Tonight I learned that,
contrary to Calvin’s assertation,
that writer’s block doesn’t exist.
I learned this from an actual, honest to goodness, writer.
From her own mouth.
I was there: I saw and heard it.
At an event by our local independent bookstore (Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor) I assisted with a meet and greet before the author’s talk as part of a benefit for Binc.
Binc is the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, and for over 20 years it has been the safety net for booksellers.
I was privileged to have been on the Board of Directors for several years, and privileged still to have the opportunity to participate at times as a volunteer.
Tonight the author was author and Binc Ambassador Ann Patchett, and she discussed the creation of her new book (The Dutch House) and also gave a peek into books that she recommends.
Meeting her was very nice.
Hearing her talk was transformative.
Not only was she funny,
self-deprecating,
witty,
and SMART;
she took Q&A from the audience
and it was her answer to one question that made me sit up straight in my seat
and PAY ATTENTION.
Since I wanted to be in the moment I only jotted down the words quickly, but this is a close as I can recall.
She was asked about her experience working through writer’s block, as she had recounted her struggles with starting and stopping, over and over, at page 30 of her new book.
She also name dropped delightfully the authors that helped her work through the novel’s plot.
But- her answer!
She said that there is no such thing as writer’s block.
It doesn’t exist.
And she knows it because her husband is a doctor.
Her husband works through things all day long,
trying over and over again to solve a medical problem for his patients.
And sometimes the day ends and the problem isn’t solved.
But he doesn’t come home and say that he has doctor’s block.
He just gets back to working on the problem.
He does the work,
he tries again,
he makes mistakes,
he asks for help.
There is no writer’s block.
Writer’s block is the name that we give to whatever we empower to stop us from solving the problem.
What it means is that you need to do more work.
Put away the distractions.
Sit yourself down,
dedicate the time,
work through the issues,
solve the problem.
Try again.
There is no writer’s block.
I now have to question everything I thought I knew.
If (and Ann said so), there is no Writer’s Block, what else doesn’t exist?
What other things that I’ve given the power to stop me from moving forward aren’t actually there?
Is there Not Enough Time?
Is there Not the Right Time?
Is there Not Enough Money?
Is there truly any It Won’t Make a Difference?
Is there a My Voice Won’t Matter?
Is it really Someone Else’s Job?
Is it Too Early?
Is it ever Too Late?
What could you do if I gave you permission to wipe away the thing that you’ve allowed to stop you?
Name the thing.
Then know there is no such thing.
Then erase it.
Blow it away.
It doesn’t exist.
You do.
(This post is part of the #31DaysOfWritingChallenge2019 )
Pocket Change 