The Writer's Block

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   rastrotherposted 14 years ago

   does anyone know what this saying means or how it began?

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   Janettaposted 14 years ago

   I'd say the meaning's pretty self explanatory, but how it came about...maybe a desperate writer searching for material?? who knows...

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   onthewritesideposted 14 years ago

   The term "Writer's Block" actually has nothing to do with the modern day definition of the term.  It originated in the middle ages during the time of the Inquisitions, and it referred to authors that had something to say that went against what the Church wanted people to know.  If you wrote something contrary to that of the given doctrine, you were put on the "Block"...and that could mean anything from being tortured, hanged, beheaded, or simply put into stockades in the streets so people could throw produce at you for a couple of days.  This then caused authors to "reconsider" their ideas when putting pen to paper, which in turn caused them much hesitation to write about what they really wanted to say in favor of something more acceptable to the powers that were.  Out of necessity, the writer's true thoughts were "blocked"...hence the term.
   
   Of course this is complete speculation on my part, but it makes for an interesting possibility doesn't it?  I guess I could have Googled the origin before I wrote this...but what the heck! 

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      mirandalloydposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      At least it makes for a terrific legend.

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         onthewritesideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         HEHE!  I thought so!    Hey for all I know, there may be some truth to it!

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      rastrotherposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      yes i like your point and i'd say it does make for a interesting possibility. i also like your speculation i could go with that. im just glad someone is thinking outside of the box so to speak and not just trying to go with what they have have heard. in reference to what janetta wrote yes i guess it is pretty self explanatory if you think that it actually means its when a writer reaches a block. but if you speculate which i love to do, well then were right back at square one.

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      dohn121posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Oh man, did you have me going!  This is exactly something I would do and people would eat it up, only to be told a moment later that was only messing with them. Hahaha!

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         onthewritesideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

           Sorry Dohn!

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            Shannondoahposted 14 years agoin reply to this

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               dohn121posted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Not a problem!  I wonder what would happen to us writers if we had to go to say a RE-Education camp.  We're not doctors, teachers...What category do we fall in?  If we tell them we went to college we'll get shot instantly.  Just tell them that you're STOOPID and they'll let us live, I guess...Maybe us writers are useless after all.

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                  onthewritesideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  Atlas will shrug one day...and the rest of the world will be sorry for it too...

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   dohn121posted 14 years ago

   A few times, when I had a solid idea in my head to right a story, I'd run home and write as fast as I can.  This will go on for about an hour, sometimes to and then WHAM!  Brick wall/writer's block whatever you want to call it.  I got a little burned out because of it and would have to come back and regroup.  One of the best things I feel that can help is taking a walk, drive, or reading a book.  The best ideas come when you are NOT trying to come up with a good idea.  Just be ready with a notepad and pen for when your ideas do come, however.  You never want to be unprepared for a "novel" idea.

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      onthewritesideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Absolutely agree.  That's why I carry a little 25 page journal with me everywhere I go....just in case....

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   dohn121posted 14 years ago

   I've been meaning to read that book one day.  Well, let's face it.  We all have truck loads of books we want to read, don't we?  My biggest wish in life is probably to crash land on a desert island while aboard a 747 carrying like a thousand books.  Then I guess things wouldn't be so bad...Did I mention the pilot also survived, is a woman and REALLY hot???

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   Cris Aposted 14 years ago

   I did a fast and quick googling and it was psychoanalyst/writer Edmund Bergler who coined the term "writer's block" which he compared to an oedipal relationship, ie denial of breast milk. I think

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