Sometimes resistance is invisible because it disguises itself: “I’m not blocked, I just don’t know what to write about.” Sometimes it partially hides itself: “I’m not ready to write; I don’t know how or where to start. Not knowing is not a reason to stop writing! Simple Solution #1: Stop thinking of “writing time” and … More Don’t Know How to Start Writing? Don’t Let That Stop You!
Perhaps the most common belief that creates invisible resistance is “I don’t have time to write.” Simple Solution Give up the expectation that you need large blocks of time to write. Remember the power of 15 Magic Minutes. You will get far more accomplished showing up for your 15 Magic Minutes four or five times … More No Time to Write — Really?
The most dangerous form of writer’s resistance is the resistance you can’t see. Until you realize “I’m avoiding my writing,” you can’t move forward. The best you can hope for is that you’ll blame your circumstances. The worst is that you’ll blame yourself. Invisible Resistance Checklist Unrecognized resistance starts with thoughts or beliefs like these: … More Is Your Writing Blocked by Invisible Resistance?
Have you ever delayed or interrupted your writing to check email? If so, chances are you have also postponed giving your writing your full or even partial attention until you get “caught up.” Well, don’t hold your breath! Literally. Stop holding your breath. You need to breathe! Now! Screen Apnea Most people temporarily hold their … More Breathe! Or No More Writing for You!
Maggie River’s “Squirrely” is Winner #4 in the Where’s Your Creative Brain photo contest! Congratulations Maggie on your squirrel training skills! Please email your mailing address to me and I’ll send you a copy of Around the Writer’s Block. I hope Maggie’s talent for taming squirrels transfers to her writing life because squirrels are a … More Have Squirrels Hijacked Your Creative Brain?
One of the ways the Saboteur stops us is to use rhetorical questions as barriers. Questions like: Who do you think you are? Who do I think I am to write _______? Why on earth would anyone want to read what I write? What makes me even think I can write _______? How could I … More Break the Saboteur’s Hold on Your Writing
My previous post clarified that writers need places to practice being okay with being less than perfect. We need safe places to take writing risks. My practice place is a dog agility game called Chances. (I learn so much about writing, coaching and teaching from agility – just one of the reasons writers need hobbies.) … More ‘Close Enough’ Cures Writer’s Block
“Perfect is the enemy of good.” – Voltaire “‘Close enough’ is the olive branch.” – Bane Striving to do our best and challenging ourselves to keep developing our skills is vital for writers, but perfectionism only leads to resistance. When we recognize that perfection is an asymptote – a mathematical term for a point you can get … More Perfection Causes Writer’s Block; ‘Close Enough’ Cures It
Is there a difference between a creative flow state (while writing or engaged in any other creative activity) and being lost in a digital trance (which could include being absorbed by TV, emails, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, shopping, etc.)? Both getting lost in the creative flow and letting digital media hypnotize you are engrossing trance states. Both totally absorb … More Are You Lost in Creativity or Lost in Cyberspace?
Bane of Your Resistance 