New Kid on the Block, by Lori Roberts Herbst

 “There’s no such thing as writer’s block. That was invented by people in California who couldn’t write.” ― Terry Pratchett

 

Like Mr. Pratchett, I never believed in writer’s block. As a journalism teacher, I’d tell my students what they referred to as writer’s block was either fear or laziness. “Write through it,” I’d say when they complained of the affliction. (Side note: I also believed migraines were just bad headaches…until I got one.)

 

For the past three years, the Callie Cassidy Mystery series has flowed out of my brain, through my fingertips, and onto the computer screen. The early drafts weren’t perfect, of course, and revision — sometimes heavy — was a necessary part of the process. But the stories came quickly, and with the help of my editor and beta readers, the results made me proud. Writer’s block? Psssh. Not for me.

 

But then…

 

One day, when I sat down at the computer, nothing happened. Oh well, I thought. Everyone has an off day. I flexed my fingers and shrugged it off. 

 

Then it was two days. Two days turned into two weeks. Now, it’s two months.

 

Used to be, when I’d knock on Callie’s door, she’d throw it wide open and greet me with a smile. Or maybe a puzzle. Possibly a concern. Whatever mood I found her in, she always welcomed me to her table.

 

Now, though, she doesn’t answer when I call on her. When I peek in the side window, I might catch a fleeting glimpse of her scurrying out of sight, her golden retriever and tabby cat right on her heels, but that’s all I see of them. They’re clearly hiding from me, and I can’t figure out why. 

 

A few times, I’ve managed to crack the window open just enough to insert a foot, but that’s as far as I get. And the words I write on those days feel forced and stilted.

 

So, I’m a bit stymied. I have about 17k words and what I believe is a solid plot. I’m excited about the story — I just can’t seem to make any progress on it. My editor has suggested diving into a new project for the time being. I don’t really want to, but perhaps it’s what I need.

 

Maybe if I turn my attentions elsewhere, Callie will get jealous and invite me back into her life.

 

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

 

Writers, help a girl out. Have you ever come down with a case of writer’s block? What helped cure the ailment?

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Lori Roberts Herbst writes the Callie Cassidy Mysteries, a cozy mystery series set in Rock Creek Village, Colorado. To find out more and to sign up for her newsletter, go to www.lorirobertsherbst.com