I’m very pleased to have Jen Knox here as my Studio Guest for the next few days. And I’m especially glad that Jen chose to tackle a prickly subject like writer’s block. While the debate rages on about whether or not the affliction exists, she artfully enlightens us with the truth of the matter. Author and creative writing instructor at San Antonio College, please help me welcome Jen Knox to SunnyRoomStudio.
This photo is from Jen’s days at Bennington. And since it’s winter in many parts of the country, this touch of summer is especially appreciated.
Jen Knox is the author of Musical Chairs and To Begin Again (Next Generation Indie Book Award winner, Short Fiction; Readers Favorite Award, Women’s Fiction). Jen received her MFA from Bennington’s Writing Seminars and currently works as a creative writing instructor at San Antonio College. Her short stories and essays have been published in Annalemma, Gargoyle, Metazen, Narrative, Short Story America, Superstition Review and elsewhere. She posts about the writing life and her work here: http://www.jenknox.com
Genuine Wonder
by
Jen Knox
There is no such thing as writer’s block. When I make such an assertion in class, my students often need further convincing. As a phrase, “writer’s block” suggests what? The writer is facing an obstruction to the very act of writing. This is extreme. Let’s consider the phrase itself—it’s a metaphor, a way of explaining a feeling many writers face. Writer’s block is a creative way of describing something as simple as fear. The fact that the very phrase is creative, that it was most definitely thought up by a writer, seems intrinsic proof that it is not a reflection of reality.
I teach creative writing at a community college, and in my course each student writes three complete stories. It’s a lot to ask in a matter of mere weeks, I realize, so I’m not surprised by the fact that at least once each term a panicked student approaches me and says, “I can’t do it. I keep trying, and nothing is coming out.” At this point, I ask how, exactly, the writer has been trying. I usually get one of two answers. Either everything the writer starts is “horrible”, leaving him or her to a cycle of perpetual false starts; or, the writer has been thinking and thinking, and “just can’t” sit down and put words to paper.
Both answers suggest that the writer cares deeply about his or her work and what’s really at play is not that the writer can’t tell a story; it is that the writer fears not telling a good-enough story. Incidentally, I rarely hear such a complaint coming from a student who, upon introductions, says that creative writing is just a new and fun thing to try. Such students, in fact, are often the most prolific. The ones that believe in writer’s block are the ones that identify themselves as writers, who have been doing it awhile, and I think there’s good reason for this trend.
- My solution for writers who are stuck is a very simple exercise that is rooted in novelty: Go to a park, a restaurant, a store, a new town, take a drive somewhere new—just go somewhere you’ve never been before (somewhere safe), and pay attention to as many details as you can.
“Do you want me to write about what I see?” students inevitably ask. And when I tell them it doesn’t much matter, they often look at me like I’m insane. To this, I smile.
This exercise—the simplicity of going somewhere new—is purely experiential, but it is not without purpose. When writers return, armed with details about their excursions, I tell them to pay less attention to the details and more to the keenness of their perception—how it was piqued in the new situation or area. The feeling of novelty awakens in us a sense of wonder. It shakes us, wakes us up a little. It is the very same feeling of the brand new writer, the writer who is not yet thinking of publishing, revisions, rewriting or anyone else reading the work. The cure to fears that surround writing is to—no matter how far along we get in our careers—approach the blank page as the new writer does, approach it as a new and fun thing to try, just one more time. And if you must, go somewhere new and awaken that sensation before sitting down to write.
The reason there is no real block to writing is because inside the writer there is always wonder. It is what keeps writers asking questions and striving to understand more about ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Genuine wonder trumps fear and reminds of us why we are compelled to write. Fear or “block” only means that we’ve been distracted, momentarily, by false beliefs about the future product, and we’re afraid of not telling the story we want to tell.
But a true story, a true piece of writing in any form, is not created from a desire to be good but a desire to understand. Remembering that will keep us going. And if we forget every now and then, hey, it just means we care. Now: back to it, there’s so much newness to explore. ~
Jen, thank you so much for sharing your creative light in this sunny space. You make a wonderful point about writing and that powerful sense of wonder that fuels the journey. When we let go of expectations, we get out of the way of our own creativity it seems. And, truly, our written words need time to mature and ripen, like this beautiful red apple. When we want to get it “right” or “perfect” from the start, we set ourselves up for frustration, anxiety, dread. That’s when we feel “blocked” or unable to find the motivation to begin or go on with our work. Your insights are wonderful and definitely helpful.
- If you would like to ask Jen a question, please feel free to leave a comment for her below. You can find her on Facebook and via Twitter @JenKnox2 — or on her blog: Jen’s Blog or website: Jen’s Website.
- Have you experienced something that felt like writer’s block? How did you handle it?
- Thank you so much for visiting SunnyRoomStudio — I hope it was a rewarding experience.
- Barbara Hammond will be with us on Tuesday, January 31st, and next Friday, February 3rd, I’ll return to the LifeThemes 2012 blog series to celebrate the 2-year anniversary of this sunny space for kindred spirits. In the meantime, have a great day!
Blog by DazyDayWriter @ work in SunnyRoomStudio: all rights reserved.
Barbara Hammond is an Artist, Writer/Blogger and Published Author and illustrator of The Duffy Chronicles, her first children’s book.
14 Comments
I agree that writer’s block doesn’t really exist. In my case, procrastination (read other more urgent things) crowd out the contemplation/dreaming time I need to write. And I also identify with hand/wrist issues. I have hired a typist and write by hand. What have you done?
Jen, thank you so much for sharing your creative light here in this sunny space. What wonderful advice for all creative spirits. And thanks to all of you who stopped by to read and comment. You are all amazing! Many thanks, Daisy
Daisy,
It’s such a pleasure to share this space. I’m so honored, and thank you again for inviting me here. I love this blog, and I’m so thankful for all who read and commented as well. I’ll be stopping by regularly.
I’ve never experienced writer’s block, but I HAVE experienced something similar:
*when I am tired, sick, bored or depressed, or when something else really needs my attention and I am trying to ignore it
*when my story line sucks and I can’t yet give it up
*when I haven’t been at my writing regularly enough to feel welcome – my work punishes me for neglecting it
Just some thoughts.
The thing I hear most is that second bullet: my story line sucks and I can’t yet give it up… but never give up because everything good can’t be predicted. I can also relate to the sickness/writing block as I’m currently unable to write as much as I like due to some hand/wrist issues. What’s beautiful is that writing never leaves us, because writers are always telling stories. We can’t stop, so when we’re slowed down productivity-wise, the mind continues on, preparing us for when we have time/energy/health and can write again. Thank you for the beautiful comment, Lynne. Keep writing.
Being a journalist will surely cure you of writer’s block. You’re always writing to deadline, and there is no time for a block of any kind. But non-fiction is different from fiction. You have the notes you’ve taken. Sometimes with fiction there are no notes at all. Then, you have only the flow of words from your mind and from your heart. That is the best kind of writing.
Monti
Mary Montague Sikes
Hi Mary,
Yes. Constant deadlines help so much! I think creative writing is tough for some beginning writers, who don’t have them partially because there’s no one asking for the writing. But you’re so right that it comes from the heart–I think it helps to create our own deadlines for creative work. The trick is to maintain flow and discipline at the same time. Writing groups are awesome for this.
Thanks Jen for your words of encouragement. I have fortunately never experienced writer’s bloc. I’m working on a novel now, and I’m amazed at how much seems to flow through my fingertips to the page on its own. Also, in getting my memoir ready for publishing, I found it important to get lots of fresh eyes on it. That helped with my anxiety about getting my work out in the world – which I think is what writer’s bloc is all about.
Hi Madeline,
Congratulations on your memoir! It takes a lot of bravery to put a personal story out into thee world, and I’m such a big fan of memoir. I find it often one of the most rewarding genres to read. I wish you so much success with both works!!! It sounds like you’re in the writing sweet spot! Stay there… always remember why to started writing.
And I agree, those fresh eyes are so important. Writing only begins as a solitary act. When we share, the perspective from others can be the greatest gift.
Cathryn,
I love what you say about your ex not being able to afford writer’s block. It’s so true. Our drafts shouldn’t be looked at in the same way as what we want as the final product. Anxiety is a predictible thing–it’s always about looking too far ahead and thinking we can anticipate the end result when, the frightening beauty of it is, we never can.
Holly,
It’s so good to hear from you here! Thank you for your lovely comment, and I appreciate your work and insight so much as well.
Laurie,
I love your post!!! Flow is everything, but it’s not forcable. I agree, and I think that the ultimate secret to writing well couldn’t be simpler–it’s to write, to write anything at all. It all adds up, and our skill grows as we continue on.
Warmest Regards to all three of you lovely ladies.
Daisy,
Thank you again for inviting me here. :) This is such a fun topic to discuss because it always encourages me to hear how other writers find the endurance to keep going.
~ Jen
Beautifully articulated, Jen, and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I may be tired, overly critical, uninspired, or just plain lazy on some days. But if I sit down at the computer or open my little notebook and nothing comes out, I know fear is at work. Fortunately, years of working through the fear keep the words flowing.
One of my best teachers was my ex. He had made his living as a writer for decades. He couldn’t afford the luxury of writer’s block. His best teacher had been his years in journalism. The paper had to be filled every day. So he would remind himself that not every article would have the makings of a potential Pulitzer. It just had to be the best he could do in the time available.
I haven’t experienced anything I could call “writer’s block” for years. That doesn’t mean everything I write is topnotch, only that it all feeds my soul, and that is enough to keep me pasted to the chair, fingers flying over the keys.
Really good point, Cathryn. Your ex is wise!
I’ve read both of Jen Knox’s books and respect her greatly. This blog post is indicative of her devotion and understanding of writing.
Jen, you couldn’t have said it better. Writer’s block is essentially fear. Getting past it is difficult, but your suggestions to your students are so helpful. “The feeling of novelty awakens in us a sense of wonder. It shakes us, wakes us up.”
Daisy, thanks for bringing Jen to Sunny Room. I wish you both the very best!
Holly
Jen – It’s so good to meet you here in Daisy’s SunnyRoomStudio. I love your stance on writer’s block! Thank you for sharing it. It made me think of a post I write, “I Love My Writer’s Block!” that makes having a “block” fun and removes the excuses (http://holessence.wordpress.com/2010/07/24/i-love-my-writers-block/).