For many, writer's block is caused - or made worse - by perfectionism and self-criticism. When writers learn to better identify the self-critical thoughts and redirect, they find themselves able to write again.
Here are some quotes by great writers that can be good reminders for when you find yourself blocked. Sometimes, wise words from the greats are just what we need to beat writer's block.
"I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something you can be judged." - Erica Jong
"When you face writer's block, just lower your standards and keep going." - Sandra Tsing Loh
"Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it's the only way you can really do anything good." - William Faulkner
"If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word." - Margaret Atwood
"Stop taking the Censor as the voice of reason and learn to hear it for the blocking device that it is." - Julia Cameron
"Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way." - Ray Bradbury
"If you write one story, it may be bad; if you write a hundred, you have the odds in your favor." - Edgar Rice Burroughs
"And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good." - John Steinbeck
"Blocks usually stem from the fear of being judged. If you imagine the world is listening, you'll never write a line." - Erica Jong
"Writing about writer's block is better than not writing at all." - Charles Bukowski
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