Writer's Block, Procrastination, and the Creative Process: It's All a Matter of Perspective
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Date
2001
Authors
Cole, Ardra
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Backalong Books/Centre for Arts-informed Research
Abstract
Description
Excerpt from Chapter: "Writer's block is no stranger to anyone who has ever put pencil to
paper for purposes of creating a written text. We 'all have suffered from it
at one time or another. And it seems once we admit to having it, the
condition only worsens. Once we put the name 'block' on whatever is
interfering with our flow ofwords, we might as well be standing outside
in the midst ofa Northern Canadian winter freeze waiting for a thaw. A
block is an obstruction, a hindrance. Blocks prevenr passage and can be
difficult to remove. They make us stuck. To become unstuck requires
considerable mental and physical energy, energy that is so focused on the
removal of the block that nothing else of any consequence can be done
in the process. And, if and when you successfully remove the block, what
are you left with? No writing, only a cleared passageway. That is precisely
why I prefer not to characterise any lapse in my ability to compose as
wrirer's block. The term is counter-productive."
Keywords
Writer's Block , Creative Processes
Citation
Cole, A. L. (2001). Writer's block, procrastination, and the creative process: It's all a matter of perspective. In L. Neilsen, A. L. Cole, & J. G. Knowles (Eds.), The art of writing inquiry (pp. 292-301). Halifax, Nova Scotia: Backalong Books.