Welcome to the Writer’s Block Party!


Let's try visualization: Imagine that this pencil is your writer's block. And then snap it in half and go ape-shit crazy. No, just kidding. Go back to visualizing.

Let’s try visualization: Imagine that this pencil is your writer’s block. And then snap it in half and go ape-shit crazy. No, just kidding. Go back to visualizing.

It’s been recently called to my attention by a voluptuous, Strawberry-locked friend of mine, that many are experiencing a serious bout of writer’s block at the moment.  Throw me in the mix.  However, I’m not ready to hit the panic button just yet.

I have a solution.

Let’s put our heads together and have a Block Party for Writer’s Block —  A Writer’s Block Party!

Another good idea that you can thank me for later.

Here’s the scoop:

I just realized the other day that everything that I post requires a hell of lot of work.  All of it a testament to my perfectionistic (I know it’s not a word, bite me) personality.  So for tonight, and tonight only, I’m shutting off the internal monologue.  I encourage you to do the same.

I’m finding it difficult to sit in front of a computer night after night– trying to write.  Key word: trying.  I’ve noticed that sometimes it works, and other times it doesn’t   When the words are flowing and sentences are writing themselves, I know that what I’m writing about is something that I feel strongly about.  However, when I’m forcing it, someone else may as well be writing for me.  It’s not the authentic me speaking, and authenticity, to me, is really important.

Trying to write something is like trying to pinch a loaf on a low-fiber diet.  It’s straining and could potentially cause serious health problems.  This whole thing is supposed to be fun – not work, but sometimes it feels like just that.  If things aren’t flowing (pun intended), maybe it’s best to step back and have a casual writing session.

Enter:  Stream of Consciousness.

Ok. Here I go. I'm getting this party started. First one in the pool...

Last one in the pool’s a rotten egg! Dur.

I made a personal goal for myself tonight:  free write.  Just write for the hell of it, and not for any other reason.  I don’t care if two people or a thousand people read this.  I’m just writing for the fun of it.  A random thought popped into my head and I’m running with it.

If you do pop in and join the Writer’s Block Party, I’ll be around to hash out all of our frustrations in the comments.  After that, try free-writing, yourself.  It’s a liberating feeling.  Remind yourself tonight that this all about having fun, and do just that.  Write for the sake of writing — not for any other superficial reason.

Let’s get a brain storming session going tonight.

And then, let’s all do the hokey pokey together, because in essence, that’s what it’s all about.

Let the fiber be with us.  

-Happy Blogging \m/

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108 comments

  2. keatdogg

    “I’m just writing for the fun of it.” Isn’t that the whole point of writing/especially blogging? If you think it is work to write a blog post and you are not getting paid a shit ton, why the fuck do you have a blog to start with? Ego?

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Masala, I appreciate that. I need to get a grip. Maybe even take a short hiatus and give myself a breather, you know? I like Coors too, by the way. Just in case…

      Reply
      • Masala Chica

        Hi Adam – my name is Kiran, though Masala means spice in Hindi. It is confusing people into thinking I have a food blog or run a porn site. Mixed signals apparently.

        Take a breather. Not a long one. collect your thoughts, get clarity around your ideas. free write every night and every morning – first thing when you get up and last thing when you go to bed. I read that technique in “The Artist’s Way” and it always seems to “unblock” me fairly fast. Good luck. I was think stella but ok, coors is fine …

      • Adam S

        Kiran, are you one of the Spice Girl’s and I don’t know about this?
        Thanks for the tips- I’m workin’ on something right now.

        Bring the Stella too…I was trying to save some bucks, but I didn’t realize we had some rollers showin up!

  5. talesfromthemotherland

    Packing for Israel and planning to write as I stay awake for 24 hrs, but not tonight. Some ideas though: we do Blitz writing in my writing group… close your eyes, pick up a book, open it, and put your finger down. Take those 2-5 words and just write on them. A very good block idea comes from Priscilla Long’s book: The Writer’s Portable Mentor: Create a lexicon. Start lists of words or short phrases for various parts of your life. Ie: CHildhood: Michigan, snow, sledding, green bike, banana seat, school, best friend- Jimmy Jones, alcoholic dad, smell of booze, meatloaf, mom’s voice… Ad words you like(d), words that describe something, or phrases (KRRP Cincinatti- best hist of the 70s, The Bullwinkle show), etc. It’s a vocabulary list of sorts. Use your best words, the impact stuff, the juicy things. Just free form- write it. Don’t think too much. The idea is that when you get a really good Lexicon done, you have things to draw upon in your writing…. Our group blitz writing produces some kick ass stuff. Seriously good writing, sometimes. Have fun!

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Damn, that sounds like a really good idea! I’m gonna give it a try. I sorta do that know, but it was never intentional — as far as building a lexicon goes. I like the idea of stabbing a book like that too. See, I never took any creative writing courses. Art, but not writing. Just the boring, business crap. I’m learning as I go!

      Have a great trip. Be safe!

      Reply
      • talesfromthemotherland

        It’s all about being mindful. That’s the point Adam, take the time for your writing. The blog can be very distracting from other writing, even though I love it and feel that some of my posts are exactly what I want to be writing. The lexicon is best done, written, in a notebook. For those who need to type, you can do that… but a notebook is very cool. I’ve got 24 hrs of travel starting tomorrow… I plan to work on manuscript edits and my lexicon. Bringing 2 notebooks and some pens. Enjoy the block party; wish I could go! :-)

      • Adam S

        Thanks, I appreciate that greatly. I’m looking forward to seein’ what you write after your trip. Drop me a line if I miss it!

  6. Kozo

    I’ll bring the Depends Adult Diapers in case the free writing gets things flowing out of control.
    Your post reminds me of a great line from Batman: “This blog needs an enema.” Keep writing, Squirt.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Kozo. Good call. I never even thought about that shit (pun intended).

      That is one of my top ten favorite movies of all time, by the way. Nicholson is a genius: “And where is the Bat? He’s at home! Washin’ his tights!”

      Reply
  7. SocietyRed

    Adam,
    Coors? Hiatus?
    What the fuck are you talking about?
    Get your ass over here, drink an IPA, and start typing!
    I have single malt as well. You already had your hiatus. I count the days between your posts. This is bullshit soldier! You need to man up!
    How’s that?
    Red

    Reply
  8. Rachael Black

    Your headline alone was enough to pique my twisted interest. Your pain is my pain.. It’s difficult to be True To Your School (just like you were to your girl, guys) and make sense. Am already a registered voter with the Let’s Party. Next Step: Hang out at the Writers Block party. Feel initiated already.
    I’ll bring the thesaurus. You get the beer.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      I’m also a registered voter of the Let’s Party. Surprised we haven’t run into each other? Hope you like Coors, cause that’s what’s on tap! What you got in the hopper?

      Reply
      • Rachael Black

        Okay, am with you and Society Red. Got the IPA thing going recently.
        Am (un)fortunately within walking distance of two great local microbreweries here in Reno. Have to say I -heart- my Growler ;)

      • Adam S

        Reno? Right on! I always think of that movie “Kingpin” whenever I hear Reno. I can here Ishmail in the backseat, whining about going there…Classic.

        Growler is a new one to me. I was gonna say that I liked it, but I’m thinking of Groelsh (sp.?)

      • Rachael Black

        Ha. Forgot about Kingpen. Actually a lot of movies filmed here, and one of my fave Zombie XBox games is based on the Reno strip. TMI. Geek much?
        A Growler is a large glass container (about half gallon) that can be refilled with fresh beer. Dates back to the 1800′s. Men would go to work and fill their pail with beer for work, and on the way home have it filled again.
        The glass versions -many cool ones out there depending on the brewery- serve the same purpose. My fave here is Silver Peak Brewery; every full moon you can have your Growler filled for half price.

    • Rachael Black

      You know what the Groelsh tops look like? With the latch on them? Imagine one that holds a half gallon of beer, sometimes a gallon depending on the brewery. They have a small neck, round in the middle to bottom. Usually brown ‘beer bottle’ colored. Growlers hold fresh beer -your choice of the brewery’s weekly/monthly offerings- and the beer stays carbonated for close to three days. If it lasts that long hahahaha.
      You buy a Growler from your local brewery, then can have it refilled whenever you wish. Cheaper than having a few pints, plus cool to fill for a party. Even of one.

      Reply
      • Adam S

        Damn. That’s a good idea! I might have to splurge on one. I’ll let you know what my boss thinks of my new Growler. He’ll probably tell me to go home and never come back. But I guess I’ll just cross that bridge when I come to it…

  11. lillianccc

    “However, when I’m forcing it, someone else may as well be writing for me. It’s not the authentic me speaking, and authenticity, to me, is really important.” –> WORD. I read somewhere that to be a good blogger, you have to keep at it and not just write when you feel like it and stop when you don’t. While I agree that showing up and trying is a large part of this blogging thing, trying too hard and not sounding like yourself is way worse.
    I’m gonna get some takeout Vietnamese menus ready…. pho is great for hangovers, which, judging by the amount of beer everyone’s bringing, I think we’re gonna need a lot of.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Lillian, great idea. I love me some Vietnamese eggrolls! Hook. It. Up.

      To add to your point, I’m probably not your typical blogger. I don’t normally write informative articles (well, define informative…), and I don’t normally write pop-topic stuff. So, for me, it’s kind of a challenge. Most of what I write are like short films, or sitcom. I guess I’m proving to myself that it’s harder than it looks…

      How would you classify your style? Do you struggle with it?

      Reply
      • lillianccc

        Oh, I struggle all the time with this. When I started out, I was all “oh I’m too cool for a theme” but it was really because I had no idea what my style or niche was. Even now, I don’t really know how to define my blog. It’s just a jumble of observations and randomness from what I see.

  12. iRuniBreathe

    Adam,

    How ever do you keep up with that saucy girl’s ever-changing hair color? That’s a topic for another day.

    I feel your pain. I was on a bit of a roll around Christmas with my blog. Now it feels like the excess has caught up with me and I’m barely squeezing out posts. I know it’s okay to take a break. I know it’s quality over quantity. I *want* to write, but the ease is not yet on my grasp.
    Sounds like you’ve gotten some great suggestions here. And if this post is you with writer’s constipation, I think you’ve just got to get off the throne. This was a great post. It’s in you, just let it out. (Preferably in writing).

    Reply
    • Adam S

      You know, I wasn’t even aware until she said something recently that Red isn’t her natural hair color. I woulda never guessed. I like redheads though, so if she asks, I’ll tell her to keep it. Looks hot!

      Thanks for all the encouragement too. I really appreciate it. I know what you’re sayin’ about the quality over quantity thing, and that’s really where the challenge lies. I’d love to be able to do something like this for a living. My job sucks. It’s completely the opposite. I hope to use this as a sort of portfolio one day. Maybe it’ll work?

      Until then, I guess we just gotta keep our noses to the grindstones. I’m moving away from the throne…

      Reply
      • iRuniBreathe

        Sorry to hear your job sucks and that you like red hair — I’m kidding on that last part. (She wears that mane very very well.)

        All I can suggest is keep doing what you are doing until you don’t want to anymore. It may sound simple and be incredibly difficult, but really it’s about choosing what we want. You wrote a great post yesterday and got tons of great comments about it — and that was writer’s block?!!

        You are talented. Go use it.

  13. The Bumble Files

    I’m trying (hopefully not too hard) to write about a bass violin tonight. Yeah, I know. There’s a lot of places you can go with that, right? Thanks, Adam. I dig your spirit. I will keep your post in mind to write freely.

    Reply
  14. diannegray

    I’ve got a thousand words hammering through my brain so fast at the moment I’ll pop them in a bowl and we can munch on them at the party. Writer’s diarrhea is my problem and the fingers can’t type fast enough to ease the pressure. Save a seat for me and I’ll bring Eddie Vedder along to strum a few tunes…

    Reply
  16. orestgtd

    Thanks for linking to my post Adam.

    Have fun at your Writer’s Block Party. I like the concept! Write a post about it afterwards; I’ll want to know what I missed :-)

    Reply
  18. Katie

    I haven’t noticed any writing impotence on your end as of late. Though I will say, for me, I’ve noticed that when I’m stressed or when I’m unhappy, I write less. I know a lot of people write through those kinds of feelings, but for me, my best writing happens when I’m, at the very least, content.

    Reply
  19. mairedubhtx

    Free-writing often works for me. i don’t write well when i try to write. I write best when I really believe it something strongly or I’m passionate about something or when something stirs my soul. Trying doesn’t work. That’s when I get writer’s block and it shows in my writing. It sucks.

    Reply
  21. Madame Weebles

    I get it too. Mine kicks in before I even sit at the computer. I get Thinker’s Block. I come up with post ideas and then I think, “Nah, that’s stupid.” It just gets worse when I get to the computer. So I would love to join your party and start cranking shit out, regardless of what my internal nag says.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Weebles, that’s exactly what I’m talking about. It’s a combination of over-thinking and performance anxiety. I’m always trying to think way too far outside the box. That puts me into a slump. I have some people that wanna guest post right now, but I’m trying to get away from the typical Q and A bullshit.

      What are some ideas that you trashed? Maybe I can help. Unless of course that info is highly classified…

      Reply
    • Adam S

      Cake, pie, ribs, Colt 45 – pick your poison! You’re officially on board, Ginger. I’m in a don’t-give-a-fuck kinda mood so anything goes. Freestyle on the turntables!

      Reply
  24. becca3416

    I tried drinking a bunch of very strong coffee to get things moving. I have heard that usually works for digestive purposes (for those that actually have bowel movements), so I tried it for the writing. No such luck. Although, I did think about writing a serious in depth analysis of why Alanis always had that one hand in her pocket. So the coffee did something. I am just not sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Becca, I’m so sorry to hear about your slow bowels. Yes, caffeine is an excellent brain stimulant. Studies have shown that moderate consumption of coffee can increase blood flow to the parts of the brain that are responsible for creating brain fog-like symptoms. What the fuck am I talking about…

      I actually really like that idea. See? This is helping! You’re comment is the laxative that I desperately needed.

      Grab a Coors, doll!

      Reply
  29. holdontoyourpants

    Last week I decided it might be a good idea to try something similar to this. I have been casually looking for random ideas or buzz words in things I read, or from a “thought generation” website of some kind, doing my best to make sure the initial concept is vague and writing whatever comes to mind about it. I am finding it quite liberating to work this way, it means I can deal with subject-matter I don’t usually work with and so I just write whatever I feel. Maybe this will work for others too? Open up a dictionary, pick a noun, adjective, or verb and giver-tits! Fuck it, pick one of each and make it a challenge!

    Good luck, and remember; this too shall pass. (Pun, in reference to your puns, absolutely intended.)

    E

    Reply
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  34. Search

    Thanks for a marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and may come back later on. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great writing, have a nice morning!

    Reply
    • Adam S

      You’re welcome, and thanks for poppin’ in! I really appreciate your kind words. Really. Come back and snoop around, there’s some good stuff here!

      Reply

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