Overcoming Writer’s Block: My Struggle and Strategy

There are days when I could write a blog post in my sleep and with both eyes tied behind my back. I can dive headfirst into word-making so raw you’d think I kept a diary specifically for public consumption. But then, there are these days.

You know the ones. The days where the cursor blinks like it’s mocking you. “Write something,” it sneers. But my brain? It’s like an old dial-up modem stuck in a loop of screechy white noise.

On a good day, ideas flood my mind faster than a middle-aged man flooding his basement when he discovers his wife has a secret chocolate stash. (Don’t ask.) On days like today, though? My brain offers me tumbleweeds. It’s like all the voices in my head decided to go on a retreat without inviting me.

I thought about writing a post about why I can’t write, but that feels a bit too on-the-nose, like posting a selfie of yourself crying with the caption “just me, being vulnerable.” I tried brainstorming ideas about dark fiction—“What if a ghost haunted a blog writer who couldn’t meet deadlines?”—but it started feeling like I was plagiarising my own life.

Even the topic of sexless marriages failed me. I thought I’d write a witty take on the concept of a blog post being in a “loveless relationship” with its writer, but honestly, even that idea feels like it needs counselling.

Sheesh!

So here I am, staring at the blinking cursor, wondering if it’s time to switch careers and take up interpretive dance instead. Except, knowing my luck, I’d end up choreographing a piece about writer’s block.

Maybe tomorrow, the words will return. Until then, I’m off to stare at a wall and pretend it’s productive. Or maybe I’ll start drafting my interpretive dance application.

-Michael