In the world of writers, the often deadly writer’s block virus strikes with little to no warning. The drugs most often used to combat writer’s block — alcohol, pot, solitaire, crossword puzzles, LSD, or walking the dog have been proven to extend rather than curtail the devastating effects of the problem. Like the current and seriously real Covid virus pandemic, writer’s block can strike anyone anywhere, anytime. Unlike Covid, there is no vaccine, masks are useless, and the method of transmission is not only unknown, it is completely off the radar screen of scientists, doctors, and normal working stiffs. Why? Because it’s a fantasy, it’s not real, and it’s a damned excuse—nothing else!

Dr. Alzheimer, a frequent visitor to my head and day or night dreams sometimes reverses his symptoms and instead of causing me to forget, he reminds me; in this case a proverb, I’ve used often over the course of my life: “He who excuses himself accuses himself.” I used this response with my children when they tried to escape punishment for something they’d done that was guaranteed to bring about repercussions decidedly not in their favor. I’ve also used it with those who worked for and/or with me through two full careers (military and government civil service).

When I started my third career, writing stories and books, I endured short periods of pauses where I lost sight of the goal, or I was stuck on a character descriptive or sub-plot line. I failed to examine the cause for these incidents and instead used writer’s block to explain away my lack of progress. It was right there, ready for launch. Writer’s block was the culprit. There could be no other… uh, excuse! Writer’s block is a widely accepted in the world of writer’s and in and of itself all the explanation anyone needed to know, including my own id, ego, or subconscious (take your pick).

This article comes about as I work my way out of the illusion of writer’s block. I don’t have writer’s block. I have instead a hindrance of productivity due to depression and the advent of Alzheimer’s or dementia (neither has been diagnosed) forgetfulness in the form of normal aging processes. My depression comes from almost two years of Covid, lack of the ability to travel (as my wife and I normally would be doing), cabin fever from staying at home with minimum company including family, and greatly reducing contact with the outside world.

I started writing full time about ten years ago. Although a stickler for intensive research into the foundations necessary for character building, plot and sub-plot themes, location settings, and a myriad of other aspects of writing prior to ever starting to write; once I started actually writing it was “seat of the pants” progress. I never used an outline. I had an overall plan in my head, but it was always subject to change right up to the last re-write and even after proofreading and during the editing process. Flexibility and verisimilitude were (and still are) my guides for everything I write.

Now, knowing and admitting to the cause of my lack of progress, I’ve changed that writing style to the “plotting” method. I make an outline and stick to it (with minor exceptions). I no longer worry about forgetting details or in whatever direction I want the story to unfold. Depression (actually a bit of overstatement) has been banished by simply doing more and varied things with my wife. We play games (cards mostly), we go on long walks with our dog, she knits and I play guitar or write. It works and, of course, there’s the lure of travel in our near future to keep us upbeat.

Writer’s block has been banished from my vocabulary by simply refusing to acknowledge its existence as anything more than a lame excuse. When I get to a point in writing where the outline isn’t helping, I read passages from my favorite authors to get a boost of where I want to be and the words begin to flow once again. Try it… you’ll like it, too.