WRITER'S BLOCK: FROZEN THEN FREE

For a long time I thought I would specialize in writing coaching for the web.  However, as I worked with people who wanted to do different kinds of writing — not all of it what we would typically think of as creative — a common problem emerged over and over again.  People who thought of themselves as having writer's block were not unable to write.  Rather, they were frozen in getting started.

Once a writer or wannabe writer gets into the flow, they find they can write.  And, whether it's writing a simple short letter, or a lengthy novel, being frozen is an experience that can underlie either of them.

Years ago I worked as a writing coach with someone who refused to write a letter because she spelled poorly.  I encouraged her to dictate into a tape recorder so she would not have to see her spelling.  Initially, even this was too hard.  So, I had her dictate to me, and I would write it down.  This process freed her up enormously and she "wrote" easily.  And, to her surprise, she was pleased with what she wrote.

Great things begin with the smallest step.  Often when I've worked with writes I've been surprised to see what kind of writing they have chosen to focus on.   Recently, one woman intended to blog and ended up with a book.  She was surprised, but much more gratified than with her original plan.

So, I've given up "specializing" in favor of getting pen to paper and fingers to the computer, allowing the writer or wannabe writer to see what path is best for them.  The essence of all coaching is development from within.  Within is the only place the writer lives.

For more on how to overcome writer's block, see OVERCOME WRITER'S BLOCK EASILY