Writer's block! Every writer's worst nightmare!!! Or is it?
Traditionally writer's block has been that single ethereal entity most feared by writers. And rightly so, for what can a writer do when she cannot perform her magic; forming words from nothing, stringing them into sentences, then spinning those strands of literary silk into the fabric of a story. It is a delicate type of magic, that is, one whose flow is easily interrupted. So what can you do when you hit that big, bad, magic dispelling wall?
Well, the answer is; quite a lot. I did say "traditionally" writer's block has been feared. But we no longer live in a world dominated by traditional publishing. In the space of five years, independent publishing has gone from being considered an "abhorrent" thing, to one of the most lucrative markets in the industry.
Therefore, I postulate that writer's block should be embraced and not feared - by self-publishing authors anyway. Why? For one simple reason: Authors of the self-publishing variety are not only writers. They are marketers, advertisers, networkers, visual artists, administrators, phone operators, readers, business owners, masters of their own destinies, among other things.
So, instead of banging your head against your desk when the magic doesn't flow so freely, why not answer a few emails, review those cover proofs, analyze your Facebook ads, or any one of the numerous other tasks on your ever growing list. That is not to say that one should be easily distracted by the business side of self-publishing. But when writer's block truly hits and the stubborn words just won't leave the warmth and safety of your mind, there are other productive things you can be doing until those frightened little words are read to come and outside and play.
Yes, writer's block is not an obstacle, but an opportunity. Unlike traditional authors - who can only stare at the wall until it drives them insane since every other step in the process is handled by someone else - indies can go off and take care of another task. The very act of giving those reluctant words some space often all they need to be enticed out. On returning to your writing, the wall is suddenly so small you can step over it, back into that wonderful magical field of freedom, no climbing or sledge-hammering required.
When the words stop coming. Don't get frustrated, or pull out your hair (assuming you have hair), and certainly don't give up. Simply go do something else, come back later, and everything will be okay.
As always folks; stay young, live long or die trying.
Yours truly,
Killian C. Carter