Talk:Writer's block

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Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment
This article was the subject of a Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment, between 3 September 2019 and 12 December 2019. Further details are available on the course page. Student editor(s): Mandasoar.

Above undated message substituted from Template:Dashboard.wikiedu.org assignment by PrimeBOT (talk) 05:09, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Untitled
Please expand on the list of Writer's Block sufferers. Two is not enough!!!

Bibliomaniac15 November 21, 2005

Strategies
The strategies section is unsourced and appears to be copied from somewhere. Since Wikipedia is not a self-help guide, this section should be rewritten in a more appropriate style and tone, and sourced. Bruxism 23:27, 4 December 2005 (UTC)

Just delete the section already. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.172.156.137 (talk) 07:44, 10 August 2008 (UTC)

More reasons?
I often find, while writing, that i can't think of what comes next. it doesn't have to do with the reasons stated but just the fact that it's really hard to think up a way to advance a situation when you writing on a single track--Acebrock 19:21, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Notable people who suffer fom writer's block
Is this really necessary? as far as I know, all writers suffer from writer's block at one point or another. I'll take it off a week from now if there are no complaints. If, for whatever reason you want to put it back feel free to. just put a reason here afterwards--Acebrock 19:20, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
 * Henry Roth's writer's block lasted for 40 or 50 years, and is not only notorious, but kind of defined his life, or more aptly put, is of great importance in understanding the creation of his final cycle of novels. I can't speak to the others, but his is so extreme, and so important, that it merits being listed, I think.  Bruxism 03:55, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
 * Instead of a list of people who supposedly had writer's bock why not write an entire section on Henry Roth's witer's block? Thanks to your description i feel that at least his writer's block is worth talking about.--Acebrock 22:18, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
 * I think this is very important, especially for those writers that Wiki'd this is the hopes of learning how to get over Writer's Block. It's very important to know that they're not the only one that has that problem (though this may be obvious to most writers). Adela rays 15:15, 26 June 2012 (UTC)

Can anybody put details about famous writers who suffered with 'Writer's block'. More examples and how they coped it.--203.187.253.153 (talk) 11:28, 7 June 2013 (UTC)

screenwriter's toolkit
while the link in strategies may be helpful, wouldn't it be more appropriate in a resource links section at the bottom of the page? beside's "screenwriter's toolkit", a blog, only gives 50 results in the google test — Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.185.192.255 (talk) 15:47, April 12, 2006

Strategies
Microsoft Word includes a feature known as "Outline View." By going to "View" on the toolbar, writers can open this writing tool. Outline View provides a new toolbar with arrows, thus allowing writers to promote or demote ideas they have typed on the screen. Many corporate writers use this tool to overcome writer's block. Ann G. Miller 17:19, 17 March 2007 (UTC)

Artist's Block
It is true that "Artist's Block" is limited to those who paint or produce pictures? Could this not apply to musicians as well? I am curious, since if "Artist" is to be a general term, then the article should be amended as such. --R. Demopoulos

Sufferer of writers block
i dont believe that writers block is just 'writers block' or 'artists block' (including musicians). someone please answer me on this, could writers block be a complete block of the mind? i think i have suffered this for almost all of my life and it's with reading, comprehensen, writing, mathamatical problems and also speaking (talking with friends and listning to speakers/lectures). as i am still in school this is an aweful problem to deal with and the levels vary quite alot (eg sometimes im getting much better at it then five minutes later i can not think at all.)its not that i forget everything like short term memory loss, but i find redoing what you were thinking before helps alot. saying of which, alot of the strategies really do work. something else that intrigued me is that the article says that the cause it of writers block is depression or emotional upset. i do see how this can be true but my depression was caused by my form of writers block. figure that one out! i was so blocked in all i did that i tried to keep all options and questions open and i tell you, that is something that can send a person to the mental institute. So is emotional upset the real cause of writers block? Or is there something deeper? --Alacana 09:08, 22 October 2007 (UTC)


 * You write a lot for a "sufferer of writer's block." I don't think the horrible feeling of being in school counts as writer's block. You could go on and on about how stupid your school is or about things like hypocrisy, hostile sexuality, and other horrors you witness on a daily bases. Maybe you, your teachers or your textbooks communicate poorly. Maybe you're a sufferer of oppression or mind control or simply social control. People hate truth, so perhaps your brain is wise to shut down, to prevent you from saying things that will make them kill you. Erudecorp ? * 11:01, 19 November 2007 (UTC)

'Origins of Writer's block'
Someone added a whole essay here in this section it seems. It may be interesting to read but it doesn't feel like it belongs here. Anyone do something about it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 218.111.14.36 (talk) 13:28, 11 January 2008 (UTC)

calling arthur hermansen
Now WHO is this Arthur Hermansen? Dead or alive, for starters?

I would like to know where I can contact this person if at all possible, but all I find when I type his name into the Google search engine is this page. Of all the reading I've done about creative block, his conception, to me, is the very first I've come across that seems to hit the nail this square on the head, specifically as far as long-term 'block' is concerned, and the first to point out how deeply rooted this phenomenon can be.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,

A.S. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.231.104.135 (talk) 18:52, 13 January 2008 (UTC)

Dear A.S. You can reach me at adventuredesign@gmail.com  Sincerely, Arthur Hermansen. Plus, if you are really interested in peeling back the myths of fame and creativity, we can discuss more on the topic besides just the fallacy of writer's block. AH — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.198.242.149 (talk) 16:13, 15 December 2012 (UTC)

Creative block
Answering "Artist's block" above, "Artist's block" can be an umbrella term for any creative block, meaning that it occurs in the experience of artists, writers, musicians, designers, actors – anyone whose productivity depends on composing what they do with the tools they have through their own imagination or creativity, and structuring a project independently of more mundane contexts. Sports people have times when they don't perform well and tend to refer to this as being "out of form". Writer's block is often associated with the "blank page" syndrome or symptom when a writer can't continue to produce whatever is their project and feels paralysed when faced with the "blank page" in the handwritten or early typewritten era of the blank page; now it's more like the blank page of the wordprocessor document. There's a loss of confidence in all of this somewhere. I know of more creatives who experienced the block for ten, even 20 years so will add them in when have time. I'd like to see this article improved because it contributes more to awareness of the phenomenon. Julia Rossi (talk) 03:29, 22 January 2008 (UTC)

And then there's "programmer's block", see [How to overcome the programmer's block?] on StackOverflow. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Lukstafi (talk • contribs) 20:34, 14 June 2011 (UTC)

Essay?
I'd like to cleanup and summarise the essay on Hermansen's view, but not sure where all the contents (reasoning and arguments) should go. It can be tightened up to a reference with a few major points because though interesting, there's nothing to back it up. Anyone? Julia Rossi (talk) 04:48, 22 January 2008 (UTC)

Julia, I have a complete paper on this. Art Hermansen. Just see the above on /calling arthur hermansen/ -AH  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.198.242.149 (talk) 16:15, 15 December 2012 (UTC)

Other suggestions for getting around writers block

 * 1) Use the ridiculous spell from Harry potter
 * 2) Kill the main character
 * 3) Introduce a new character who you find sexually attractive
 * 4) Suddenly alter time, geographic location and/or characters and then give yourself a real problem to write about and stop worrying about the trivial details.
 * 5) Get your main character to say: "I love you" or "look an elephant" then try and work out why.

Not a good day! 212.139.105.16 (talk) 14:23, 27 February 2008 (UTC)

Problem solved, had to use all above, and although main character still alive, wife is going to kill him if she finds out! 212.139.105.16 (talk) 14:55, 27 February 2008 (UTC)


 * Your suggestions are at least better, than some given in the text. The following strategies are not only not helpful, but symptoms of a writer's block
 * Taking a break, meditating, or doing relaxation exercises to relieve any pressure on oneself and on the writing. ``will mist probably result in an expertise in meditation and relaxation exercises, but will probably not resolve the block''
 * Doing something out of the ordinary. If writer's block comes from a lack of new ideas, attempts to spark creativity by going somewhere new or doing something different can be useful. a good idea for writers, but not for writer's block
 * Returning to the writing after a lapse of a day or two. every day pause makes it more difficult to return
 * Reading, watching movies or plays, or similar activities that might bring inspiration. a good idea for writers, but not for writer's block
 * Going out to get some fresh air. a good idea for people in general, but not for writer's block
 * Similarly, diet and exercise are linked to optimal performance of mind and body - thus, keeping oneself in good health is important for creative output. Aerobic exercise oxygenates the brain, and walking in particular is a time honored remedy for creative block. no, it isn't. It's again a very good idea in general, but not particularly helpful with writer's block
 * Set your writing down, go out and do something (something that will keep you busy) and then come back in a few hours with a fresh mind. probably with a fresh mind what other distractions might work
 * Review and if necessary reorganize source material or notes. the worst suggestion and a typical symptom of writer's block.
 * I wonder if the person who wrote these suggestions is a writer him/herself.
 * Neurologically, by the way, writer's block (but also compulsive writing) is associated with higher activity in the temporal lobe of the brain...
 * Jon (China) --218.19.238.78 (talk) 02:47, 26 June 2008 (UTC)

You know, when I get stuck writing a scene I like to do the following, in this order, then I'm good to go:
 * 1) Masturbate.
 * 2) Take a nap in the bathtub.
 * 3) Take another nap in the bed. (Bathtub is uncomfortable)
 * 4) Watch a movie that seems like it might have some good stuff to rip off.
 * 5) Go to KooKooRoo.
 * 6) Make something up to finish the scene and get on with my life.

You know why it works? Because making shit up is my fucking job. If you can't do it... crazy thought, maybe pick a new job? 76.95.37.76 (talk) 11:46, 13 September 2009 (UTC)

Arthur Hermansen's view
A couple of people have touched on this: who is Arthur Hermansen and why is his view taking up half the article? He doesn't have his own article. A Google search seems to only turn up a couple of blogs on the first few pages mentioning him; one of them is complaining about this article and asking who he is. Halfway through the section stops presenting it as a specific opinion and starts reading even more like an essay. At the very least this section violates WP:UNDUE and should be greatly shortened; in order to remain at all it should be (reliably) sourced. Bridies (talk) 08:50, 26 May 2008 (UTC)
 * I went ahead and removed the offending section. Bridies (talk) 05:52, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Um...
... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.186.178.202 (talk) 00:33, 13 March 2009 (UTC)

What is with the illustration in this story? It looks like silly stock photography. It really adds nothing to this discussion. Also, is the section on "strategies" a how-to section that deviates from Wikipedia's policy on being encyclopedic, but not a how to guide? I think the illustration should be removed. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.80.168.252 (talk) 20:02, 17 June 2009 (UTC)

Earliest use of this term? Older terms used for the same concept?
One of the dictionary websites I checked dated the term to around 1945-1950, but gave no citations. I searched all the Project Gutenberg etexts I had on my HD for this term and didn't find it except once in an introduction added by a PG editor, so that suggests it at least was not in common use before 1923. The article says that George Gissing was the first to write about writer's block, but what terms did he use to describe the phenomenon? --Jim Henry (talk) 19:57, 15 July 2010 (UTC)

Writer's Block solely for professions?
You can experience writers block at any time no matter what you are writing, and it doesn't have to be your job. Since Writer's Block doesn't only affect those who have a profession in writing, shouldn't we not have that there? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.224.98.83 (talk) 18:16, 26 January 2011 (UTC)

Writer's block article expansion
My name is User:Katgreene and I am a rhetoric and composition MA student at Ball State University. I'm currently taking a Teaching with Technologies course and one of the course's assignments is to update a Wikipedia page. I have choose Writer's block (writing anxiety) because this is an area of focus in my research. I am proposing adding/updating three sections: Definitions, Causes, and Possible Solutions or Invention Strategies. Please keep in mind my updates are coming from a rhetoric and composition foundation, and focuses on writing and the processes surrounding it versus a physiology foundation, which perhaps someone else can add to. I welcome ideas and suggestions or comments. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Katgreene (talk • contribs) February 16, 2012


 * [[Image:Information.svg|25px|link=]] Hello. In case you didn't know, when you add content to talk pages and Wikipedia pages that have open discussion, you should sign your posts by typing four tildes ( &#126;&#126;&#126;&#126; ) at the end of your comment. You could also click on the signature button Insert-signature.png or Signature icon.png located above the edit window.  This will automatically insert a signature with your username or IP address and the time you posted the comment. This information is useful because other editors will be able to tell who said what, and when they said it. Thank you.  Welcome and good luck.  --Ds13 (talk) 05:37, 17 February 2012 (UTC)

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 * Hi. From the article's edit history, how can one judge "recent" or "student"? A date range and list of student Wikipedia IDs would be helpful.  Regards.  --Ds13 (talk) 20:56, 27 May 2012 (UTC)

Blank page
Blank Page syndrome is some blogger's name for Writers Block, does not warrent its own section. Section deleted. The material could be made part of the main article but has nothing to distinguish it from Writers Block except a blog by someone thoughtful -- which I inserted as an outside link. GeeBee60 (talk) 15:02, 11 September 2018 (UTC)

Treatment vs. Strategies
I see that the section "Treatment" used to be called "Coping strategies". Since this article is not written in a medical tone, and writer's block is not a medical condition, I don't see how "Treatment" is a good title for the section. I propose it's changed back to "Coping strategies" or some similar wording that does not suggest a medical treatment for a pathology.

The revision that changed the section title lacks any explanation as to why it was done. NyanarWelden (talk) 17:07, 17 November 2022 (UTC)
 * I've changed it back. Bkatcher (talk) 18:18, 17 November 2022 (UTC)

Adding to the Page.
I want to improve this page does anyone have any ideas where I should start?

I was thinking adding more on the coping strategies section perhaps going more into writers block and school systems

Just let me know! Fhozven (talk) 22:34, 27 February 2023 (UTC)

Wiki Education assignment: Writ 2 - Academic Writing
— Assignment last updated by Roach Jefferson (talk) 23:58, 20 March 2023 (UTC)

Wiki Education assignment: Writing 2
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Gore Vidal...
Let us remember that Gore Vidal, a not unsuccessful novelist, dismissed writers' block as an affliction affecting only second and third rate talents.

The suggestions above for 'cures' relate only to the composition of fiction. There are a good few other genres of literature... but the world is over-populated today with people who want to BE writers, i.e. best-selling novelists, but such an ambition already identifies them as having a mind coagulated with clichés, so of course they are 'blocked'. 2001:8003:3020:1C00:31F7:47BF:DC77:7D1F (talk) 05:16, 29 September 2023 (UTC)

Wiki Education assignment: Writ 2 - Academic Writing
— Assignment last updated by Icecream209 (talk) 07:07, 26 March 2024 (UTC)