No. 30 | What this book presupposes is
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Reader, Eli Cash, a character played by Owen Wilson, delivers one of my favorite lines from The Royal Tenenbaums. He's explaining the premise of his second novel, Old Custer: "Well, everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is: maybe he didn't?" If you're familiar with the movie—or if you watch the clip I linked above—you'll recognize that Eli Cash isn't a typical literary model. And yet, I can't think of a better inspiration for my brand-new workbook, Embrace Your Writer's Block. Everyone knows that writer's block is a bad thing. What this workbook presupposes is: maybe it's not?Before you write me off as another literary buffoon, hear me out and read the following excerpt from the workbook. Here’s what I believe: being stuck is a sign that you’re growing. The thing you’re writing has pushed you into unfamiliar territory. As a result, your brain is tapping the brakes. It wisely recognizes you need to take this part slow to maximize your learning.
Does that eliminate your frustration? No. It most certainly does not. You probably feel a little like my youngest son. He watches his older sister and older brother very carefully, and he’s very aware when they get to enjoy privileges that he doesn’t. “Why does she get to stay up and watch TV?” he’ll demand when I tell him it’s his bedtime.
Well, I have good news for that writing child within you. Being stuck means that you’re growing up. It means that your creativity is maturing.
Immature writers don’t get stuck because they have undeveloped filters. Like young children, they wholeheartedly believe that everything they produce is glorious. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Every child deserves praise and attention for their fledgling bursts of creativity. Without it, they wouldn’t keep going.
Eventually, though, children need to learn some discernment. Partly because they need to realize that Dad can’t preserve every single stick figure doodle. But more importantly, they need to discern what special things they have to offer the world. When they learn to do this, they begin to create what only they can create.
You, my friend, are experiencing this development.
What came easily before was good and not to be dismissed. You should be proud of it.
However, what’s coming is better. That’s what your writer’s block is telling you. And that’s why it is good that you’re stuck.
If you find yourself wrestling with writer's block, check out the free PDF sample on my website. That gives you the first two days of reflections and writing prompts so you can begin embracing your writer's block and freeing your words. Keep your stick on the ice Frank. |
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