TIME,” I said to myself as I surveyed my writing workspace, complete with coffee and power snacks. I was caffeinated and ready to work. I stared at the blank screen — so long that my eyes began to water. I chewed my cuticle with a deepening sense of doom. The screen stared back at me defiantly, daring me to type something, anything. I closed my eyes, willing the flow to come, but instead, I was confronted by a dark chasm of nothingness. No ideas, no thoughts, no words.

In desperation, I tried everything — new promises, new deadlines — but nothing worked. All I managed to do was let people down. The stories no longer came. The blank chasm of wordlessness won. There was no getting around it. I had writer’s block.

For many writers and artists alike, this experience is all too familiar. Writer’s block isn’t laziness. It’s a real, often painful condition that feels like a mental wall. The blank screen or page becomes a source of dread and the inability to produce words feels like a heavy burden. For some, it’s a temporary hurdle, but for others, it can last for months or even years.

Psychologically, writer’s block has deep roots. Perfectionism often plays a key role, paralyzing the creative process as writers become caught in cycles of self-criticism and endless editing​. Fear of judgment, whether it’s fear of failure, rejection or disappointing others, also contributes to the block. Even successful writers sometimes suffer from imposter syndrome, doubting their abilities and feeling unworthy of their achievements​. These internal battles can create overwhelming pressure, making it nearly impossible to write.

External factors, too, play a significant role. Deadlines can be a powerful motivator for some, but for others, they can intensify anxiety and lead to creative paralysis​. When writing is tied to financial or career pressures, the act of writing can start to feel more like a burden than an outlet for creativity​(Shortlist). Stress and burnout, whether from external sources or the sheer exhaustion of writing, can drain creative energy, leaving writers feeling depleted and uninspired.

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One or more of these roadblocks can trigger a depressed state, manifesting as a lack of inspiration and an inability to access the creative mind. Many famous writers have dealt with this affliction. Stephen King, for instance, has been open about his struggles with writer’s block in the 1980s. To combat his creative paralysis, King self-medicated with alcohol and cocaine. He later admitted that he wrote Cujo under the influence and doesn’t even remember doing it. George R.R. Martin, another iconic author, has also battled writer’s block, particularly under the immense pressure to complete his A Song of Ice and Fire series. In a conversation with Stephen King, Martin asked, “How the f*** do you write so fast?” Martin describes himself as a “gardener” in his writing process, letting stories grow organically, which can sometimes lead to creative stalls when the plot doesn’t develop as expected​.

Through science, we now have a better understanding of writer’s block and its effects on the brain. Neuroscientist Michael Grybko explains that writer’s block occurs when the brain’s usual creative pathways break down, particularly in areas like the caudate nucleus, which helps connect different pieces of knowledge and enables creativity. Emotional stress or mental fatigue can disrupt these connections, causing a block in creative thought. Alice Flaherty, a neurology professor at Harvard, suggests writer’s block can stem from imbalances between the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. When critical thinking (frontal lobe) overtakes creativity (temporal lobe), writers may find themselves mentally paralyzed​.

It’s clear that writer’s block is not just a matter of discipline or laziness. It involves complex brain processes influenced by stress, emotions and cognitive function. If left untreated, it can become a prolonged and worsening condition. In my own case, overcoming writer’s block required healing my body and mind before the words finally returned. I was fortunate to have another creative outlet — painting — that allowed me to express my emotions without words.

There are various strategies to overcome writer’s block, but what works can vary for each individual. Freewriting — writing without worrying about structure or grammar — can help thoughts flow freely and break through mental barriers. Establishing a routine can help train the mind to produce work consistently, even when inspiration is lacking. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, like meditation or taking breaks, can help reduce stress and rejuvenate creativity. Sometimes, changing the environment can stimulate new ideas, while writing prompts or exercises can kickstart stalled thoughts. Collaborating or discussing ideas with others can also bring fresh perspectives and energy to a writer’s process.

Writer’s block not only affects writers but all disciplines of artists. Some visual artists can’t paint anymore and some musicians lose their ability to compose music. This is a complex and multifaceted condition that shares symptoms with depression or burnout. It results in a state of physical and mental depletion, causing creative dysfunction. Writer’s block is a clear sign that it’s time to slow down, take care of yourself. Creativity requires both rest and inspiration. We must stay balanced, refill and recharge. I believe, most importantly, we need time to dream and find the threads of communication and storytelling that will lead us back to the creative flow.

Karla Pearce is a full-time visual artist living in Kamloops.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.