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How to Push Through Writer's Block

Writer's picture: Jason CicciJason Cicci

Writer's block. All writers have experienced this stare into the great unknown. Sometimes you don't know what's going to happen next in your story. Sometimes life gets in the way, such as a breakup, grieving a loved one or a pandemic. Although some people manage to push through and maintain their usual demeanor and productivity, some of us still struggle to find our way creatively.


From the writer part of me, I must confess that during pandemic, the impetus to flex my creative muscles has, well, atrophied. Usually, you can find me excited about a new story, a screenplay, a producing project – even a blog. But during those uncertain times, I felt a growing apathy creeping in. The prospect of sitting at my computer to create something that would be particularly challenging to produce had developed some bad habits that I did my best to adapt to and change.


Creative types, especially ones who thrive on interaction with other creative types, depend on that synergy that comes with being in the room with people. However, as a producer, consultant and teaching artist, the lack of that personal connection during the pandemic had definitely created something…a persistent chatter in my head that i wasn't doing as much as I should. And, depending on who you ask, maybe I wasn't. But, of course, the most important opinion is that of my own. And, truthfully, at that time, I felt that I let myself down a bit.


Even writing a blog took more concentrated effort than it normally would have in “typical” times. And sometimes I was just helpless to the feeling of helplessness. It is and it isn’t surprising. Creative people tend to be sensitive in general. Slap on a major emotional life event and you have a recipe for a serious malaise.


However, there are some things that I managed to do despite a general feeling of inertia. I cleared a bulletin board and began attaching index cards with notions for characters and potential plot lines for a screenplay. I also continued to add to my list of titles. I’ve got more than I could ever use but sometimes they can inspire…something. I also kept (and keep!) in touch with John. At the end of our meetings, I feel a renewed sense of “doing” by creating timelines and generating ideas for our business.


So, what’s my point in offering this missive? To let you know that if you feel writer's block creeping in for whatever reason, you’re not alone. I’ve started and stopped the flow of my creativity more times than I’d care to fess up to over the years, but I know that it’s OK. It has to be. All I can do is my best. To adapt to what’s happening, to think it through and, hopefully (hope is important!), get back to some of my natural, creative output.


So, friends - If you haven’t experienced this feeling of sputtering creativity, I hope that it continues. If you’re in the midst of experiencing it, I’m rooting for you. Your mojo will come back. In the meantime, be good to yourself. Talk with friends. Scribble down a story idea. Write in a journal. Celebrate what you’re able to do. Me? I just finished a blog. Things are looking up!



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