Writer's Block

 There are two types of writer's block:  internal and external.  Both of them are bricks in a wall.  Those who overcome publish.  Those who don't fade away into the sunset taking their untold stories with them.  I happen to believe, based on my own circumstances, that my own internal and external sources of writers block have to do with forces I cannot see that somehow exert their influence on outcomes in order to thwart God's plans for our lives.

Let's begin with internal writer's block.  Every writer experiences this.  One example is that voice in your head that taunts even the savviest among us.  The voice says, "you fool, you can't do this.  You have no talent.  No one will read your stories.  Why not just give up and go watch TV?"

Next up is external writer's block.  I cite two examples from my own experience – the front covers for "Live Long and Prosper" and "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson."  In both cases I was blocked by legal hurdles so massive that my publishing efforts seemed doomed.  I went all the way to the top of two giant companies seeking permission to use the Spock hand gesture from Star Trek and Wilson's hand print created by the actor, Tom Hanks.  It didn't help my cause that the voices in my head kept intervening with negative self talk.  The voices kept telling me, "You don't have a chance in Hell.  You will be sued.  You will lose everything."

How does one overcome writer's block?  I believe you need to remove one brick at a time until the wall is no longer visible.  It's daily effort.  In my opinion, overcoming writer's block requires acknowledging that the source of the bricks in the wall is powerless compared with God's intervention.  I may not be able to beat writer's block alone but with God's power I can become unstoppable.  Here's the secret weapon for defeating any obstacles you encounter in your life from Romans 8:38-39...

If you are suffering from writer's block, remember who loves you.  Remember Paul's message from Romans 8:38-39.  Remove those bricks on a wall, one at a time, whether they are internal or external.  Don't stop writing until your heart stops beating.  Have a great day.