Comments on: Writer’s block: do you need some tough love?

By: Fiona

Fiona — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:49:11 +0000

Hi Emma, thanks for reminding me about Robert Goddard. You’re right, he did say that about writer’s block! And thanks, Nick, for reinforcing that point about writer’s block as part of a more general malaise, which may also strike. I agree that sometimes lowering your expectations is a far better strategy than beating yourself up about what you haven’t achieved. We need to be kind to ourselves as well as getting tough! Look forward to seeing you both soon. Fiona x

By: Nick Le Mesurier

Nick Le Mesurier — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:15:27 +0000

Hi Fiona,
I want to plead the case for some people who get writer’s block or indeed any other kind of mental obstruction. Tough love can be good, but its not always the right medicine. Depression is an illness, for example, that incurs little sympathy from some people who have never had it, and their attitude only makes matters worse for the sufferer. Sure, depression and writers’ block – which may have something in common, I think – may be ‘self-imposed’ in so far as they come from within. But that doesn’t mean they’re not real. The point is there are things you can sometimes do about it – lowering your standards for a while is one; learning not to fret about it could be another. Wikipedia gives a list of some great writers who have had it. The poet Gwynneth Williams has written a lovely book about her depression, called Sunbathing in the Rain. She has learned to see it as part of her nature and to go with it. As you say, you should never take your gifts for granted.
N x

By: Emma

Emma — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:21:09 +0000

Wise words Fiona, and I love your Dad’s saying!

This also brings to mind Robert Goddard’s opinion on the matter, as we heard during his talk at BBF a few weeks ago: “I always think people who get writer’s block don’t enjoy writing very much.” No sympathy whatsoever!

Your beautiful phrase at the top of this page is very much akin to one of my grandma’s sayings “sleep begets sleep” which was advice often employed if I foolishly tried to wake my baby daughter from an afternoon nap “so she’ll sleep tonight.” I’m sure there are further connections between sleep and creativity, but as it happens I am supposed to writing my own blog at this very moment, so I’d better save that thought and get on with it!

By: Fiona

Fiona — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:37:30 +0000

Hi Erica, good to have you stopping by again. I think that’s an excellent point you make and I can totally identify with what you say about it actually being harder when you have more time to write. I’m also a mum, and a business owner, so although life is very busy it makes one appreciate the time that one can grab for writing, as you say. You sound a very wise woman!
Fiona

By: Erika Robuck

Erika Robuck — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:32:53 +0000

At this point, with three little ones, any writing time I get is a gift. I spend hours thinking about what I’m going to write, so by the time I sit down, the words come quickly. I know once I have more time to write, it will be more difficult, so I’ll try to learn some lessons from this really productive time–most importantly, to have other interests. If writing isn’t the sole occupation, it probably has a better chance of succeeding and not getting stale.