To start from the beginning? Go here: Doh – Rey – Me [Chapter 1]
– one of the books written by Michael K. Hurder ยฉ [2025]
Read along as I create a novel. You might recognize at least one character. In the realm of fiction, I’ve explored various themes and characters. This one is dearer to me than all the rest of my writing.
It most resembles my fantasy life just as I envision it now.
As this story unfolds, it reveals the struggles and triumphs of its characters, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives. A great way to self-analyze using fiction as the screen. We find ourselves wondering how our life differs from the fiction. How is it the same compared to the fiction? Only in the world of fiction can we create any life we want…and live it vicariously.
The thing about a book is that we may not always like it. This okay with fiction. None of it is mandatory reading. That’s what makes it so much fun, to read and to write.
Writerโs block can feel like hitting an invisible wall, and its causes often run deeper than just โnot knowing what to write.โ Here are some of the major culprits that tend to stall creativity:
๐ง Psychological Barriers
- Perfectionism: The fear of not writing something โgood enoughโ can prevent you from writing anything at all.
- Self-doubt: Feeling inadequate or comparing your work to others can paralyze progress.
- Fear of judgment: Worrying about how others will perceive your writing can lead to avoidance.
- Over-identification: When your self-worth is tied too closely to your writing, any struggle feels personal and overwhelming.
๐ฏ External Pressures
- Deadlines and expectations: High-pressure environments can stifle creativity, especially if you’re trying to please others.
- Lack of validation: If you’re writing for recognition and donโt receive it, motivation can dwindle.
- Distractions and stress: Lifeโs chaosโwhether from work, relationships, or healthโcan sap mental energy.
๐งฉ Creative Constraints
- Rigid rules or formats: Feeling boxed in by genre, structure, or style can make writing feel mechanical.
- Uninspiring topics: If the subject doesnโt resonate with you, itโs hard to engage deeply.
- Overplanning: Sometimes too much outlining or research can lead to analysis paralysis.
๐ค Emotional and Physical States
- Burnout: Exhaustion from overwork or emotional fatigue can dull your creative spark.
- Isolation: Lack of connection or feedback can make writing feel like shouting into the void.
- Mood fluctuations: Anxiety, depression, or even boredom can impact your ability to focus and create.
Interestingly, a Yale study in the 1970s identified four emotional roots: apathy, anger, anxiety, and social hostilityโeach reflecting how internal conflict can make writing feel unsafe or unrewarding.
Now, if you’re wondering, I am not in the midst of a block. I like to give myself a break between sessions so I can clear the clutter and revisit the story for where it is, where it’s going, and which of the many angles I’ve thought of will be used next.
This works best if I write something else, like this article about blocks and the causes of same. Even though I’m still in the middle of writing the book, short breaks make a huge difference to its final draft.
To start from the beginning? Go here: Doh – Rey – Me [Chapter 1]
Bonus Fiction Feature:
If you read any of the fiction I create here to the end, you will be able to download a free copy when It’s complete. If I get a referral from you, I’ll throw in the fiction – Burtt.
Related Links: