Writer’s Block and Seasonal Affective Disorder

It seems the more I feel like I should be writing, the less I feel like writing. I am thankful that writing is not my full time job, because I’d definitely go hungry. I admire people who can write for a living and glad that they do, because it gives me so many awesome books, short stories, essays, blog posts and articles to read. I’m also pretty sure that the idea that “OMG I HAVE TO WRITE” is what kills my writing creativity and desire.

On my writing to do list lately, in addition to blogging, is writing some book reviews and Yelp reviews. I sat down to write a book review, and hit the wall. I tried writing something, but my heart wasn’t in it, so I put it aside. I hate waiting awhile to write book reviews, because the more I get into reading another book, the details from the book I need to review start sinking back into the recesses of my memory, and I start feeling like I’m not doing the book review justice. Seriously, the guilt in writing sometimes kills me, and I know it shouldn’t. I got some Yelp reviews in yesterday, and that seemed to help get the writing juices flowing again, so here I am!

I’ve looked into using writing prompts again like I did in the fall, but they don’t seem interesting to me. I feel certain that this block is all due to the time of year it is for me, because I am always incredibly despondent this time of the year. It usually begins in January and lasts through February or March. When spring arrives, I come out of my shell. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lights don’t seem to help much. Every year I have to remind myself that it’s just an annual phase in my life, and things DO GET BETTER. But still, the constant sadness and depression usually starts to creep in and tell me lies that I’ll be stuck this way forever. I know the depression demons tell lies, yet it doesn’t stop me from believing them at times.

Usually the writing that ends up winning, in these cases, are the ones where I just pour out my heart and soul, letting anything that comes out make it on the screen or on the paper. You know, like I’m doing now. Just like the quote below says, any writing is better than nothing at all.

What do you do to combat the writer’s block? Are you affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder?

“Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all.”
― Charles Bukowski

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3 thoughts on “Writer’s Block and Seasonal Affective Disorder

  1. Wow, I could have written this post. My one word for 2013 is “write” and I’m not doing so great with is so far! I usually write once a week using the prompt from FaithBarista.com, but other than that, I’m just stumped. I need to write a Trip Advisor review but I keep forgetting to load my photos to go with it. I also could do some book reviews but I never really know what to write on those because I don’t want to be too spoilery or give a basic synopsis.

    I am looking forward to spring and sunshine. I have taken a hard hit this year with the SAD because it’s been colder than usual where I live and the past few days have been dreary and rainy. I’m ready for flowers and blue skies and puffy clouds and 65-70 degree weather!

    Love that quote!

  2. Although I do not suffer from S.A.D., I find that writing (as in any other creative pursuit), is something that you must capture when you can. It flows unexpectedly…you cannot plan for it or anticipate its arrival; however, you must be ready when it appears. Just let it come to you naturally—don’t force it—and don’t be stymied by writer’s block. You will achieve your objective with faith, perseverence, and patience! Best of luck.

  3. Pingback: Sunday Scribblings: Fuzzy | Nearly Missed It

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