Overcome Writers Block by
Letting Go of Anxiety

Is it really hard to overcome writers block? Or do we simply make it that way?

There are some who say there is no such thing as writers block. I would have to agree. Writers block isn't about not being able to write. You can always write.

Anxiety

Writers block is about anxiety. It's about being afraid you can't really write. It's about being afraid that neither you nor anybody else will like what you write. Maybe deep down we're afraid people will discover the truth about us. That we're not "real writers" after all!

When we're too focused upon the outcome, we prevent ourselves from writing anything in the first place. We freeze up.

Therefore the cure for writers block is to remove the anxiety. Simple right? Well, maybe not so simple. Some people struggle for years to overcome writers block. I believe the anxiety that manifests itself as writers block is deep-seated, and needs to be acknowledged and worked through daily.

The Artist's Way

If you haven't already, I urge you to read "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. This book is all about reconnecting with your inner-artist, or inner-child.

The author has written it as a 12-step recovery program and gives us various assignments to complete. For example, we are encouraged to start each day writing three Morning Pages to clear our heads.

We are to treat ourselves to an Artist Date once a week, which could be anything from going to an art museum, to feeding the ducks at the park. The only rule is that we must do it alone.

I first read this book ten years ago and it has helped me immensely. I still do my Morning Pages to clear away the junk and negative self-talk in my head.

Separate The Writer From The Critic

I believe the sure way to overcome writers block is to put aside the inner-critic when we are being creative. The inner-critic is the editor. That's his job. Your job is to create the work in the first place. Don't allow him to wear your hat as well as his own!

I write about this subject often on this website, because when I learned to separate the writer from the critic everything about my writing got easier. These days I allow myself to write songs I never would have written a few years ago.

So yes, you can overcome writers block. Do whatever you have to do to let go of the resistance you hold inside. Then you can get down to the business of writing your Masterpiece!

Each month you'll receive tips and ideas on such topics as...

• Writing better lyrics
• Composing beautiful melodies
• Cool recording techniques
• Music publishing strategies

Each issue will be packed with practical information designed to help you write better songs, and take them to the next level.

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