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On writers block
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On writers block

Overwhelmed by ideas

Jim Dalling
Nov 10, 2021
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The confused mind says ‘no’.

I have a problem.

I let a bunch of ideas build up.

I took notes. Lots of them.

Now, as I return to them, they all seem terrible.

They all seem not good enough to share.

I’ve come to believe a couple of things about writers block.

One?

It’s not up to me whether an idea or piece of writing is worthy of being read.

That’s up to you.

Two?

In deciding whether or not something is worthy of being read, I’m working too hard.

Writers block then, is for people who think they know better than their audience and are working too hard.

As such, writers block, and other ‘blocks’ to creativity are not blocks at all.

They are expressions of arrogance and of insecurity.

So, there ya have it.

Before coming up with this, I was arrogant and insecure.

I’m certain this will happen again soon.

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Heather Anne
Nov 10, 2021Liked by Jim Dalling

Makes good sense. May also explain how art school works. Virtually every class has a deliverable. The students are overwhelmed with creating, getting better and constructively receiving critiques from teachers and peers. Draw this is 5 minutes. Draw it in 3. Draw it in 1. Draw it in 30 seconds. How good can your work be in 30 seconds? Surprisingly bad and surprisingly good. I think everyone should have an immersive experience in visual art. More people with less arrogance and a larger love of creation for creation sake would improve the world. Creative block? Yes, as someone who has taught brainstorming techniques, I can assure you, evaluation during the creative process maims it.

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