I've heard creatives complain over and over again about being blocked (me, included). It is one of the most popular questions writers ask other working writers - as if because they have produced screenplays or publish novels, that they somehow have the antidote to writer's block. Someone once told me that she doesn't believe in writer's block. She believes her creativity comes from God who is the ultimate source of creativity. And so if she feels like she's not sure where to go next with a story, she simply prays and asks God for fresh inspiration. While this may not be an instant fix - pray and suddenly boom... new idea. It is something to think about. The tongue is so powerful. Is it possible if you stop claiming to be blocked... you might just unblock yourself?
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“To choose to write is to reject silence”
CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
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Writer's block...I mean, I used to think it is unavoidable until I started freelance writing. I realised that, Omo....when there is a deadline, I don't even think of writer's block. Which makes me actually wonder; is writer's block an offshoot of mental laziness or a lack of motivation (that a deadline offers)? I dunno o.
I do believe in writers block but i think it needs another name. My understanding is that inspiration/creativity is not a tap that you turn on at anytime and flows non-stop. Especially if you aren't relying on "substances" to ignite the creative flow. The best way to describe my experience, is like pregnancy, doing a number 2 or your monthly flow. You know its coming, you can feel something growing and changing inside you but it needs time. You can't or rather shouldn't force the dump, the baby or the flow to drop prematurely. They should drop when your body to decides to.
For me, the waiting period is frustrating. That part, feels like the block but i'm learning to focus on being prepared for the flow, the dump or the baby's eventual arrival. I know prayer works and i recognise that it might be different for others, but i have noticed from my own life that my prayers are answered in God's time not mine ("divine timing"). Sometimes its immediate, sometimes it takes a little while and many times it takes a longggggg while (😅 #Sigh). So when i pray now, i ask for patience to embrace "the waiting period" and when i'm not praying, i focus on connecting, staying present, staying open, learning, working, working out, reading, researching, watching shows/films, dreaming and wandering till my pen beckons.