Writer's Corner

Since the late 1940s, there has been an actual designated psychological condition called “writer’s block.” Even great American fiction writer F. Scott Fitzgerald struggled with this affliction. Many things can be attributed to this condition including illness, anxiety, distraction and the pressure to create. Some writers need a personal muse or divine inspiration to put “pen to paper.” The best coping method is to sit down and simply start writing.

One kick-off is to concentrate on being descriptive. Anton Chekhov suggests “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of the light on broken glass.” Graphic novel author Neil Gaiman recommends this course of action: “The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you're allowed to do whatever you like…  I'm not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter."

So don't let that blank page traumatize you. Let your creative juices flow and express yourself. A fine writing instrument with perhaps a new color ink and smooth writing paper will put you on the “write” path.