I'm sure someone as erudite as you will have read I Capture the Castle - I don't know if Dodie Smith herself suffered writer's block in the form of being completely unable to write, but she was certainly aware of the psychological underpinnings of the condition, at least as experienced by Mortmain. (And also the notion that writing something ridiculous is enough to create an unblocking - as if.)

I wonder as well, whether the stress of having block then feeds into the condition, making it worse, in the same way that depression leads to a downward spiral.

But although you characterise three types of block, the differences seem only to be in length of time of suffering, not in the way the block is experienced. Is there not a difference between someone who physically cannot write anything and the person who can write but is dissatisfied with what has been written? Between someone who can plot the scene in her head but cannot make a successful transition to paper, and someone who just cannot see where to go next or how to get there? Perhaps some of these blocks are treatable - hence the friends who produce their sure-fire cures - while others are the symptoms of something else entirely and that other underlying condition needs first to be addressed, just as you say.

I'm one of the lucky ones, in that block has never occurred to me, at least not in a way to cause distress. But then I'm very much an amateur (in the old-fashioned sense of the word as well as non-professional) - so I've been able to look at it a little more dispassionately, which in itself has stopped the problem escalating. And even when there's been too much going on in my life for comfort, I've still been able to 'plot' in my head, if only to review old scenes and ideas and play with them, and that has been enough. I feel genuine sympathy, though, for those who become effectively paralysed by the condition. Congratulations for overcoming it, Teresa, and may it ever be a stranger to you in the future.

J

Thanks, Grim. Fortunately, things seem to be less troublesome at the moment, and the washing machine has decided to behave itself again, so I'm starting to look on the bright side. I've still been looking through the sales, though.

My sister's a lot better, too, which is a relief.

Pullin' for ya again, Taly! For every lousy thing that happens, there's a good thing hiding somewhere within; the challenge for me is usually finding the elusive bugger!

Hang in there, milady, and may a half-price appliance sale find you soon! Hope your sister is better.

And this applies to life, not just writers block. i was finding it hard to do anything at all. i've seen Doctors and am getting treatment now, the last 18months have been a turn around for me, although i've hit another tough spot right now. seek help, its dosen't make you seem weak its the right thing to do, belive me.

yep, and thankyou! - although superstition dictates i say nowt until it appears...

I didn't know you'd sold a story, Chopper! Congrats!

Setting up networks - wireless or wired - is aways a joy! I've had a laptop for almost three years now, and I'm moving back to a desktop. For, ahem, games. But I'm thinking of keeping the laptop, stripping it of all entertainment potential, and using it strictly for writing. We'll see how successful that is...

Thank you, Brian.

Indeed, a new year, a new chapter...

Hope things turn around for you - I know what it's like when the little things just build up.

Very nice, chopper - glad to hear you sold something.

Ah, since the main forum is down for the upgrade, I've re-discovered the blogs (the Chrons cringes in fear!!!). Since I have the day off, I've decided that I'm going to be lazy, drink coffee and peruse the other parts of the Chrons I've not frequented of late.

That having been said, just checking in on you, the Missus and Perp Jr. Getting any sleep?