This too Shall Pass...

This month I have been looking at the problem many authors face during their career, the inability to write. Some people call it writer’s block, but I don’t like that word. First, it normalizes the phenomenon which lends to that being a valid excuse for someone. I don’t believe the reasons writers don’t write can be easily lumped into one thing. But, for purposes of this blog we will call this writer's block rehab.

For some, they are stuck in the story. The story took a turn and hit a wall, and they need to work through that. In this situation, just because words are not going onto the page doesn’t mean the writer isn’t working it through in their heads. This is not writer’s block; this is formulating a plan so you can continue.

woman typing on a computer in front of a mountain range

Another reason people aren’t able to write can be completely external to themselves. They are in a season of their lives that makes making room for writing difficult. As a mom of two active daughters, a mother with multiple health issues, etc. I spent time with no brain left at the end of the day to give to my fictional world. It is a pause, not a block. In fact, during these stretches, writers often think about story, or character and pack it away for later.

Then there is a place where many of us are currently in our world. The world outside our tiny little writing caves is heavy, and scary for many of us. We may feel unsettled about how we and our writing fit into the current world environment. Our hearts are hurting for those impacted by things we have no control over, and we don’t know how to help. Then, at least for me, I begin to think that my written work has no value in such a climate. I mean, who has time to think about HEAs now?

But, as I spent time giving myself space to just keep myself alive and safe, I realized that I was in fact using other writers’ works to help me disconnect from the heaviness of the world. It made me able to step back and remember that good does prevail and love does conquer all. It allowed me to bury myself into worlds that weren’t mine for just a little while and that was good. That was healthy for me. So, why shouldn’t my own work do that for someone else. Also, going to book events and meeting readers who have told me that is what my work is for them. My work may not be anything special, but it is an escape for someone to take a break and regain peace, then who am I to not put that into the world? Nothing bad will happen if I do write my silly stories. I won’t bring down regimes, or ruin lives, but I might give someone a few hours of peace and calm in this crazy world.

woman's image on a cell phone with out stretched arms facing the ocean

Am I writing again? It is slow, but it is coming. I am noting the days I open the manuscript and add words. It doesn’t matter how many words, what matters is I wrote. I am working hard on learning new crafts and things that bring me joy and increase my creativity. Creativity is a muscle and when our primary source of it is our writing, when we don’t write we lose creativity slowly. I am focusing on my inner voice and putting her in the corner when needed. Reminding myself that my stories are important to someone. I am drinking my water and focusing on good sleep. It will come back, I am sure.

We all need to step into our writing with an assurance that it is meaningful, if to no one else, at least your stories make you happy. Joy and Happiness are their own forms of resistance. Resist as hard as you can.   

Come back in March for my next blog series which will dive into March being a great time to reassess your goals for 2026. What's working, what isn't, and your next step to not lose momentum.