On writer’s block and the creative process

This week’s guest blogger needs no formal introduction.

You’ve read her work. You’ve laughed, cried. Perhaps you’ve even “snorked” (read: snawrk’d) at the clever command she takes over the English language.

She’s New York-based blogger and humorist, @AnitaRosner. Also author-admin of Snorkfest.com, she was kind enough to divulge to us the secret to her success as a writer.

Without further ado...

Recently, the fine folks at Prose asked me if I’d mind sharing details of my writing process with their community. Well, I must say, I was flattered that anyone would think I actually have one. But after some consideration, I realized that I do. It isn’t particularly remarkable, but it’s mine, and it looks something like this:

I wake up in the morning (always a blessing) at 6:30 and let my neighbor, Donato, drag me to the gym. Then my trainer, Mike, abuses me for about an hour. After that, I hobble home, walk the dog, drink two cups of coffee, and then…

Wait for it…

I shower.

It’s here that the magic happens. For some reason, I do my best thinking in the shower. It may be the white noise of the running water or the relaxation of the act itself after all that physical activity. Whatever the case, the shower flips a switch in my brain.

Some days, the creative thoughts come at a rapid pace; in 5 minutes, I might come up with fodder for 3 or 4 blog posts. On other days, my mind takes a more scenic, languid route – I’ll daydream about an idea, get distracted by random, incoming thoughts, then eventually circle back to the original concept. These are bad days…for my skin. For my blog, however, there are no bad days as long as I’m coming up with content - which brings us to the dreaded subject of “writer’s block.”

On the archery range, it’s called “target panic.” To an actor, it’s known as “stage fright.” For the author, it’s “writer’s block.” Well, I have some very encouraging news for you: it doesn’t exist. In my opinion (not that you asked for it, but Prose did – just sayin’), “writer’s block,” and the other aforementioned phenomena, is nothing more than a momentary lack of confidence. This minor mental hiccup is occasionally triggered by a dearth of inspiration. It is fleeting and benign if I don’t pay any attention to it. To acknowledge it as anything more powerful is just asking for trouble.

Let me tell you what I do when I’m feeling a little stuck…(and no, I don’t jump into the nearest shower)… I take a Prose challenge. These challenges are fantastic exercises for getting the creative juices flowing. Recently, I set a goal to accept at least one challenge per day - whether I need it or not. They keep me in the game, even when I just don’t feel like playing.

Another quick pick-me-up is to read. I recommend reading something you love, written by an author you admire. This always manages to inspire me. Or, you can take the flip side to this approach by reading a published piece that you consider utter and outright garbage. Pour over it. Take it in. Then read a piece that you’ve written. In comparison, your own literature will seem like something from Shakespeare, composed on his very best day. See what a great writer you are?

Rejoice!

Whether the act of writing is a labor of love or a cathartic necessity, the experience should be one you look forward to. Set yourself up with whatever outlet allows you to achieve your goals and pursue your dreams. Fire up that computer. Take out your paper and crayons.

Don’t hold out on us.

I hope you share your work. I’d like to read it.

-Anita

Be sure to follow her here, on Twitter, and Instagram @AnitaRosner. You can also see more of her work by visiting www.snorkfest.com.

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Stay tuned here each week for more in this #MondayBlogs series— designed to educate and inspire you from the inside out. We’ll give you insights and resources from the literary industry at large as well as exclusives about your own world of words:

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