The Science of Writer's Block- DC

The Science behind "Writer's Block" and how to overcome it

By Derek Campbell

Writer's Block, a phrase feared by many in the english and literary fields. It derails the mind and forces the victim into a pit of despair over not knowing what to write about. The dictionary definition of the phrase according to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary is "a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece". It is something we all have experienced at one point or another (why do you think I writing about his in the first place), and it gives us a sense of trepidation when it occurs. However, understanding what "Writer's Block" is may be the first step to overcoming this phenomenon, so let's take a moment to view this in a more scientific light

Science behind the Madness:

Although the true origins of writer's block in the mind is still unknown, many tests and studies have been conducted to find whats actually going on. One of the brain areas thought to be affected by this is "Broca's Area". Found in the frontal lobe, this was named after Paul Broca who discovered aphasia (the idea that when this area of the brain is damaged, it leads to the person not being able to formulate words). Writer's block has also been attributed to parts of the brain that deal with story creation, making connections between two un-related topics, planning/control, memory, and motor skills related to writing. Practically speaking, Writer's block either deals with the physical inability to write a story, or the idea that you cannot plan or formulate a story to write. Knowing this information, we can now pin-point ways to avoid writer's block

Possible Solutions:

Most websites agree and have a set-list of things a person can do to overcome this debilitating mind game:

• Avoid Distractions and Procrastination (focus on the task at hand) 
• Clear your mind (you could accomplish this with a multitude of activities, just a take a break, and ideas will soon circulate through your mind)
• Read someone else's work (inspiration)
• Don't get so worked up about it (writer's block will eventually pass, just think of ideas)
• And More...

With these activities in mind (as well as many other solutions), tackle your next writer's block and write anyway. Just don't panic, the block will pass and you will eventually get back on track.