Writer's Block

My question: Is writer's block for real?

I have many opinions on writer's block; the idea that there could be some obstruction in the brain of a writer that would keep ideas from flowing. The image of the boy and the leaking dike come to mind. There are days that my writing is like a tiny trickle of water, so weak that I can barely spell let alone write a compelling story. In my house, it's a girl (one of my three daughters) who comes along and sticks her finger in my 'flow of thought' and my writing is done.

After a busy day of homeschooling and householding, I can't wait to get to my quiet room and write. Somedays the words just don't come. My mind wants a break from the endless task of thinking of the next task. I'll admit that at times, the most powerful piece of writing I have to offer is an extensive To-Do list.

But writer's block is not just distraction or lack of motivation, it's a reason to set aside the pen and paper and read. Dive into a good book and find inspiration. Rent a few documentaries and learn something new. Read a genre you've never read before. Attend a poetry reading. Tour an art museum. Go to the zoo and look for people who match the behaviors of the animals they are watching.

I felt extreme guilt over this at first. The idea of not writing to become a better writer didn't make sense. It's not about always practicing a skill; sometimes we need to study the masters, search out new inspiration, deepen our understanding of the full world of art and nature. Then, and only then can we branch out into realms of writing we never thought possible.

Doesn't this go against everything you've learned about writing? Did you hear at the last writer's conference that every good writer writes everyday? Very true. Sometimes that writing time should be spent in reading good writing. If we can't identify good writing when we read it, how will we ever strengthen our own craft?

When writer's block strikes, the discouragement is overwhelming. That is unacceptable for me. Never will I allow writing to become cumbersome. Instead, I turn the tables for a few days and spend my writing time in reading and research. It will undoubtedly reveal a missing piece to me and I can immediately return to my notebook and write freely for hours.