In this session, we focused on pages 164-181, “Writer’s Block” through “Writing a Present” of Anne Lamott’s, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, and used this question to guide our discussion:
Discussion question: Lamott dedicates an entire chapter, “Writer’s Block,” to a subject that generates much discussion in writing circles. Some believe there is no such thing as writer’s block. Others say it’s a very real condition and go on to weigh in on ways to counteract it. Lamott calls writer’s block something different, emptiness, and suggests several methods of refilling. What’s your take on writer’s block—real or imagined? Have you struggled with writer’s block? If so, what did you do to address it? Were your attempts successful?
We also looked at Lamott’s use of simile and metaphor on pages 165 and 168 and how there are many good reasons to write besides being published by one of the big five companies in New York.
Agree with unblock strategies discussed — take a walk, look at a book or magazine, do a different task. Also, talk to someone out of the ordinary, go to a different space, get a new color of pen and/or paper.
Meditate, complete a small task. Sprinkle some salt on the page and see what happens. Start with writing ways I am brave; the rest will follow.
Great session. Thankful for this recording.