On Trivialising Writer's Block

When you tell people you're a writer, they think hipster. They think ironic beards and statement glasses. They think MacBooks and coffee shops. They think you're spewing words that no one really asked for and no one will care to read, because, who even reads anymore?

Unless you're a big time author or something of a similar status, writing is often dismissed as a hobby. Not really a career. I've seen the look enough times to testify to that. When I told people I wanted to be a journalist I knew what they thought. More often than not, it's a low paying gig and that's if you even manage to get hired in such a competitive field. I understand the scepticism.

But say you do become a writer, however you can. Freelance, or running your own blog (!), well, it's still not plain sailing from there.

You have to create constant content. You have to build your brand from scratch. And writer's block? It could be the difference between making rent or not, for some people.

When you write as a career, it's not just writing. It's conception, execution, editing. And that's just the surface. Then you post, and repost. But not too much that you spam people. No one likes spam. You have to be topical and hit those search targets. Get those clicks. Those shares. Those comments.

Writing is never just writing. And it's never that easy. Sure, you have 1000 followers on twitter, and hundreds of people like your IG posts. But how many of them would actually share your stuff? How many would take the time to read what you have to say, for more than 280 characters, that is?

If you're reading this, how did you come across it? Likely, I sent you a link and asked and, because you know me, you obliged.

The key to having people read your stuff and come back again is making good stuff. If you write it, they will come.

Well, not quite.

If you write it, tirelessly promote it, and follow it up with equally good content, they may come.

So, when I get writer's block, it's not just an annoyance, it's me questioning my entire career. Do I have what it takes to make money off this thing? Was this just a pipe dream? Should it have stayed a simple hobby? You don't have the luxury of waiting around for inspiration to strike.

That's a really hard feeling to push past, and it's not as easy to overcome as "just writing again".

If you're struggling with writer's block, or another form of creative block, remember it's not just a mindless hobby. Just because you're creative doesn't mean you don't put work into your content.

If you hoped I had some advice for creative blocks, I'm sorry, it's not that kind of post. Truthfully, inspiration strikes me at the strangest times. Mostly when I'm preoccupied with something else, my mind wanders and - boom - new writing idea! I don't have a set method to overcome it, but what really doesn't help is pressuring yourself because then it stops being fun and starts being a chore, an assignment almost. That's all I can give you, I'm afraid.

Well, that and the reassurance that it IS hard. And it shouldn't be trivialised. You're creating something from nothing. That's a big deal.

Okay that's it, I'm done with this one. This post took me a long time because I actually got writer's block whilst writing it. We love irony.

Thanks for taking the time to read it. It made finishing it worthwhile.

Ciao x