Books Quote by John Gardner
““Sometimes when one cannot stand the story or novel one is working on, it helps to write something else—a different story or novel, or essays venting one's favorite peeves, or exercises aimed at passing the time and incidentally polishing up one's craft. The best way in the world for breaking a writer's block is to write a lot. Jabbering away on paper, one gets tricked into feeling interested, all at once, in something one is saying, and behold, the magic waters are flowing again. Often it helps to work on a journal, since that allows the writer to write about those things that most interest him, yet frees him of the pressure of achievement and encourages him to develop a more natural, more personal style.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Overcoming Writer's Block, John Gardner, 1990
Writing prolifically, even unrelated material, reactivates interest and restores creative flow.
In simple terms: Write a lot to break block.
Key Takeaway
Write freely to revive creativity.
Themes
writing
creativity
productivity
Mood
thoughtful
motivated
Type
practical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- journaling
- free writing exercises
- drafting unrelated scenes
Key Concepts
psychology of flow
craft development
Questions to Reflect On
- What small writing habit can you start?
- How does free writing affect your ideas?
A Different Perspective
Quantity may compromise quality without revision.
