When it comes to pushing through a block in your writing, sarcasm can sometimes prove to be an effective tool in breaking your thoughts free and allowing words to flow again.
Sometimes words just won’t do as they’re told.
Ever sit at your desk, on the couch, on the floor, or inside your fridge (hey, sometimes creative results call for dangerous measures) and wonder why all the ideas you had during the day refuse to display themselves nicely on a page? I have. (I’m too large to fit in my fridge but I’ve tried climbing a tree with a pad of paper and gone boating with a laptop)
The voice in my head that is supposed to steer me away from harmful activities jumps in when I’m trying to write. It doesn’t seem to know the difference between writing about a tea party with a herd of drunk elephants and actually participating in one. It yells out a warning before I write each sentence: “You don’t know enough about that!” or “You probably don’t have the right words to express that idea properly!” I battled against that voice for years. When I discovered it was silent, I’d rush to get things written before it returned. My writing suffered. I was unhappy.
As I continued to write and learned to distinguish writers block from extreme bouts of laziness, I came across a simple solution to silence that inhibiting voice: sarcasm.
It is in our nature as humans to focus on the negative characteristics of a person, idea, or topic. We remember hurtful words and minor disasters long after we’ve forgotten the nice comments and major delights. It is easier to critique than to praise, to mock than to cheer, and to cut down instead of lift up. Understanding this allowed me to use my inclination to be sarcastic and hurtful as a tool to get my words flowing in spite of any mental block.
But how do I go about it?
I take a topic and spend the first hundred words or so (sometimes more) being as dreadfully sarcastic as I can think to be. When the voice in my head says “you don’t know enough about that!” I respond with “you don’t need to know much about something to be sarcastic and critical” and I keep writing. When the voice says “you don’t have the right words to express that idea!” I respond with “tough luck, you don’t need a big vocabulary to make fun of something” and I keep writing.
It often takes less than a paragraph of snarky blather before I feel a rhythm in my words and the ideas I initially wanted to discuss begin to flow onto the page in front of me. Some of the most heartfelt, honest, and uplifting writing I’ve ever done began with a paragraph or two of absolute rubbish. We all have the ability to say sarcastic, spiteful, and mean things without spending a lot of time thinking about what we’re saying. (If you find that your mood increases and you become more joyful as plans disintegrate and exhaustion mounts, you are a strange beast)
Use that negativity and sarcasm as a tool to break through your writer’s block and continue putting your ideas into words. With a little practice you may even find that attacking an idea before you write in its support can do wonders for your approach to a topic. Are you fearful of what others might think of your work? Just think back to the words you started your piece with. Chances are, nobody will ever attack your idea as viciously as you did when you first used sarcasm to break through the block in your writing.
Just like a panic attack (for many), the mental aspects of writer’s block (for me at least) are much greater than the physical. The more fully I understand the mechanics of what is going on in my head, the better-equipped I am to work within my limitations and continue to create. Sometimes I struggle to write because I’m hungry, tired, or genuinely haven’t done enough research on a topic. But for those times when I am tempted to sit at my desk and mourn the blankness of the screen before me, sarcasm puts me into the writing instead of wondering where I’ll begin. I know it’s considered bad form to respond to the voices in one’s head, but as I am editing a first draft and hit “delete” on the highlighted sarcasm, It’s not uncommon for me to emit an audible “Ha! I win!”
It works for me.
I’d be delighted to know your thoughts on this process and learn more about how you get your creativity jump-started. Perhaps you have a tried-and-true tip? I look forward to our conversation!
photo credit: rebirf
Excellent post. I learned from it and enjoyed reading it.
Cannot tell you how many times my first paragraph ends up on the cutting room floor, and the second paragraph begins what I meant to write in the first place.
I also sometimes just write down the thoughts in my head as they come and put them together in the right order later. Thank goodness for cut & paste.
I’ve also used sarcasm. One of my more popular posts actually came out of my disgust for the political process. It started out as an intelligent critique and ended up as “why can’t we all play together nicely?” I liked the result so much I couldn’t wait to hit “publish post.”
Now if only there was a formula…
Yes, thank goodness for cut and paste!
If there were a perfect formula for writing, wouldn’t most of us run off in different directions simply because we’d feel compelled to do so for the sake of individual creativity?
The best rants are the ones that end in “why can’t we play together nicely”. Isn’t that, under all the sharp words, what we’re actually asking? I’m glad you’ve experienced the thrill of clicking *publish* and knowing that you are fully behind the words you just presented to the world. There are few greater joys in blogging!
I have never used sarcasm in any of my blogs – never really thought about it. I am EXTREMELY sarcastic in person, but I have never used that trait on the internet.
In fact, when I think about it, it would be pretty hard for me to write sarcastically about something…
It’s a great thought though!
That makes sense. It wouldn’t be right to expect somebody to change their style of thinking to fit a specific method.
What works for you?
It must be write about writer’s block day because that’s what I’m supposed to be doing now, but I decided I “needed” to check Twitter. However, it was a good thing because I found a link here. Now I have more to write about.
As far as the sarcasm idea, it’s a new one and one that I think has potential. Giving oneself permission not to have to write only the “proper” stuff on a page could be a freeing exercise. Sometimes I think we get caught up in being professional or doing things just right. This is a good reminder to relax, get it written then get it right.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheryl Pickett
“get it written then get it right.”
You’ve put my process into a perfect little phrase!
I prefer to spend my time on the editing end of writing while many others dedicate most of their time putting the right words down on the first try. That, I believe, makes the biggest difference in whether or not using a bit of sarcasm to get words flowing will work for each individual.
If you’re writing for a blog or online publication, send me a link when you’re through? I’d be very interested in what you come up with! =)
Seth,
It’s cool to read about your process. That path each of us takes in order to get the words down on paper (or on the screen) is so individual.
For whatever reason sarcasm doesn’t work for me. You know how there are people who are completely snarky and everyone loves them to pieces? I’m not one of them. I think I end up coming off too strident or something. So even if I’m writing a piece that no one else is going to read, I just don’t go there.
Yes, I know exactly what you mean.
What makes your process unique to you? Do you write best while drinking tea, in a loud room, after eating a great meal, or reading a specific genre of writing? It’s great that you’ve put a finger on the pulse of your writing. I’d be very interested in knowing more!
I don’t know that we might not revel in collaborative creativity as well. Why not? It’s still more fun to be with people – yes?
Okay – how do I get my picture next to my comments like that?
Yes, it’s still more fun to write with people!
Go to http://www.gravatar.com and sign up for a free account. That will link a photo of your choice to the email address you used to leave your comment and your picture will show up!
Wordpress does it for me, or go to http://gravatar.com and you can upload one for yourself…
Well we have a constant conversation going on in and with the voice(s) in our heads so why not write it out and call them out! Sarcasm is not a tool I thought of but will certainly give it a try. Had major block last night and I asked for help on twitter. 3 minutes 5 responses that broke the ice and helped me to get focused.
For me it usually requires that I step away and go do something else not on the computer for a while. Conversations with my favorite people usually help too.
Have you ever written what you felt was one of your best posts and had a hard time getting on with the next one because you were trying to top it rather than just connect with whatever there was to write about?
I love your writing Seth. This was a great topic.
Hi Susan,
You bring up a great point in mentioning how friends can be of great help in breaking us out of writing slumps. From inspiring the original ideas to pushing us when we’ve gone off track, friends can be the difference between blundering and flight. Twitter is definitely a great way to get a thought process moving in your head. There is always somebody online with a different viewpoint and the willingness to give you a push!
I think we’ve all stumbled over the feeling that we might have already written the best post we’ll ever write. Author Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED talk on the nature of genius and her life after writing *the book* offers some valuable insight about your very question! I am often working on multiple posts around the same time so the idea of needing to upstage some previously-published work comes up less often than it might if I did one at a time.
How do I deal with writer’s block? Easy – they grew up and moved out.
Oooh, harsh, Paula! =)
Aren’t you the lady who keeps ideas in a giant compost box? I imagine you’ve got decomposed delights ready at a moment’s notice! =)
Seth,
HA, how’d you know I always have a cup of tea next to me when I write? You mind reader! I like to write some place quiet. My biggest problem isn’t writer’s block (knock on wood) it’s the procrastination demon! I have a million ways to procrastinate.
Part of the reason I’ve stopped reading as many hard core writer blogs as I used to is because a lot of them talk about their process. Sure, you might be able to pick something up here and there but mostly you’re reading about them and you’re not them.
I can tell you the secret to being a writer. Sit your butt down every day and do it. It’s that freakin simple and that freakin hard.
I listed a couple options. Just happened to get lucky! =)
There’s a real temptation to discuss process because it’s much harder to work at inspiring others and drive them to try things on their own.
Every day? Okay. Wait, aren’t you supposed to bury that in the middle of a massive book about writing and sell it for $75? =)
First a question: Would you rather have writer’s block or be plagued with “Hypergraphia?”
Hypergraphia is the opposite of writer’s block, where one has the debilitating compulsion to write and write on anything from post-its to toilet paper…no kidding here!
Edgar Allan Poe first made reference to it and called it the “midnight disease.” Herman Melville wrote: “Give me a condor’s quill, Give me Vesuvius’s crater for an ink stand…Friends hold back my arms!”
As many have already mentioned, sarcasm is a great suggestion but would probably not work for me. What really gets me going is melancholy…the more emotional the better the flow and I always begin with/build from a title first. I also carry a journal with me at all times so I can write down those sometimes pesky thoughts…my journals are literally filled with just titles…and the cheaper the journal and pen, the better! This way, you take away the added pressure of making it “pretty and perfect.”
Another technique I often employ is “media res” meaning “in the middle of things.” Starting in the middle can pull you into the nucleus of your writing instantly. And if worse becomes tragic, I open my most expensive bottle of wine, sometimes smoke a cigar and crank the music up! :~)
and here’s what just flowed out of me…
“Oh, those pesky writing glitches
and endless useless hitches
Also known as writer’s block
against the demanding clock!” ~Henie~
Thanks so much, Seth, for providing yet another wonderful springboard for our writing! :~)
Oh Henie, You never fail to make me laugh. You smoke cigars while drinking wine and listening to loud music to stave away the tragic? Amazing! =)
I think I lean more toward the hypergraphia side of the spectrum. I sometimes have more ideas and words than I have fingers to type them with…and I’m a very fast typist! But then I’ll be working on one of topics from my blog schedule and suddenly have no words at all. That’s when a bit of sarcasm can get me going. It’s all deleted before I post it…but it helps get things started. For the out-of-the-bag approach, I always have my army of draft posts to work on until I’m ready to post!
Perhaps I should try the great wine and cigar approach next time?
When I’m ’stuck’ I tell myself that my ‘writing’ brain has shut down for a damn good reason and I give it a break, engaging in alternative activities until the inspiration returns.
My favourite alternatives include taking a shower; walking the dogs; chopping vegetables, looking at some visually stimulating images – clothes, jewellery and interior design usually- or looking back through digital photos of past special (and ordinary events). I also like to do the random stimulating exercise of flicking on the tv or radio and just watching/listening to whatever is on at that time. When feeling in a deep rut I get on the cross trainer, crank up the music and run for my life!
Such actions, I find, allow me to return to a state of divergent thinking from where new creativity may spring…before I close it down again with too much convergent thinking…
I really like how tuned-in with your creative side you seem to be. I also find that an intense workout can set my mind back on course. It’s as if concentrating on the exercise gives me the opportunity to let all the other things on my mind settle for an hour or two.
But what of us who don’t always have the luxury of walking away from writing? What of the deadlines? What about when it’s not a matter of lacking creativity but simply of getting the words onto a page where they can be edited into something that makes sense?
For me, starting off with a bit of riotous rubbish does the trick. =)
This is brilliant. You’re totally right. It’s usually easier to be critical and sarcastic than not. And to indulge the sarcastic, snarky side of yourself and then “purge” all of that with the ‘Delete’ button after you’ve triumphed? Awesome.
I’ve worked really hard for quite a while now to be nice to my inner critic, to pamper her and be sweet to her. And you know what? Sometimes it just doesn’t work out so well.
Maybe I need to start channeling my Inner Bitch. Give my critic a run for her money.
At least to remind myself that she doesn’t always know everything, and maybe just to get the words flowing. Thanks for this. Great post.
I’d say “I can’t wait to see what you come up with” but the point of the exercise is to NOT publish the crazy spewings! =)
Yes, sometimes the inner critic needs to be told to step aside in the interest of getting work done. Save the harsh self-critiques for your vacation time, eh? Don’t channel too many inner-voices…the great writing, alcoholism, and premature death can come of it.
As someone who “suffered with writer’s block” for approximately six years, I’ve come to the point where I believe that it doesn’t exist. You write, or you don’t write. If you write, you’ll eventually get at what you’re trying to get at, even if it takes a couple of pages of drivel first. And if you don’t write, it’s probably because you’re afraid of failure…it’s not some mythical damming of creative flow. What they say about genius also applies to writing: it’s 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. If you make yourself write no matter what (in your case, you use sarcasm), it’s like warming up before exercise, preparing yourself for the rigors of the craft.
This is what I love about the exercise of NaNoWriMo, which is, coincidentally, what knocked the “writer’s block” right out of me. They tell you specifically that not only is it acceptable to write 50,000 words of suck, but it’s de rigueur. I’ve often heard that people starting out in the craft will generally have to write 1,000,000 words of suck before they have any chance of getting good…50K is a drop in the bucket.
Now that I’ve filled my comment with dubious “truisms” I should probably get on with my day. You and Mary-Frances are right, though…you sit down and do it, no matter how you have to frame it for yourself. That’s the only way that writing happens!
Yes, yes! Accepting that sometimes the first words that come out won’t be the perfect ones, or even remotely correct, is a great step in moving into writing instead of standing outside and contemplating it.
I wonder if they have NaNoWri…Week? I feel like I could pump something out in a week without worrying about the quality more easily than I could by stretching it out over a month. For longer things, I tend to outline and put together parts before bringing them all together…kinda like making an afghan out of Granny Squares.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your morning with us, Mel! =)
Seriously, Mary-Frances and Melanie are right. The only way out of writer’s block is writing every day* – and I have found that it requires treating writing as my job. I punch in, follow my routine, write my 500 – 1,000 words a day and punch out. Treating it as my job has demystified the process and has therefore lessened the anxiety around writing which in turn removes blocks. I am tempted to create a block, however, just to try the music/cigar/wine prescription.
(*yes, Seth, everyday; but writing can also include reading or capturing detail in a notebook. The trick is to find a ratio that supports your work. For me 5 days on the job, two days off is good.)
Nicely done with the asterix! =)
I’m with you on trying out Henie’s solution. It makes a worrisome thing sound quite fun!
If I didn’t read 7 days a week, I’m sure I could never write for 6 with any level of quality. Words flow through us, they don’t start with us. I’m with you on reading and keeping a notebook to jot down ideas as I move through my day. Works like a charm!
It’s true, there are days when I rant and rave on paper working out just what I’m going to say in a letter to an editor or someone I’m going to blast in an email..and then I am finally writing what I really wanted to, just didn’t know, and then I throw the junk out..to protect the innocent (me)
I liked the way you described it, too, snarky sarcasm.
Yes, sometimes all the things you don’t mean to say come out before the things you do mean can actually make an appearance. Much like a lot of verbal arguments, actually!
I agree with the writing every day crowd. I find that even one day off can be debilitating to my writing spirit. I love to write- I think I was put on this rock to do it, however the noodle needs to be constantly vigilant in its goals. I am not sure I would want Henie’s affliction of having to write constantly, but I can see lots of benefits from that in the short term. Stephen King seems to have this affliction- while I do not read him anymore, I see him put out a book twice a year after 30 years of novel work! That is crazy.
Seth- Do you think writers block is a manifestation of the need to take a step back, reflect, and maybe go in a different direction?
For me, I will be writing a post, and it is not happening, nothing is clicking, so I stop, save it and come back to it. I always finish that post, but sometimes weeks go by, and the post is better because of the time spent sitting in the queue.
Henie doesn’t write all the time, but when she has trouble, she dances around to loud music drinking fine wine and smoking cigars…writer’s club is definitely meeting at Henie’s house! =)
I think what many of us perceive as “writer’s block” can be the result of many other things. If you’re tired, hungry, emotionally distraught, or wound up, your ability to connect with your writing is going to be thrown off. Sure, running into a wall might mean that you need to take a new direction. It may also mean that you weren’t running fast enough when you hit the wall on your first try!
With web writing for my own projects, yes, I’m with you. I have a regiment of drafts I can always come back to when I have a better idea of what I’d like to say. I also run into the “oh, this part doesn’t work for this post but I’d bet it will make a good post of it’s own” situation quite often.
But when you’re working against a deadline for somebody else…you don’t have the luxury of setting things aside for a later, more convenient, date. That’s when a bit of snark can prove helpful to get things going. I have yet to forget to delete it out of a final draft. Only God knows what will happen if I ever forget that detail! =)
I see that you’ve sent out invitations for the “Writer’s Club” dance-a-thon at my house, where a whole bunch of ping pong balls reside! Have you ever danced with a ping pong ball? Seriously, I’ve learned more dance steps just by chasing them…it’s all in the bounce! So fun!!!! :~)
Setting all the fodder aside, here are a few more thoughts I came up with that help me sprint over those ‘Wb’s’…
1) I pack up and send my ‘internal editor’ on vacation! Tahiti seems to be the hit!
2) I use my photographs as a springboard to inspire…as we all know every picture tells a story…it’s more like a thousand stories really!
Bottom line, I think all writings are sculpted emotions, wouldn’t you agree?
I say go search for a blog/article that gets you really really mad (or happy)…write a comment about it…and before you know it, your comment has turned into an article of it’s own!
Happy Writing Everyone! Ciao!
So interesting, to see how different people deal with different things!
I’m facing some major … not even “re”writing, but completely new writing for my website and other marketing. Sitting here facing a blank Word document, I thought … what if I tried Seth’s approach?
And just thinking about it made me shrink smaller in my chair. Nope. This would SO not work for me!
It’s fascinating, and such a reinforcement of my conviction that while process and systems and whatnot can support what we want, they can also end up suppressing what we want, if we adopt someone else’s way of doing things without considering whether they really work for us.
Thanks, Seth. As always, a thought-provoking and intriguing post!
Hi Grace!
But it got you thinking! =)
Yes, you should never force yourself into another’s box hoping for the same results. We might be working on identical sculptures but we’ll always hold our tools differently.
If you get really stuck, hit me up on Twitter. I’m usually good for an insane idea to get something started…if only a smile. =)
Nice information. Have you ever read “The Artists Way” by Julia Cameron?
She talks about writing “morning pages” which is in essence three pages of free thought writing – every single morning! Ugh.
But it works. When you have writers block I think if you can do anything to get you writing, eventually you get to the good stuff. It’s like when I go to the gym, the first 20 minutes I hate myself, but the last 40 I love myself. You just have to get warmed up!
I haven’t had the chance to read Cameron’s book yet, thanks for the suggestion!
I really like the name “morning pages”, as if they’re just a part of your daily rhythm that you complete as regularly as drinking coffee or stubbing your toe on the bathroom doorjam (okay, that might just be me.)
You say it well: “you just have to get warmed up!” Funny thing is? I often do some of my best writing after returning from the gym. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Getting past our fear of creating rubbish is key to moving forward with our writing. So much harder to do than to talk about though! =)
How funny Seth — talking about writers block at the same time… yours was much more productive than mine *grin*
I like the sarcastic — but when I indulge it, sometimes it has the sneakiest way of sliding itself into the post to stay. That was actually what was happening this week. I couldn’t find my “voice” for the blog… it kept shading into snarky or overly serious when really all I wanted was a funny or uplifting post.
I’m definitely paying for not writing for a week. The pen’s been greased and working for 4-5 days a week since June and taking a week to be sick certainly jammed up the process! *sigh* Here’s to hoping that I can jog it loose today…
And Henie… I want to come over for ping pong dancing! I wrote a letter to my inner critic and asked her to take a (permanent) vacation. Much better!
Thanks Seth!
I looks like the party is getting bigger! Henie has made herself quite popular with her great wine, cigars, loud music, and dancing ping pong balls! =)
Yours is a slightly different situation because much of your writing is about relationships. Starting off a conversation in a relationship with abject sarcasm is a quick way to kill communication. As such, I’d expect this method to give you less mileage vs. if you were writing an article on building tree houses.
Did you take a week off because you were sick or happened to be sick while taking a week off from writing? I tend to write pretty zany stuff when I’m sick…not immediately publishable but certainly stuff worthy of some vicious editing.
It’s great to read about how different the writing process is for everybody. Thank you for sharing!
Great Post! I have been having writer’s block lately. I love sarcasm.
So you didn’t actually like the post and you’re writing freely? (you said you love sarcasm…so that made sense.) =)
Kelli and Seth!
I love that the Writer’s Party is growing! You are both expected to attend but you must bring your own balls! The more the balls, the better the dance! :~)
Another thing that I do to combat WB is I truly listen to sounds around me, even if it’s silence…it really works…and much better with fine wine in hand of course!:~)
Seth, thanks so much for this fun! :~) Now I’m thinking my next blog should be about “ping pong balls!” What do you think? Think I can pull it off?:~) :~)
Hi Seth! Is it writer’s block when you have a ton of ideas and an outline and just seem to not make time to write – like almost avoiding it? I think of my story constantly and have it pretty much compiled in my head but the act of putting it down – is that a block? It’d be bad to have no ideas or nothing to write about but to have them and not write – ?? Advice? I need a writing babysitter or something!
If you’ve already got the idea in your head and an outline ready to go, starting out with some snarky prose like I do might work well for you. It’s a way to get into the words where you’re writing instead of worrying about writing. It really doesn’t matter what you write first as long as you create the needed content. The editing at the end makes it all seem like a sweet and loving person wrote the entire piece. =)
Nice post. Dealing with creative block is part of being creative and its interesting to explore what works to foil that whole mess. Love your sarcasm approach. Reminds me of stretching your muscles before doing something physically strenuous.
Yes! Just like the “morning pages” mentioned earlier, “stretching your writing muscles” with a bit of a warm-up can make it much easier to tackle the big writing challenges with ease. =)
Seth,
For me, getting around writer’s block is all about my Sony digital voice recorder. I just need to back off and get my mind (and body) going on something else. A workout, a bike ride, a walk with my dog, a shower – whatever. It’s then, in the middle of something else, the words – maybe just one or two, or maybe a paragraph or more – come to mind. I’ve found my handwriting sucks, so the voice data recorder saves what could easily be lost forever. Best $15 I’ve ever spent
.
I also talk much faster than I write!
That’s a really great idea for taking advantage of the moments of inspiration that come throughout one’s day.
It’d be worth $15 for anybody to try recording thoughts.
Isn’t it ironic that we must read someone else’s thoughts on something we already know? Of course it all makes sense. That is part of the writing process, but when it comes to self-application, it somehow seems to be null and void. Part of teaching writing is to brainstorm and write no matter what comes to mind until your center of locus seems to come in loud and clear. As a new blogger, I find myself changing themes continuously. I need to learn how to take my own advice!
It is a bit ironic…but it’s quite commonplace.
Finding your own way, your own path to clearly communicating in your unique voice, is a singular experience. Sometimes, knowing that you’re not the only one who struggles with finding that path can be helpful.
Best of luck with your blog. Please let me know if I can be of any help! =)
Really interesting and helpful twist on how to break writing blocks. Thanks
Peter Lamb
Hi Seth and all,
Just ended up here via Twitter. Nice discussion.
Re: those morning pages. I’ve been doing this process for some time and I think it’s great for starting that flow. It helps build momentum and get the junk out of your head. For me it’s become a process of Brain Drain.
These days it actually leads to writing full drafts of articles. That’s good.
Dave
For me it's about expectations and patience. So often you expect to produce gold. If I settle with just merely producing, I can walk around the house, just feeling good holding that guitar, even if nothing good's coming out of it. History has proven the songs will come eventually, so I just need to be patient.