Unblocking

Writers’ block. We’ve all encountered it. Had to find a way around or over it. Or not . . .

I was listening to RadioLab on NPR today and the first segment was “Me, Myself, and Muse” (https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/segments/117294-me-myself-and-muse).

In that segment the discussion revolved around the concept of making a deal with yourself. Or your muse, which is your subconscious self anyway (the discussion of whether it has an external existence is best left to some other time).

What kind of deal are we talking about?

It could be bargaining for access to something you desire.

If you can finish this chapter you get a cigarette. Or that drink you want. Or get to buy that [toy] you want so much.

Or it could be more sinister, a punishment for instance. Don’t get past this and you don’t get to book that vacation you want so bad. Or something more serious . . .

You might choose to deal with your muse as an external entity that you can bargain with. Make a deal with.

This podcast mentions ways that some famous writers have dealt with the difficulties they have encountered. Names like: Oliver Sacks (The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat), Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) and musician / writer Tom Waits.

It’s worth the listen. You might find something of value there.