Block busting

Sometimes I whine about "the block."

I know approximately when it's going to happen - deadlines piling up, something "off" in my non-writing world, lack of time to create more than dinner. Combined, these factors lead to writerly procrastination, and eventually, the dreaded "block."

I've always considered "the block" an obstacle for creative people. I may have even suggested non-creative types wouldn't "get" it.

How arrogant of me!

After listening to me whine about "the block" yesterday, a dear, self-proclaimed non-creative friend reminded me that every career has elements of difficulty - tasks you haven't quite figured out how to complete, or icky jobs that leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

She's an accountant who loves her career, and the opportunity and challenge of making numbers dance. But that doesn't mean she doesn't get blocked - a statistics chart she hasn't quite figured out how to format, a series of equations that never quite add up, the desire to curl up with a good book instead of trucking it into the office.

Those are her blocks - no different than when I hit a plot snag, or can't quite hear my character's voice.

So what's her block-busting secret?

Just do.

Well crap. Who knew it would be so easy?

Thanks, Sue for listening to me whine - and then kicking my butt into gear.

- Dawn

The Book In My Bag Today: The Hypnotist, Lars Kepler