Prescription for Writers’ Ills
Friday, March 31st, 2006
Very cute article in the April issue of Romance Writers Report called “Rx for Writer’s Block and Other Creative Maladies,” by Deborah Hale. She identifies “illnesses” that can afflict a writer, and offers some remedies. Here’s a short summary (as much as I dare without treading on copyright stuff)
Motivation Anemia–otherwise known as Procrastination. Idea Itch –a rash of new ideas that keep you from focusing on the WIP. “May be caused by an underlying Manuscript Completion Allergy.” Overactive Editorial Gland. Can be brought on by Resistent Revisionitis. Project Paralysis–can come from being intimidated by the work, a fear of deadlines, or inertia after a long break (Arth-writis) Method Sclerosis. Similar to Motivation Anemia. Scene Sprain–”a painful aversion to writing one particular scene.” Plot Fracture–where the story breaks down and brings the rest of the book to a grinding halt. Muse Atrophy–lack of fresh ideas. Environmental Poisoning. Also known as Contagious Discouragement Virus. Perforated Ego–self explanatory. Pervasive Malaise Syndrome. Actual physical reasons for lack of energy and desire to write. Life-Crisis Attack. If not addressed, might turn into Chronic Malignant Burnout.
Gee, I guess need to start taking some meds real quick, ’cause I suffer from a lot of these.
- I have an awful case of Idea Itch (which is why I’ve got 5 books going at the same time), but I’m afraid that if I try to control the itch, I’ll end up with Muse Atrophy.
- Motivation Anemia. Oh yeah, I’ve got that bad. That’s why I’m here blogging/playing Free Cell/”researching” instead of writing (even though Sheridan and Alyk have been pretty insistent the past few days).
- I certainly have an Overactive Editorial Gland, which in me can often cause a Scene Sprain (or is it vice versa?)
- To top it all off, I have Pervasive Malaise Syndrome–depression, SAD, Diaper Brain all turn my brain to mush entirely too often.
- At least I don’t have any Environmental Poisoning–my family and friends are all extremely supportive of my writing.
So what ails you?