Writer’s block is baloney — 18 famous authors agree

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Writer’s block doesn’t exist.

There, I said it. It’s a common misunderstanding among new writers that some mystical force prevents them from writing. There is a block, ergo there must be a remedy. Maybe it’s more coffee. Or a gin and tonic. Or a long walk. Maybe just come back tomorrow. Or the weekend. “Why is this happening to me?” It’s not fair.

Rarely does the new writer realize the “fault” lies within themselves. It’s not a nasty event that happens to them, at the whim of some maniacal diety. It is entirely within their control and simply equates to a reluctance — a resistance — to putting in hard work, or a lack of experience to realize their block is in reality a lack of skill. They are writing the wrong thing. They are trying to edit as they go. Their need for a cleverer word halts them in every sentence. They are boring themselves. They are in the wrong POV. The scene or article has not been thought through. These are just examples.

Experienced writers don’t encounter writer’s block — we recognize it for what it is — writing is constant hard work and there is no substitute, no shortcut, for that. Do the work. Do it consistently. Improve your craft.

But don’t take my word for it. Here’s what 18 famous authors have to say about writer’s block.