Writer’s block is an inability to write. It’s when the words refuse to flow but it doesn’t mean the writer doesn’t have ideas. I believe it’s a mental thing, a loss of confidence or direction.

This is what Philip Pullman has to say about it:

I don’t believe in it. All writing is difficult. The most you can hope for is a day when it goes reasonably easily. Plumbers don’t get plumber’s block, and doctors don’t get doctor’s block; why should writers be the only profession that gives a special name to the difficulty of working, and then expects sympathy for it?

You have to admit that he has a point and when you look at it in this way, the dreaded writer’s block doesn’t seem so bad.

Filed under: Writing Habits, Writing: