Comments on: Unclogging Your Writerly Pipes

By: Lisa Hayden Espenschade

Lisa Hayden Espenschade — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:33:00 +0000

Lori, I’m glad I found your blog… I couldn’t agree more about the fears behind writer’s block, and I also enjoyed your piece on putting clients in “time out.” Thanks!

By: Bob Younce

Bob Younce — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:56:00 +0000

I dunno. I've definitely had some legitimate writer's block.

Of course... I've had a heck of a lot more lazy or bored days that I've written off as writer's block.

Great post, as always Lori!

By: Debra

Debra — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:16:00 +0000

I used to have long periods when I just couldn’t force myself to write a word, followed by frenzied periods where I would do nothing but write for days at a time. I was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Now that I’m stable on meds, I’m having far fewer days when I can’t make myself write…but I do miss those delightful “highs.”

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:38:00 +0000

Right on the money as always, Lori. When it comes to personal projects, I find I have no trouble getting started. It’s seeing them through to completion that I’m lacking.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:58:00 +0000

Very good points, Georganna. Still, I wonder about those folks who struggled with writer’s block for years – what’s really the issue there?

By: Georganna Hancock

Georganna Hancock — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:25:00 +0000

I couldn't respectfully disagree more, BUT I don't think nonfiction writers experience blocks. It is a phenomenon that curses creatives (fiction writers, song writers, visual artists).

When we write articles or nonfiction books, we often have deadlines to meet. They are a tremendous impetus to find the words and finish. Plus, we've usually researched the topic and have the information at hand.

It is a completely different experience to be "making it up" as you go along, even with a novel outlined. I've been to the empty well, several times. That's why I write mostly nonfiction.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:28:00 +0000

I agree 100,000 percent.

Writer's block is luxury that professionals do not have.