The Secret to Writer’s Block: Art - Post Four

Fear and Loathing in Literature:

Using the Inspiration of Non-Traditional Art to Break Through the Fear of Writer’s Block

I am not what you would call a connoisseur of modern art.  A lot of it, I just don’t get.  But while traveling (and with a little encouragement), I have been exposed to more and more “non-traditional art” and have found that there are some things that I just love.  I also truly appreciate the skill and risk it takes for people to put themselves out there like that.  

Similarly, writing is all about putting yourself out there.  One of the scariest things about writing your first novel is waiting to see how others react to it.  It’s nerve racking.  You’re exposing a piece of yourself that most people have probably never seen before.  And if you love what you write, if you put your heart into it, you should be scared.  You should care.  But, don’t let your fear get the better of you and keep you from writing your stories!

I think this is probably the most common reason that people interested in writing don’t start writing at all.  People are afraid of being judged.  They are afraid of failing.  They would rather not put themselves out there if they think that there is a chance that they might get hurt.  Don’t let that deter you.  If you really want to write, write!  Trust in your ideas, trust in yourself, and put yourself out there. 

Here’s an example of when I did not do such a good job of that.  When I was in sixth grade, our teacher assigned us a writing assignment.  We were instructed to write a short essay on what the word “trust” meant to us.  The top three essays for the grade would be selected and the authors interviewed to determine a grand prize winner.  That winner would get a hundred dollar gift card.  Needless to say, we were all very excited to enter into that contest.  

So, long story short, my essay was selected!  I was super proud of myself and really excited at the possibility of winning a hundred dollars.  But I was really nervous about the whole interview thing.  I was brought into the principal’s office with a panel of three teachers.  The teachers took turns asking questions about what I wrote, what I would do with the money, and other random things.  I was feeling great about my answers too, until the last question. 

“Is winning this contest important to you?”  I wanted to shout that it was, that I really wanted to win, that it was all I had been thinking about since I wrote the essay.  But instead I second guessed myself and said, “Yeah, I think it would be really nice to win.”  That was it.  It wasn’t a bad answer, but it was not what they were looking for.  The winner of the contest was adamant that the contest was the best thing to happen to her in a long while.  She wanted it, and she let them know that she wanted it and they responded.  I learned a lesson from that.  If you really want something, put yourself out there and trust in yourself.  People will respond.  

Think about artists and how they put themselves out there.  They create a work of art and they trust in it.  I especially think that of non-traditional artists.  It’s one thing to paint a beautiful painting or sculpt a marble masterpiece.  Everyone’s going to love that.  But to make something that people will have a visceral reaction to - love it or hate it- that’s scary.  I will admit that I don’t understand 90% of unconventional art.  But I appreciate the artists putting themselves out there. 

Here are some things that may get over your fear and help you to get over your writer’s block:

• Write like no one will ever read what you are writing.  If no one ever reads what you are going to write, what do you have to be afraid of?  Write freely, write creatively, and enjoy the process.  If you decide to let others enjoy your story after it’s complete, then even better!

• Write for yourself.  One of the best things about writing is being able to express yourself, like the artists of the works in this article.  Trust in your gut.  I mean, if you don’t like what you’re writing, then who will?  

• Think about the worst possible thing that could possibly happen by writing your story.  Everyone’s a critic right?  But for every critic, there’s also a supporter.  People will surprise you if you give them a chance.  But you have to put yourself out there in order to find out.

So, is writing scary?  Of course it is! 

Should you still do it?  Yes, 100%.

I hope that these ideas help you to break through! 

Found a great source of inspiration that worked for you?  Let me know!

Still getting writer’s block?  Tell me how I can help!