Writer’s Block

Writer’s block. Two words that can strike fear in the heart of every writer. And, like every writer, I have experienced it before, but nothing like I did over the past few months. It was so bad that I couldn’t write anything, not even my grocery list.

I would sit at my kitchen table, pen and paper in hand (yes, I am that old-fashioned), and stare off into space. I even tried to get some inspiration by flipping through a few of my favorite cookbooks. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

The blank paper seemed to mock me as I tapped the pen to my head trying to get some creative synapses firing. And still, I had nothing. Great. My Red Booth Writer’s Group was getting ready to rally and come up with another four new articles to submit to The Pueblo Chieftain, and I couldn’t even come up with a grocery list.

It was depressing. And I understood why writers sometimes go bonkers. Actually, I already knew why. There were many times I had to be talked off the ledge when I was in the process of writing and publishing my first book.

Maybe I was going to be one of those authors who were “one hit wonders.” And then, a few weeks ago, I was having a random conversation with another author at The Big Horn Book Nook at The Georgetown Christmas Festival. I told her the sweet story about my Sugar Plum Tree, and she listened with rapt attention. When I was finished, she said those magic words. “You should write that in a book!”

At first I didn’t give it another thought. But later that day, the flood gates opened. The next day I sat down at my computer and began to write. And I have been writing everyday since, except for one. I gave myself Christmas Day off.

But that wonderful author gave me the best Christmas gift I could receive. I’m starting the New Year with a return to a project that I started and abandoned 9 years ago. I’m not quite ready for the BIG REVEAL right now, but I am hoping to have my next book published this summer. I’ll keep you posted. Sometimes all we need are the right words, from the write person. Write on!