I Don't Get Writer's Block...

I get writer's paralysis. 

(via)

I'm neurotic already, but pursuing writing as a career has cranked that up to eleven.

(via)

And sometimes I feel like if I don't write I'll crawl out of my skin, but if I DO write I will suck as hard as anyone has ever sucked at sucking. So why bother? Misery either way.

A couple of days ago I was checking Go Into The Story (which is invaluable for anyone looking to become a screenwriter.) There's a feature called On Writing, and the quote posted that day helped me out big time. So here it is, for anyone who's ever felt like the writing task ahead of them is too big. Too complicated. Too. Damn. Hard.

“One thing that helps is to give myself permission to write badly. I tell myself that I’m going to do my five or 10 pages no matter what, and that I can always tear them up the following morning if I want. I’ll have lost nothing—writing and tearing up five pages would leave me no further behind than if I took the day off.”

– Lawrence Block

(via Go Into The Story)

Give yourself permission to suck. I am.

I've Got Issues

Over on YA Highway they're asking: "what's your numero-uno reason for writing?"


I love to write because I'm restless. I didn't realize it until the Writing Partner called me on it. It's true though: I'm always looking for the next thing.


I've lasted about two years at my last three day jobs, and the timing runs like clockwork. I get antsy. I get bored. There's nothing new to learn and I can feel the seconds of my finite time on this planet ticking away with nothing to show for them.  



With writing, each new idea is a new start. I'm in love with that burst of adrenaline that comes when you know...just KNOW...that you have a great idea. And then you can just sit down and start writing! You don't need anyone's permission! Nobody can stop you!


I think I just discovered that I have a problem with authority. Thanks, YA Highway!