WRITERS' BLOCK

A few quick comments on the infamous disease known as Writers' Block (ooh, just seeing that phrase is sooo scary!). I'll use the Q&A approach to sharing my thoughts.

WHAT'S WRITERS' BLOCK?

A condition wherein the writer (Specimen A) cannot figure a way to continue writing no matter how much depends on it (Exhibit A: the writer's heart; Exhibit B: the writer's soul; Exhibit C: the writer's life).

WHAT ARE ITS MAIN CAUSES?

There are two known causes. Both are insidious, wretched causes (the worst kind according to the CDC).

The first is fatigue, also known as burnout, excessive tiredness, and chronic lack of sleep. When a writer (Specimen A) becomes so worn out from writing, and/or the other struggles of life, there is too little energy to devote to writing.

The second is ignorance, professed or otherwise, also known as veritable quandary, uncertain intention, prior oversight and the just desserts of laziness. The primary indication of this cause is an inability to answer the simple question: "What happens next?" WARNING: May present with disorientation and tremors.

WHAT ARE ITS TREATMENTS?

For the first cause, fatigue, the best possible treatment is bed rest with a healthy dose of REM sleep. However, in many specimens, this is not adequate. Serious fatigue also necessitates a period of "feeding the soul" (should only be attempted by trained and certified personnel). Music, art, poetry, walks in the park, fine dining with heartwarming conversation, Bette Davis movies and marathon viewing sessions of GONE WITH THE WIND have all been proven helpful. Once proper rest and nourishment for the soul have been provided, this type of Writers' Block usually disappears on its own.

For the second cause, ignorance, apart from a healthy dose of "I told you so!" there is only one way to get over it, and that is through it. The specimen must be forced (physical restraints may be required, such as leg chains attached to the desk) to confront the questions which have not been answered, until such time as answers have been identified and committed to. See this posting for further details on a strategy that has proven successful in overcoming this easily preventable and therefore most unnecessary form of Writer's Block.

DISCLAIMER:

This information is provided for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as offering viable medical or any other advice. Take only under direction of a qualified physician. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Many happy returns.