Writer's block, while not exactly a tangible object in the world, might very well be one of the most annoying and debilitating things. Ever.
It's a truly remarkable circumstance, if you really think about it. (Note: In case it is not obvious, I have had ample time to think about it, as I have been a sufferer of it for some time now.) Whether you are a poet, journalist, novelist, copy-writer for corporate websites, restaurant menu creator, or any kind of 'writer', you are presumably familiar with this little demon and have cursed its name loudly at some point along the way.
What's remarkable, however, is that this 'block' is as much of a proponent for equal-opportunity as the EEOC. As long as your craft requires any amount of thought as a precursor to creation, then you, my friend, are a likely target. Why depress, frighten, anger, and belittle one group when you can take them all down?
It's almost unfair, really. When's the last time you heard of a soccer player who just spontaneously forgot how to run and kick a ball? Or how often do you hear of an accountant who suddenly cannot remember how to use a calculator? It just doesn't appear to happen. (Well, maybe the latter does.)
Why are writer's so susceptible to losing focus, and, ultimately feeling worthless and good for producing nothing better than some chicken-scratch on a piece of paper that is better off benefiting the recycling process more than anything else (that is, assuming that said piece of paper actually makes it to a recycling bin, and is not crumbled up and sent immediately to a trashcan overflowing with presumable other failed attempts, or worse, used for kindling in the fireplace.)
I know 'They' say the pen is mightier than the sword.... But in all honesty, I feel very confident I could make better use with a sword blindfolded and armless than I could with a pen mid-writer's block.
But maybe I'm just a pessimist.
(Final note regarding title of this post: Hakeem Olajuwon is the leading all-time shot blocker in the NBA.)
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