Help Your Writer's Block Yourself

Many people feel stymied when they try to write and no one cares about their efforts or productions. The flow slows and eventually stops at the beginning of a Writer's Block. Beginning writers are especially prone to this, partly because they lack experience and partly because they haven't developed a tough skin for protection. Writers farther along in their careers recognize these feelings as part of the writing life. Missing enthusiasm from others can feel like rejection. Personal rejection.

If you're feeling so alone and unappreciated in your endeavors, stop and think about the ways in which you ARE receiving help in your whole life. Having even some of your physical and psychological needs met (emotional and mental) holds you up to be able to write. Perhaps you have spiritual ties that comfort and aid your living. That's another form of help. Participating in a writing group, even if no one is particularly wild about your writing, is still a source of assistance.

But wait! There's more: how about relying less on others? If you take an inventory of resources to help your writing life and find something lacking, step up and reach out for what you need. It is up to you to get your needs met in this life. I always think of baby birds that do nothing but poop up the nest and open their mouths to have food stuffed down their gullets. Then suddenly they are kicked out and must fly! Don't be a baby bird and expect Life to provide everything. Help yourself.