...incredible...

Heh... I like to think of myself as a writer, although I don't do it enough. I have been blocked for the past year and just last month, for the first time I was able to write. Just give it time (although not as much as I gave it; writing isn't my focus so I had other things to concentrate on) and it will feel wonderful once the block is gone.

Writer's Block is an evil beast. It'll sit on you and sit on you and just when you think it's letting up you all but throw your ink onto the page, only to discover that the one thing you can write turns out beautifully, but it isn't what you needed to write.

*makes a note to try the Old Pas Hooters next time she has Writer's Block*

Writer's block. Feh.

There are stories in all of us that are struggling to get out. Sometimes they escape. Sometimes they lie dormant inside until the right time comes -- and then they take their first breath. Sounds like you've been finding your breath...

;)

Keep on keepin' on Wil.

Wil, you could always try participating in www.nanowrimo.org - forcing you to write a Novel in 30 days (November, that is).

This will either cure your writers block or make it worse.

Wil.

You are not blocked. Tell yourself you're not blocked. What's happening is the best work of your life is trying to get out all at once. You think it's block, what it is, is clog. Write EVERYTHING. Write what's on your mind, write what you see, what you hear, what you feel, then trust me Wil, it will flow like it has never flown before.

Believe me.

I knew the writing would find its way out. =^)

Writers block must be gone, because that was fabulous.

Keep it up Wil.

-Jeffery

Writers block must be gone, because that was fabulous.

Keep it up Wil.

-Jeffery

My muse has also been on strike. I don't write, I draw. Some might call me an artist, but I don't. No profound words of wisdom beyond that.

Writers block must be gone, because that was fabulous.

Keep it up Wil.

-Jeffery

What the Hell...

Sorry about the three identicle posts.

I kept getting messages saying it could connect to some cgi script.

I feel like an ass.

Baby steps past the writers block.

Red wine often times finds my muse... Did the cheeseburger help?

What you wrote was beautiful. And even from the short synopsis you gave of the two stories in your mind, I could totally see the story unfold. Give it time if it hasn't happened yet. They will come and you will be proud of them when they do.

Relax and have a Guinness on me.

Beautiful. Poignant. Thought-provoking.

You are an excellent writer, and no one, not ever you, can change that.

Keep on writing, I'll keep on reading!

The cheeseburger was fatty, greasy, processed and bad for me.

It was JUST what I needed.

Beautiful. Poignant. Thought-provoking.

You are an excellent writer, and no one, not ever you, can change that.

Keep on writing, I'll keep on reading!

Well, you told that story masterfully. Writer's block starting to disappear, huh? :-)

Beautiful. Poignant. Thought-provoking.

You are an excellent writer, and no one, not ever you, can change that.

Keep on writing, I'll keep on reading!

Beautiful. Poignant. Thought-provoking.

You are an excellent writer, and no one, not ever you, can change that.

Keep on writing, I'll keep on reading!

Hrm . . . the Boingo song doesn't quite jive with the flavor here, but the title is such a good one. Neil Gaiman says that when he gets blocked on something, he switches over to working on something completely different. It seems to help having a couple projects going at once. I don't know if that'll help, but it's a suggestion.

I went to high school with one of your fellow Acme players. I stumbled on your blog through that website, and everyone who's been raving about it is right -- it is very good journalling. It'll come to you. Just keep pushing.

Beautiful. Poignant. Thought-provoking.

You are an excellent writer, and no one, not ever you, can change that.

Keep on writing, I'll keep on reading!

Wil,

Dude, that was absolutely awesome. The way you turned just a simple thing like swinging by Hooters and turning a burger and beer into something that had me enthralled the whole time shows me your block is gone, though I think that burger might have other plans. I had a cheeseburger at the Hooters in Santa Monica and... we'll not go there.

Those first two stories... I think you have a great set of ideas. I'd love to read those. Well, keep up the excellent work, Wil. You'll be fine. And if I ever see you at the Hooters in Old Towne Pasadena, I'll buy you a pint.

Hey Wil -- Maybe try "It Only Makes Me Laugh" or "Try to Believe" to get the spirits back up. (-;

I like Drew's idea about beging "clogged" instead of blocked. Seems to be on to something there...

Your writers block story grabbed me right away.
I felt all of the emotions as your felt them.
By the way I hate Hooters. Otherwise the makings
of a great addition to another book.
Life is about struggle, pain and adversity.
Your writing deals with all of these things
so well.
Thanks Wil

Great post. And even if you just got a Guinness out of it, life is still good.

Very nice Wil! It is nicely visual ;)

You make the little moments come alive, especially when you're blocked. Perhaps this hurdle you're trying to cross wants to teach you something about observation.

I find stress blocks my creativity stronger than anything. It looks like lunch at Hooter's eliminated yours. You're on the right track now. Keep going!

:)

Scott

I find stress blocks my creativity stronger than anything. It looks like lunch at Hooter's eliminated yours. You're on the right track now. Keep going!

:)

Scott

I guess I'm not the first to say it.. but it certainly looks like youre writer's block has left.. almost unfortunate that it resulted in a vignette rather than the fiction you wanted, but your prowess has clearly returned in spades. I could see the bartendress.

I find stress blocks my creativity stronger than anything. It looks like lunch at Hooter's eliminated yours. You're on the right track now. Keep going!

:)

Scott

oooops! Sorry! I kept getting error messages!

As far as writers block is concerned, it seems I've got the writers block flu considering I've been trying to write this particular story.. and sadly it just isn't surfacing.

Needless to say, writers block really sucks.

Just as long as the pendulum doesn't swing totally in the other direction, and your version of "the visitor from Porlock" makes an appearance.

Awww.
Manly arm punch of manly non-gay man-support for the powerless guy.

Whenever I get it I just try to go to sleep. Inevitably a million thoughts will assail you just as you are getting comfortable in bed, forcing you to drag yourself out and start typing before you forget it.

(note: this doesn't work if you have a writing implement in the bedroom)

Keep up the good work Wil.

Whenever I get it I just try to go to sleep. Inevitably a million thoughts will assail you just as you are getting comfortable in bed, forcing you to drag yourself out and start typing before you forget it.

(note: this doesn't work if you have a writing implement in the bedroom)

Keep up the good work Wil.

Hey Wil,

Seems like everybody's trying to tell you you don't have writer's block, and in truth, I came on to tell you the same thing too. But it seems like it may not be what you need to hear, so let me tell you this instead. Your post, like nearly everything of yours that I've ever read, was touching, honest and true. It made me want to laugh and cry at the same time. You are a fabulous writer, and if you're blocked right now, I can't wait to read you when you're unblocked.

Scott

I have been reading your log for about a year now. Each visit consists of something new, but has never prompted me to write. Until I met "your" waitress this evening. So beautifully alive and vivid in your words. Thank you for sharing her, and yourself, with us.

Am I the only person thinking this post reminds me a LOT of Tom's Diner....?

We need to put this stuff to music, Wil. Seriously.

"I have the worst writer's block of my life. I can write a few words together, I can create one or two images, but I can't connect them."

I like how you're a BIG FUCKING LIAR.
;) That probably didn't help, but good god, man, that really was brilliant.

Anyway, yeah, what everybody else said. Just keep your fingers moving, and eventually what you want to say will be on the screen without you even noticing it.

THERE it is!!

Way to use the bogeyman's power for good, not evil!

I think that reading something is a great way to break out of writer's block. Maybe even something you've read before, your very favorite book (mine is _Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency_ by Douglas Adams. A must-read if you haven't.

Something else to do is play one of the video games that you grew up with. Not GTA or something that you've gotten recently, but something that you played as a kid. I just hooked up my Genesis and played _Star Control_ for the first time in a couple of years; I feel more balanced this evening that I have in weeks.

Good luck!

Probably, no 'is', the best post I've read in two years. For a lot of reasons. Peace, Wil.

writers block my ass. i loved reading that. your an awesome writer, keep it up! :)

He's back!!!

I told you all!

Hahaaaaaa!!!

Never.

Leave.

Again.

Right. Now I am going to read this post again.

And again.

And again.

gripping imagery.... hooters all around, seems as though the build up has passed. Personally i always found a quick listen to the Moz telling me i just haven't earned it yet lately to be a nice kick in the ass.... but writing music is nothing like writing words. keep the faith.

-keith

Nothing like a little homework to loosen the shingles.

Hey, Wil...

Hello boat.

::sigh::

Better than the first, mang.

The best part of that post for me as a woman was that although you were at hooters you treated that gal like a human not a piece of meat as the other gentleman you mention did. Don't get me wrong we all ogle at the opposite sex, but once in a while it is nice to just be a gal and nothing more! That was my thought for the day!

The best part of that post for me as a woman was that although you were at hooters you treated that gal like a human not a piece of meat as the other gentleman you mention did. Don't get me wrong we all ogle at the opposite sex, but once in a while it is nice to just be a gal and nothing more! That was my thought for the day!

Blocked?!
You are so full of shite.
That was a great piece of writing. I could feel the atmosphere in the bar as I was reading.
I remember a book that was part of my creative writing class in college. It is called 'Writing Down the Bones'
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0877733759/104-5933324-0287901?v=glance
It is a great book to teach you tools that you can use to make it through the tough spots. Spots where you feel there is stuff inside and you can't get past the trainwreck that is in front of it.
It tries to teach the 'ZEN' of writing. It is a thin book but has a lot to offer.
If you are still feeling like you have a block then give this a try. It just might help you pick away at the block to free the stories inside.
Who knows, you may even find some gems while clearing the block.

Good luck Wil.

I ::heart:: unca willy.
(not in a gay way)
((not that there is anything wrong with that))

Read over what you just wrote and then try and tell me you're blocked.
When all else fails ask yourself.. what would pooh do? ;)

Ouch. This entry brought back some memories I didn't really want to think about, and don't really want to get into right here. The point is, this little story made me feel and emote. Keep going, you're on the right track.

Wil, that was brilliant - if this is how you write while blocked, I can't wait for JAG. You're a fabulous and talented writer, and I look forward to much, much more.

Wil,

I can totally identify (BTW "Men's Wearhouse and his business partners"...funny shit.). I am going through a little life block. Never quite knowing how one moment will connect with the next, or if connection is even an option. My mother (a wise sage of a woman, DNA non-withstanding) recently said something totally profound that I think just may help you...ready?

"Change one thing." The catalyst to breaking free of one's own demons lies wholly in that persons ability to identify the pattern and break free of it, even if that means changing just the most minute little thing.

Go a different way to the store. Call someone who would never expect it. Shift your current focus 180 degrees. instead of trying to write about the way someone feels, write about someone who can no longer feel at all. Change one thing, Wil.

You're good. Really, really good. Hell, look how many people come here everyday to read what you have to say. I can't wait to see what you do in the future.

I think my previous submission may be correct... you've got a lot of weight on your shoulders right now, and you need to live throuhgh it to be able to concentrate on the story at hand. You will learn something (or may have already if this post of yours is as it seems...). This is the something you need to learn so that you can go on. It may be small, but it's all part of growing... I think you are on your way, even tonight. You have to know that you are the best Wil there is to be, and stressors are there to remind you of that. If you feel deep inside that you are not whole right now, then you have something to work on. I feel that you just may be truly whole and this writer's block is the thing that needs to show you that beauty. You needen't ever be insecure. You always seem to do your best, and that's all that the capability gods ask.

I never comment here, but I can't let a good Boingo reference slip by. Nice title :)

Ernest Hemingway's wife didn't like it when Ernest would have "writing blocks". Ernest had a writing studio in his backyard, in Key West, Florida. When Ernest had his "writing blocks", he would go down to the neighborhood tavern and drink the day away. His wife cured his problem. She had a second story walkway built, which connected the house and the second floor of the studio.

It was too easy for Ernest to go to the tavern before the walkway was built. The walkway forced him to go to the studio.

When the tavern was torn down, Ernest bought the urinal. His wife was mad and didn't want it around. Ernest insisted that it was staying, his reason was that he had put a lot of money down that urinal.

His wife didn't want her garden club friends to be offended, she came up with the brillant idea of turning it into a fountain.

Another little tidbit. Do you remember the episode of the Dick Van Dyke Show when Rob had writers block? He couldn't get anything on paper and Laura told him to go to a friends cabin.

Rob did everything at the cabin except write. He strapped on and play with cap pistols and repeatedly tried to better his record at paddleball.

Does any of this sound familar?

your writing always brings a smile to my face.

Wil,

Are you sure you have writer's block? Because that was wonderful.

Keep writing!

*chuckles*
And the writer's block dissolves...
:)

Ponder -- is the Bogeyman the same guy as the ferryman?

Does the carnival girl have the same color eyes as your Hooters waitress?

Was Men's Warehouse a carny in a previous life?

Has the the powerless man heard the words of Raymond Chandler? "Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. … He is the hero, he is everything. He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor, by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world."

Continue to get all KISS ME DEADLY by slamming the Bogeyman's hand in a desk drawer like Hammer, baby. Better yet, just kick him in the nuts, Wil.

Bogeyman ain't got no stones for it.

Way to go.

CU

if this is the result, then 'go writer's block. rah!'

you rock, my day is better.

I've found that one of the fastest ways to get writer's block is to succeed. You become hyper aware of your audience and you can't get your inner judge to take a backseat. Everything you write comes out sounding stilted, like that funny voice stage actors use that never sounds quite natural - that reading aloud in front of the class type of voice.Taking time like this to get grounded again and connect back with the part of you that started writing in the first place is a good way to get over some of that, as I think you've discovered here.

Wil,
I find that a good listening to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat gets the juices flowing....not the Donny Osmond version. But that's just me. However, I do have to say, that if that's writer's block, I hope you hit another patch soon. ;) j/k

That was a really brilliant post

excellent, wil.

i haven't purchased any of them yet...
...but you have just sold me on "walking barefoot". if you continue to write like that, i just might have to become a lifelong reader of whatever you write.

so be carefull...

eric m.
fargo, nd

I know exactly where you're at, Wil.

I'm something of a writer myself, albeit in a rather different genre. Romantic, sappy fiction. It's a curse, but I digress...

I've been working on one particular story for the past four years now. I've had it posted on the web for about that time, and the response has been more than I ever dreamed. To a small peanuts writer like me, 50,000 hits a year to my story site is a big deal. And the emails I get from all over the world (Japan, Europe, even Africa!) just blow my mind. That kind of response is what keeps me writing.

But, for the past two years, I've been working on the same chapter, the next to last installment in the story. I work in it in bits and pieces, but I go for weeks, months, even a full year with the block monster keeping my work at bay. I've given alot of what I am to this story, and suddenly, I feel drained.

Before, the words flowed out like an unstoppable river. Now, they trickle like the proverbial leaky faucet that keeps you awake with its incessant dripping at three in the morning.

But you know what? It's not really that bad. In that time, I've managed to write a few short stories on other subjects (all still falling hopelessly into the sappy lovesick trappings that my mind is cursed with), and have gotten back into the swing of things slowly.

Basically, what I'm saying is, give it some time. Take a short break, clear your thoughts. Concentrate on other things: Your wife, the kids, the dog, anything but your writing. Rent some old movies, chill out at 1am watching Cartoon Network. Anything that gets your mind off of writing. Take Ryan on a small road trip, just the guys, to a place he's (or you, for that matter) never really been to.

In other words, take an escape from what has become your escape. Even the best of us need to get away from getting away for a while.

Good luck, Wil. We can wait for JAG, so take your time. No pressure at all ^,^

If this is you on a bad writing day, I can understand why you love the good writing days.

Anyone who can say "convenient literary metaphor" and mean it deserves respect. If you said paradigm, then you'd need to worry.

If it helps, as a fellow writer (I write marketing text books. I do it for the glamour), if you want to laugh at writer's block experienced by others, I've occassionally hit the solid lack of inspiration in my writing...when I'm trying to write a question.

At least with fiction or semi-biography, writer's block is accepted. On textbook questions? Nobody believes a lack of inspiration on asking a question about marketing.

$
(My muse! I can't describe the pricing strategies of Walmart without my muse!*)
(*At this point my muse resigned and moved in with an accountant)

Not bad for a man with writers block!

Somebody once gave me this advice: If you're blocked, write about being blocked.

Wil-
P.S.

totally off vein from the above enlightening entry of mine:

If you ever need help on the perspective on a "hot" 18 year old who knows her influence on men, I'll be glad to help. Although I've grown immeasurably since then, I remember those times, and the real reason behind them. I wasn't being me - something I prided myself on - and I knew it.

I really loved this. It was a very relaxng thing to read after coming home from a night class with a migraine.
Believe the waitress. She's wise. *nods*

That was amazing. So much emotion in that, and ther were some sentences that just made my knees weak they were so perfect. :p

if this makes it into JAG I'm gonna buy it right away. :D

(wonders where his copy of Dancing Barefoot is so he can read Vegaspants again)

writer's block or not, that was a wonderfully written story.

Wil, if you're still blocked, give this a shot -- try to clear your mind completely. This sounds easy, but unless you're a Buddhist, it sure isn't. Try to make sure that nothing -- absolutely nothing -- is happening inside your head. You can't even think of the word "nothing," as this is cheating.
There. There's no surer way to make your mind fire up than trying to shut it all the way down. It works for me when I'm blocked.

--S

At the very least.

Wil, if you're blocked you put my greatest inspirations to embarrassment. Your descriptions were beautiful, I could swear I smelled the cotton candy and popcorn in that carnival story.

Just...wow.

There's no such thing as writer's block.

It's all in your head. You sit down, and you write through that wall in your head. It's all you can do. Sure, it might feel like you're yanking nose hairs, but just keep pushing through it. Once you get on the other side, you'll look back and kick yourself for feeling so verklempt.

Chris

Damn, Wheaton, you're good. Evocative prose for a post about having writer's block...I look forward to reading the stories in their entirety, whenever they're ready to be born.

Take care, Will--and hang in there. We care about you.

Best to Anne, the kids and the menagerie,

Syd

And I'm sorry about the extra "L" in your name in my last post, Wil--one of the cats decided to help me type...egad.

Syd

Wil-

Who new Hooters held the answers to all of those pesky life-changing moments?

the boogeyman--he's vistied me before. We call him FTB--he takes prisoners too--bank accounts.

Loved it. if this is block you should have more of them.

I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your life with us. You touch us all (not in that way) and make us ponder and reflect on our own lives. No matter what my mood, my spirits are lifted everytime I read an entry. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one struggling through, yet at the same time recognizing the beauty of, life.

It's kind of ironic, because I checked the site to get inspiration for a paper that I'm trying to write. I think I've found it.

Thanks Uncle Willie.

This touched me for numerous reasons. Being a writer myself I know the familiar romantic escapes one needs to take to add pinches of thought in a stream of conciousness. My "day job" however is bartending. I've been in this business for seven years. And I started at the bottom, a disrespected busboy. Writer's block is nothing to be feared. It happens for a reason. When it does happen it's simply a warning sign that your best is not ready yet. Let it simmer.

I know this is a bit presumptuous of me, but there's a fantastic book that helped me a lot. It's called 'The Wild Mind: Living The Writer's Life'. I believe the author's name is Natalie Rosenberg. Great book, regardless of the writing stuff, about her journey into the Taos, NM area and lesbianism as well as her development as a writer.

However, the writing stuff is killer for kicking yourself out of a rut.

Mind you, I really have no business recommending this book, as I've never completed anything longer than a movie review or short humor piece except one crappy short story about vampires in a convenience store.

Hmm. Now that I think about it, all I need to do is add werewolves and I bet I could get a studio to option it.

Not sure why I'm writing here.Just read the comments and tend to agree!I did enjoy Dancing Barefoot.-SR

"I have the worst writer's block of my life."

Zen is like flying a helicopter. To make the mind go anywhere, you must first be able to make the mind go nowhere.

Even though i'm not a writer, i know that kind of feeling. One day, you're all fired up and the most creative things come flowing onto the screen. The next day, nothing seems to work and you start CTRL-A:Del-ing way too often.

What I do to get away is going to my youth club (located in a 300 to 600 year old building) and start working on it. There are always things to be improved. Some woodwork here, a lick of paint there, a couple of new lights, etc. I find that being productive in another way keeps my spirits up and gives me the energy to restart another project.

Off course, a good pint is never bad for you. I love that your love for Guinness equals mine. At this club we sometimes have a tap system for Stouts, and in the past year we had 3 kinds of beer on it (on my advice). Guinness, Youngs Double Chocolate Stout and Youngs Oatmeal Stout... I guess you know them. Ok, enough about the 'cold coffee with cream'.

Good luck with your writing and we love you all.

Just remember, "50,000 monkeys at 50,000 typewriters can't be wrong."

So what do you have to lose?

I find writing is like giving birth sometimes. Sometimes the baby doesn't want to come cos it's not ready yet. Sometimes it doesn't want to come cos the mother is afraid to do it... cos it may not look as nice as her first kid...

yeah, gosh, I know that metaphor's just wrong, somehow.
Nevermind...

Hey Wil,

Our local soccer team manager was interviewed for BBC Radio here recently, and said that the sign of a good team was when they do not play well, but they keeping winning matches anyway.....

Well, if you call that entry "writers block", then I say, bring it on! Totally awesome! Compelling, moving, it has everything that good writing should have in my view.

So, if the stories won't come, publish that blog entry as is - I'll buy it!

You still rock, Wil.

CM

Wil,

You and I are worlds apart on political leanings and career choices, but In my "expert" opinion this entry is by far an example of your best writing. As a critic, I might even say the past two submissions where purposely placed to attract comments and give you an ego boost. You have a god given talent and as I have witnessed for years now you really can use it well.

Regards,

First-Time Poster.

Thank you for continually sharing your thoughts with us. I visit this site as often as AintItCoolNews and Google. (It's part of my daily routine)

So many wonderful things have already been said and I don't want to be repetitive, but who doesn't appreciate overhwelming priase.

Through your writing, your honesty and your enthusiasm for life, you inspire people.

You inspire people to pursue their ambitions.

You inspire people to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

You inspire people to discover and unleash their inner creativity.

I enjoy reading your ramblings and thoughtful reflections.

[geekmode]
Perhaps one day you may consider writing soft porn with a gentle and sensitive sensibility. Lots of money to be made in the porn biz.[/geekmode]

Wishing you success in all of your endeavors,

Haasim

Writers Block.
1. Just write anything Wil. Exercise that writing muscle.
2. It may be that it's not the writing which is the problem, but the stories themselves. If you can't finish the stories, then maybe it is because the stories don't like the direction they're going in.
3. procrastination is your enemy. If you're blocked, and you do something enjoyable then you are training your brain to enforce that writers block.
4. Stream of conciousness writing can be good for breaking writers block. Even if all you're streaming out is "All Work and No Play..." over, and over, then at least you're writing.

Hmmmmm..... Maybe the writer's block is gone??

Wil,

Now see, THAT was a cool little story! Even if you're just writing about having writers' block, it was a really enjoyable read from where I sit.

Congrats! So do some more exercises like that! I love the old hardboiled detective patter and the noir-ish style.

Keep it up, you're doing fine!

Chris

It may be that I've just been reading 'The Gunslinger' recently but you're sounding a bit Stephen Kingish. Not that that's a bad thing.
:-{)}

Yeah man. Don't seem blocked to me. Write something else. Those first ideas aren't what you're looking for at all.

Stop procrastinating! First at Hoooooters and now writing about Hooooooters.

Write any old crap and sort it out later.

As the saying goes, when in doubt, write! Writing about writers block is the best way to get your thoughts out, and it can be as great a story as the story itself.. You are very gifted with words, and you seemed to have found your muse.. It happens to be the same as mine at times.. After reading your first post about not getting words out on paper, I was thinking about my own writers block, and how, if I were in Ireland, I could go to a pub with my journal and a Guinness, and either be inspired, or just look like I were a writer. :)

I have been reading everyones comments here, and gained alot of insightful and wonderful advice as well! Thanks!

I'm sure you know this, but regardless of the fine drinks and cunning atmosphere at hooters, you won't find your muse there. you haven't lost it, because your muse is you.
often we are standing in front of or directly on the bridge we seek so desperately, a la "wizard of oz". you don't need ruby slippers to find your way home.
yeah, a block feels very real, but you are only blocked from piecing together a particular puzzle, not (obviously) from being able to connect at all. I have been where you are. hell, maybe I still am.
by the way, I would pay to read what you write on WWdN, so give up the ghost.
good luck. hope you enjoy *tough love* from a total stranger.

After reading your blog, it doesn't look like there's much writer's block.

I do agree with some of the comments though: you have what you want to write, but too many thoughts are coming to you all at once.

Maybe keep a tape recorder with you to record a random thought or idea you might want to use for a story.

Another thing you could possibly do is create a blurt essay--write/type everything that's on your mind (don't worry about punctuations or grammar), then read it over, and see if there are any potential storylines floating around in the blurt.

Good luck, Wil. I hope the writer's block goes away soon.

I could actually see Uncle Willie sitting at the bar with Blue suit and Brown suit at the other end. Blocked? I'll buy it. Unable to write? The blog says otherwise. Keep up the good work Uncle Willie. I just might have to go out and find me a copy of dancing barefoot.

if that's what writer's block reads like i want some! you write beautifully--silly wil

see i told ya.....stop trying to write and just write

Writer's block my ass. Maybe you had it yesterday, but that was yesterday.

Today you rule once more!

Well, if you can't write your desired stories, you seem able to write other stuff pretty damn well!

A great story....so, did little willy nail the waitress to relieve his block?

You call that writer's block?

"Her laugh doesn't make it to her eyes, but it's still friendly."

Very nice.

Wil,

Your blogging continues to show you've got the stuff.

Don't put so much pressure on yourself and the words will come.

Sending you some writing mojo

Roger Zelazny once said he never really had writer's block. He said he always tried to write three sentences a day. Mostly, one of those sentences would trigger something, and he'd go on and write paragraphs, pages. But he could always get out those three sentences.

Just keep writing. Three sentences. Three sentences a day. You can do it. And maybe, one of those times, you'll find something more you can keep on writing about.

Cool.

Hey Wil -- I just finished typing up my notes from a brainstorming workshop I took this weekend. Maybe some of these ideas can kick-start something for you:

1. Reverse the premise: go in the opposite direction of your initial idea. It's more difficult to make it work out, but it's much more interesting. Complications make for subplots, plot layers, and multidimensional characters.

2. Go for gut emotional appeal: what in your premise generates emotional response? Find it and heighten it.

3. Combine two or more premises for ideas with deeper depth and scope.

4. Chuck your first choices: they're the safest, most expected choices, the ideas we think will be the most accepted. Instead, keep building, expanding, pushing, throwing out new and different ideas. Explore and stretch.

5. Brainstorm in a group whenever possible -- bounce ideas off each other, the crazier the better.

Last of all (and this is just a personal observation from a member of the Million Words of Shit Club): don't sweat it. The story is kicking around in your head right now, even if it isn't coming out. When it's done, it'll come.

Jena

I'm no literary critic (or English major for that matter, obviously), but a writing coach once told me and I'm sure millions of others "Write what you know".

Well, having just read what you posted, i.e. "what you know", I think I can say you are not blocked and not untalented. Enjoy the double negative.

From one long suffering Cubs fan to another...

---
**

The description of those George Zimmerman (Midlife Crisis Collection) group of businessmen is probably one of the main reasons your waitress looked like she wanted to be somewhere else.

Both you and her had a lot in common at that moment. She wanted to be anywhere but at Hooters that day, and you wanted to be anywhere but near a river without bridges, standing in the way of you and your thoughts.

Sometimes, a block is a cloud with a silver lining, Wil. In a work as personal as Jag appears to be, finding the right words takes time, and until those words have been found, they're not ready to be written.

As do the waitress's weary eyes hold a purpose for her, this brief writer's block you're going through does so for you.

She will, one day, get fed up with the George Zimmermans and pursue a calling that she knows is waiting for her. Her answer is likely around the corner.

Try not to force expression. It'll come without expectation and when it arrives, that's when it will likely be perfect.

Eric B

**
--

Blocked? feh!
That was beautiful. I love how you describe the little details that make me feel like I am right there with you...
The boogeyman will go away, just give him time. He won't be forced out.

Definitely enjoying your writer's block!

I don't write but I draw, and have found Image Streaming [Google it] helpful whenever I can't get past the white.

Dude,

Cheer up. Quit trying so hard, you're depressing yourself. Seriously. ;-)

You're frustrated and depressed because you're having a hard time writing about characters that are frustrated and depressed so you are overanalyzing yourself in an attempt to better identify with the frustrated and depressed.

I mean - how "tormented writer cliche" is that?

;-)

Go do something mindless for a little while. Torment the yard you are so fond of, play some video games, kill some (more) brain cells. Watch SpikeTV and attempt to find a show you haven't appeared in!

:-)

Can't place a semicolon to save his life,
MO'B

I read your blog from time to time. I've always thought it was a fun distraction. I never really considered buying your book (no offense), I just never really thought about it.

However, reading this last entry really impressed me. I'm going to order your book today. Good Job!

Oh and where can you get a good draw of Murphy's in Old Town?

that was some seriously good writing right there. Don't give up, from this post it looks like it's itching to get out.

And hey, you got a Guinness out of the deal. Sounds good by me. :)

Just wanted to say that this is my first comment on your website and I am a fan of both your blog and the actor. I just wanted to say that the second idea of the man in despair took me to a hauntingly familar place. I was contemplating buying your book and now I think I'll buy it. Hope you get over the writers block i would love to see how both stories develop.

Wil, you did it this time. You think you can't write... and by writing about your problem you have disproved the statement you made earlier.

This little piece of text gave me a feeling of "Noir" as in "Film Noir" and sucked me for the time of the read into your story.

Your story did floor me... THANKS

If this is what you're like when you're blocked, I'd love to see what you're like when you've got the runs. Um, that didn't come out right. What I really want to say is that I think that was some beautiful writing; thanks for sharing it with the world. All the best to you and yours.

A friend of mind received some good advice from a college writing professor. The advice was, if you are suffering from writter's block the best thing to do was write anything. The goal isn't to be quality, but quantity. The act of writing in itself will help get ride of block. You will most likely write a ton of crap, but that doesn't matter. I find this tends to work well for me. It's a lot easier to rework something that exist, than to create perfection, from nothing. My two cents. Plus, I wish my crap was as good as your's. :)

Nice one, Wil.
But why do I get the feeling that you posted this because you were procrastinating? :P
(Maybe not.)

Well written. I liked. Bring 'em on.

hey wil, those stories sound great. not being a write myself, it is very easy for me say, hey just get on with it, but then i realise just HOW easy it is for me to say. So, all i can do, is send you some happy mojo, and hope that your block decides to give up and run away!!!

and as most people seem to agree...your writing is spectacular..i really was in Hooters with you...i could even smell the guiness!!

good luck Uncle Willie...

love
rach

In my best Keanu:
"Whoa"
Wil,
to point you to something that might help:
http://gallery.wilwheaton.net/avon3day2002/IMG_0182

Take care,
Chris

Isn't your first wanna-be story a song by Blues Traveler?

You certainly bring the little moments alive. You seem to have a gift for that. And for writing when you have writer's block. :)

As a random aside, the story of the young girl and the carnival put a song in my head...

"Baby cried the day the circus came to town..."

Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and support.

My first thought when I finished writing that was, "Man, I like that." Then I thought, "I fucking cheated. I should be working on other stuff."

Then I felt like I was going ot cry, but I didn't know why. I didn't know if it was pride, frustration, relief, of an overwhelming combination of all three.

Something that's interesting to me: it took me exactly one revolution of "Boingo" to write that. I started with "Insanity" and wrote the last word as "Change" was ending.

Weird.

That has to be the most brilliant writing about not-being-able-to-write that I've ever seen. Wil, you painted the image perfectly. I could see the restaurant...the diners...the Guiness... everything.

You may have a block on those stories, but your creativity is overflowing. Bravo! :D

TonyInCalgary
aka
CK

That, Uncle Willy, was the most powerful piece of "blocked" writing I've ever read. Someone once told me, "A writer writes". You may not be writing what you think you should be writing, but what you are writing is damn good. Reading your post was like being there while it happened. Just sit down and write everything that comes in to your head, I believe my English professor called it brain storming. Eventually, your story will come out. Good luck!

Fabulous... I've been reading your blog for over a year, and I am not sure "blog" is an adequate term to describe this site - it's not "a" 'blog; it's "THE" 'blog! Wonderful writing!!!

I just found a link to your site the other day and decided to check it out. I read todays posting and was taken back. That was some of the best writing I have ever read. You got me hooked. Have you ever published anything yet? Seriously, I would like read it.

Told ya ;-)

Sometimes the only way to get beyond a block is to do just what you did. You should hold on to that piece to work into your next collection...very well done. I haven't ever entered a Hooters (and never plan to) but your description put me there mentally.

Break a leg...

-Devon

Well just think for a second, man -- you wrote *this*. Complete strangers think it's worth reading, think it says something that touches the heart and mind. So you can't write what you want to write today. Looks like you don't get to drive right now, somebody else has a story that wants telling. You'll get to drive tomorrow, or some other nearby day.

Cool, Wil.
Very cool.

I'm not a writer. Though I have been inspired by you to create a blog. Unfortunately, I also want to learn XHTML/CSS and host the bloody thing myself. I've also have iBlog which I haven't used because it doesn't make me happy. All in all - I'm procrastinating and the reason is do I really want to be that honest (like yourself).

So maybe that is a reason for the mental block or as I remember reading about writer's block that it has to do with the familiarity the writer has with the material. Maybe read a Biography on P.T. Barnum to see what it was like? Or what are the issues that you are trying to bring up - have you ever had those issues?

Or maybe you just need another beer?

Jake

Wil...you are simply an amazing writer. And I think the clog has been fixed because that was beautiful. I love your words, the vision and image that they create in my mind is vivid beautiful even if the situation isn't always meant to be. I agree with another poster, just write, whatever it is, even if it doesn't make sense just write and write and write....your bridge will come.

A friend of mine had left her copy of 'Dancing Barefoot' in my car the other day and I hadn't realized it until this morning when I got to work. Seeing as how I'd gotten there a tad early, I sat and read a little of Houses in Motion. I noticed the time as I started reading and decided it was best to go in and read there so I wouldn't chance getting lost in your amazing writing and being late for work while sitting in my car right outside.

I sat at my desk when a co-worker walked by. She asked me what I was reading, instead of telling her, I just lifted the book so she could see the cover.

"Wil Wheaton, the Star Trek guy?" she asked in a quasi-puzzled manner.

I looked at her with a slight look of annoyance on my face. Then, for a minute, I kinda thought about the writer's block you'd dealt with yesterday.

I answered, "No. Wil Wheaton the writer."

She looked at me even more puzzled than before and walked off. I was a little proud of that. I got my Uncle Willie's back! I was about ready to go back to reading, but my friend saw I had the book with me and asked for it back. Dammit. So I bought one.

Listen, you write better with your mind blocked that I could with a brain enema.
You have "it". No, not the "it" that requires penicillin. Your "it" is the gift of knowing that there is more inside you. What you've already written is the easy stuff. You know, it's like the pistachios that are already open. We just open the package and voila! On the other hand, we know that the ones still in the shell are gonna be even better, but man they're a pain to get at. Mmmmm... pistachios!
I have only discovered the whole web log phenom in the past few months. Even when you are in what you perceive as a dry spell, it's still my favourite read. Keep sharing your process of self-discovery. That's where you will find what's deep inside.
Or not. What do I know? I'm a teacher.
Thanks!

You can only beat writers block one way, and that is by writing. I think the whole bidness with the mens suit guy was a little weak, and a little mean. And why are you going to hooters by yourself, ya horndog.

Keep plugging away...it shall come.

Oh Holy Jesus. That's writer's block, eh? Wow. I think I'm in love. :) Amazing.

Wow hard beat vibe at the Hooters. Way to go Super Kerouac. It's easy when you wright about your day.

For someone with writters block you sure wrote a lot :-) I can't write that much on a good day.

Probably after the 2nd pint of Guinness, the writing gets easier. As does the leering.

I think that a tasty cheesburger and a pint from hooters is probably the best idea for writer's block I've ever heard of..

that was a great story

Funny...when I developed a massive case of writer's block, I did the same thing. Only, it became the entire story.

I stayed in my dingy little bar and decided to make a story of it. Or a website of it, I guess.

I spend far more time developing and talking to those characters in my bar (not a Hooters unfortunately, although now I might have to arrange for something as salacious) than I do on my 'legitimate' writing.

Thanks for the story.

I used to paint/draw. I don't think I was particularly good, in fact, there is only one painting I've done that I liked. That didn't matter because I used to be able to disappear from the world when I had a paint brush or pencil in my hand. For just a moment, I could block out all of the noise and just ... be. That all stopped when a close friend committed suicide. My private world was filled with horrible images and I felt like I couldn't go there anymore. That was a long time ago. I'm married and have 2 beautiful girls. Two weeks ago, I picked up a sketching pencil for the first time in 18 years, and I visited that place again and found only the smiles of my daughters as we played in a pile of leaves. We'll see what happens next.

I hope you do write the story about the girl and the powerless man. It's one of the main reasons I bought Dancing Barefoot...that Santa Barbara story was beautiful.

I can imagine you're blocked because it's intensely personal, and words can't do justice to the emotions involved. I predict someday it will come pouring out in the only way it could have been written.

so you are Blocked?!
ok so what I find that help's me alot when i am blocked, i rally not a writer I love to draw thing people animals homes everything but any how what helps whn i get blocked i take a walk do other things i love and enjoy like reading your book or others , clean my house teach children they all help me see what i was not seeing before
just leve the computer and say to your self what do i love and enjoy the most and go and do it.
;-))
chris

Dude, what your problem is is that you had a Guiness. You should have had a Bass Ale. Or three.......

Wil,

Not a bad sketch. One technical point: a pint is pulled, not poured. From a tap, anyway. I assume in the sketch it's from a tap. I've gathered you're cool enough to take technical corrections at face value.

Uh, Romulans off the port bow. There's one you've never heard before!

S.

I love what you wrote. It made me want to know more about that 18 year old girl. It made we want to know why the waitress had saddness in her eyes, where she has been in her life. I had a visual of the entire encounter at that resturant. I do not think you have a block, for you are writing superbly. Thanks for that.

Me thinks the Bogeyman took the writers block away

That was beautiful..

Have you been watching HBO Wil? (Carnivale)

Your post kicked ass...

You are fine..really.

I have to say that was one of the best things I've read in a long time, even more so than most of the stories I had to plow through in The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction. A steep claim, I know, but an honest one.

As for the other two stories, my creative writing prof told my class: "Somethings there are things that were not meant to be written." Meaning: sometimes things will never come out the way you want them to. Ever. Or sometimes they just won't develop right.

Or, maybe in this case, they just need to stew for a while. How long, I can't tell you. It took me two years to write the story I wanted to, but that's because it needed to stew for that period.

Ok, I'm done.

Wil, did this woman have ANY idea who you are? I'm so completely surprised at her lack of pop culture knowledge... but then again that's not exactly what Hooters waitresses are known for. Mmmmm... wings.

Brad

When inspiration stalls out, it's because the unconscious is on strike. You have to go to the negotiating table and listen. It always happens for a reason, and you must appreciate that (in the Jungian sense) your unconscious has a degree of autonomy apart from your personal motives and goals. Sometimes, like a child, it will give you the silent treatment.

My daily obsession started with the thought "Hmmm, wonder what ever happened to Wil?" which was prompted by watching you and Ashley Judd on an old TNG episode. Went surfing and that's how I found out what you've been doing with yourself.
It took me two months to start at the beginning and read all the entries. I've laughed, I've cried and even thought "those bastards! how dare they?....."
Remember in one of your interviews when you made the statement about how you felt it was really weird how people feel they know you? Well, we kinda do. You let us in everytime you write down a thought, a memory or an opinion. So, even though I'm a little disappointed when there isn't much to read on some days, I've discovered at the ripe old age of 50, that patience usually pays off and, you always make up for it in a big way.
I believe that writers block is a way for the mind to have a chance to rest and get rid of the garbage so the good stuff has a chance to float to the top. You have a gift young man, never doubt it, ever. Doubt and not believing in yourself is your Bogeyman. Don't you think it's time to hang him in effagy and light the fire?

Long time reader of WWdN. "I tune them out and count the rings down my glass: one . . . two . . . three.

Four."

Classic. I love that, just please don't become a Guinness fag. It's good shit and all, but, there are good not so heavy beers available too.

Grolsch, Dab, yeah..... nice.

It really is oppressively hot here. I am sitting in my sisters condo on Euclid (not far from Del Mar) and it's too damn hot at 8pm! The heat really can't do much for writer's block. Funny how my wife sugessted that we go to Hooters in Old town for some wings. Instead, coconut mushroom curry at Sitar. And
no Guiness.

You should have another, that should break the block.

Wil,
You call that a block. You just wrote a good story. You have done better. You have done worst. You will wright again and it will meet your standards.

FG

Anyway, came here by way of my Fiance's website... he wrote about it in his blog today. Ah... I should just go by my epithet from my Honors Literature Course quite a few years back ... "Lover of Dorks". Here is it 1:18am on a perfectly good Thursday morning, surfing the web and uploading pictures to my gallery of the flowers I just made for our wedding and reading your very well written Blog. Funny thing, life. I look forward to coming by here again sometime, probably on another late night insomniac fest brought on by my "honey-do" list. And off I go to the land of Mac Addicts... Iceland. Keep on keepin on.

216.194.21.155

For those of us working slobs (not fancy hollywooders) Men's Warehouse is how we save money for our families.

Take it easy, Wil. You have already done the best thing you can to break the block, and that's writing about the block itself.

As a songwriter, I can't tell you how many songs about writer's block I've written. And you're at a decided advantage over me; somebody might actually be interested in your offerings on the subject.

How many songs on the topic would YOU like to hear.

Count your blessings. (But HOOTER'S????)

Well, I'd call that post the best writer's block I've ever seen. Hopefully you will be able to write what you need soon. I know how hard it is to need to write something, and not have the ability to say it. I'm a two-bit poet, and I know how positively awful it is to know exactly what you want to convey, and not find the way you need to say it.

You know how a simple random thought sparks a whole flurry of other thoughts?
Just start writing about worthless crap and you will open your mind to not think so hard.
When you try to hard at something you pass by the simple things that are in front of your face.
Isaac

As a new relative in Uncle Willy's familia, I find myself taking guilty pleasure trips to read the blog.

That was a great story for a nonstory, Wil. It kind of sums up a little microcosm of life, that by trying not to do something, you do something else. Maybe better, maybe worse, but it was something.

Whenever I get writer's block, I try and remember that the most important thing is this:
I'm an accountant, and if I don't get back to work I won't make enough money to afford my high speed connection so I can go to wwdn!

Wil

I mean this with the best intentions: you can't write. You write like the 16 year olds in my high school creative writing class. Your "convenient literary metaphor" line and followup? Give me a break? Interaction with a weathered, wise, but beautiful and naiive waitress? Give me an f'ing break. Wil, you can't write. I can't say it any simpler than that.

P.S. drinking Guiness makes you cool like cigarettes make you cool; cool isn't what you drink or wear, so get off the product name dropping - it is BORING.

hey...it's been awhile for me, but man..it's good to see the ol comments section back..and it's great to be posting again here..

i found this latest entry to have a lot of despair and desperation in it..which is sad, but ironic, since the germination of the idea was about writers block...
and after reading it became quite clear to me, that wil doesn't have writers block at all..
if you see where i'm going..

it may seem to you wil, that you want to write about these other topics, and that you can't think of the words..
but the words indeed came, and they were great..

just not the ones you were expecting ....

my advice is, plug away at the other topics, but a little less doggedly..perhaps try to story-board out the sequences...how they start, what the middle should be like..and how they should come to a climax..
add notes along the way when inspiration strikes

sooner or later, a story will begin to create itself..

in the meantime however..
it appears that other things on your mind want to be written..

and you appear to be writing them very well indeed..

so keep writing..
and i'll keep reading..

and thus, all of us will be happy
:)

Two books got me out of writer's block. "Becoming a Writer" by Dorothea Brande (an oldie but a goodie) and "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. Writer's block happens, but on the other side is more writing. Ocassionally, writer's block is actually a gift (hard to believe, but true). It can be your inner voice telling you it isn't time to write that piece yet, or maybe you need to change direction. The writing is often wiser than I am and I've learned to listen when it's trying to tell me something. Sometimes I have to come to a stop to hear it.

Wil you should ad this to the book .

tina

Classic noir, I loved it. Let me know if you ever write a mystery--I'm out of good ones to read now that I finished off all of the Chandlers.
Excellent writing, visualization, etc. etc. Made my morning, except that now I'm behind at work. Thanks Uncle Willie!

God, I love the way you wright.

You just put everything out and your not afraid to put you true thoughts, feelings and emothions into it. I really love that. When you describe your feelings I feel like I can really relate to you and to me that makes you a very good writer.

Wil, that was a really good bit of writing. I don't even know how to describe why I like it... I think it's the easy attention to detail. Very focused, but no hard work involved, if you know what I mean. I wish I could find better words to explain it!

Wil,

This sounds exactly like me right now. I got a great novel out of myself in 3 months and then did a terrific edit and now shopping it around to lit. agents...

And now...I'm stuck.

ARGH.

Do "The Artist's Way" and let your mind flow with ideas. Also, there is a "resting period" (I believe) between books/ideas that you NEED to have or the next one will just be crap.

All the best from a fellow writer,

LL

Maybe he thinks of red and white stripes on narrow paper bags full of warm peanuts and popcorn. Perhaps he thinks of the rat in Charlotte’s web. I wonder if he’s ever had normal peanuts at a carnival, or if he’s like me, and seen them only in cartoons, fictional fairs. He says he has a character. Does he really understand her yet? Maybe he’s written the plot too soon, he already knows how it’s going to end. Does he know how he’s going to get there? He is going to get there.

I imagine this young lady is compiled of observations, memories, and stories other people have told him. He loves the stories other people tell him. That’s why the woman at the bar remains a powerful image. He probably wished he could have heard her story. The snippets learned from brief conversations are not always sufficient to quench the writer’s need. Does he think of Joyce Carol Oates? He doesn’t want the same girl in “Where are you going...” His character is different. How? Is she late to realize how her sexuality can be used to manipulate others? Does she feel good about herself and appearance? Or does she just know that others react to her. Carnies are easy prey and great predators. Who does she decide will save her? Where does she find him? Is he a ride operator? Young, sweaty, needs a hair cut? Does he sing along with the music? What is playing? She’s not necessarily a bad person. Does there have to be a bad person in every story? Or can there just be some bad choices? Maybe she’s been manipulative all her life. When she was five, did she learn how powerful her demure smile could be?

What time of year is this placed? Spring? Or is it a late harvest carnival, one in which the autumn temperatures were unusually high? Is it at the fair grounds at the local park, surrounded by lush grass? When the carnival leaves, will it have left bald spots on the earth, and dry yellow weeds in patches? Or is it at the parking lot of the local private school? Or is it held in the football field of the small high school that she once attended? Is it an annual carnival? Or is it a special event? Why does she want to get out of her small town? He doesn’t want to be cliché. He wants to make sure that though his story may have been told before and will be told again, that it has never been told like he’s telling it. This is his story, his character. He knows her, but maybe he’s concentrating too hard on the strong images of cigarette butts and ticket stubs. Maybe he’s trying to hard to fit the film stills he captured while dreaming with open eyes. What about her? Why does she want to leave? What does she find stifling about her town? Is it that she’s hurt too many people and feels unable to break free of the rumors? No? Probably not. Only he knows her reason. Why does she want to escape?

I think he may have liked her at one time. When she looked him in the eyes and smiled kindly, did he feel goofy and warm? He must like her now despite the fact that she has made some bad mistakes and used people like him. Does he remember how she made him feel inside? Is this how her carnie-prey will feel upon seeing her? Or will the eyes of her chosen lover say something different than the words whispered to her behind the tilt-a-whirl.

Wish I knew all the answers. He’ll finish it; give him a break. Writer’s block is fear. What is he afraid of? Fear of not telling the story well enough? Telling it too well? Fear that no matter how hard he tries, no one will accept him as a writer – a real writer? These are my fears. So many years were spent thinking of myself as an actor before waking to realize that the pen is in my hand more than I am on the stage. Only it must be more difficult for him. He is still an actor. He's "made" it, and everywhere he goes someone recognizes him. I can see them: "Hey, you're that kid from..." Doesn't he know it's OK? He is both, and actor and a writer.

Writing and acting are linked. But, in acting you only get to play one character at a time. In writing, you are all of them and more.

Wil, I'm stumbling on language. Did my message get through? I'm embarrassed to post it. Please forgive the length.

Amazing. Ot has crossed my mind with what you've been up to, Mr. Wheatong. Interesting...Interesting.... I'm curious to know you're association with Fark.com
Stand by Me was a generation defining movie, by the way.

Cool article!!!

Cool article!!!