Breakout on Writer's Block

The first time I saw the term "breakout sessions" in a conference schedule, I wondered what acne had to do with it, but "breakout" is also associated with imprisonment. Indeed, the first definition listed in the American Heritage Dictionary is "A forceful emergence from a restrictive condition or situation."

Part of that sounds like a good description of a Writer's Block. Remember, WB is only a temporary interruption in creativity, like dammed-up water. Behind the dam is a deep, deep pool of ideas and actions, just waiting to break out. That's what I'm advocating here, "a forceful emergence" from the thinking, routine, slants, topics, maybe even "the rules" you think govern your writing (and your life).

Let's "shake things up" as the FBI agent on Bones urges his forensic team. Do something different, or differently, if that applies. Make it a radical change. Investigate subjects, ways of thinking, physical activities that you've never tried in the past.

For example: until this decade, I knew little about Islam or an existence in which religion is the law of the land. I've learned about a strikingly different way of life through intellectual exploration and friendships with Muslim women. My thinking has changed, several times, about many topics as a result of this new interest. I've read, watched programs, attended art exhibits and talked or emailed with resource people (a.k.a. my new friends).

Bring fresh new activities, topics, and thinking into your life and feel the creativity break out from a Writer's Block.