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How I used the 12 Steps to get over writer's block

How I used the 12 Steps to get over writer's block

Hint: I didn't drink. But I did take a good honest look at things

Karla Starr's avatar
Karla Starr
Nov 28, 2021
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The Starr Report
The Starr Report
How I used the 12 Steps to get over writer's block
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tl;dr

  • Advice is not universal. We’re all on unique paths, with different pasts and goals, carrying unique sets of tools and baggage.

  • To translate advice that seems to be useful to others into a term that resonates with you, think why? Consider what underlying principles are being addressed.

  • If you don’t know what part of your process needs work, take inventory of the outcome of your process. Then, work backwards.

  • Take stock—count whatever you can count.

  • Imagine you’re in a bizarro world where everything is entirely your fault.

  • Don’t get all victim-blame-y on yourself. Get empowered to enact change.


Advice is not universal.

I’ve been reading about how to get over my writing/working slump for a while. And why not? It’s so much easier to read about how to improve your life than it is to actually improve your life. Summary: if I had a dollar for every time I read “DEVOTE AT LEAST AN HOUR A DAY TO WRITING,” I’d have enough money to buy several organic avocados in Anchorage in January—you know, fuck you money.

Spend more time doing X isn't always the answer.1 I was already spending plenty of time writing, but stuck, and unable to see how I was stuck, or what I was doing wrong.

When you see a piece of overly specific advice, ask: “Why are they suggesting that?”

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