Who Here Gets Writer’s Block?

I don't get writer's block as much with poetry as when I write fiction. It happens, but not quite as frequently. I am thankful for that.

I don't tend to get writer's block with poetry, but I have been empty for years when it comes to my fiction wips. I think it's probably because I don't take the poetry as seriously as my books. I feel like often writers block is a symptom of too much pressure or expectation to produce content, which conflicts with the person's natural creativity. Art shouldn't be a production line.

I am a 'Prodigy Writer' in that I write loads of poetry then want to set fire to it 😄 I get apathy for all the work that is left dormant in my phone's files.. it is similar to writers block because that work is c*ck blocking me from new projects.

I have been in a dry spell too. There was a time when I could write several poems in a day. They would just come as words in my mind. It felt like taking dictation. Though the well has felt dry for a few months, a few weeks ago, I felt pulled to write a poem to honor what would have been my father's 85th birthday. I have written something for him every year since the year he died (2000). This year, I worried about coming up with something because I hadn't written in so long. Somehow, I did it. I think part of the challenge was accepting that I have found some peace with my father's passing. I miss him every day, but the profound grief, anger, and disbelief have settled. Once I acknowledged the shift, I was able to write this year's poem. I have to be keenly connected to my feelings to write. There is an intensity that drives the words, and writing is both experiential and cathartic. Sometimes, I am up for that level of feeling, while other times I just want to be with the feelings - without writing.

Oh yeah! I’m currently going through my worst creative drought. Although, maybe that’s slightly different. I just don’t feel wholly creative these days… whereas blocks are when you WANT to write but can figure out what to write about?

It’s difficult because sometimes the more you force it, the worse it gets and you just have to relax and let your subconscious bring the poem to you… other times you have to go out and make the poem appear no matter what!