Same for me! In my chapter on the physical pleasures of writing in “Writing with Pleasure,” there’s even a drawing of my dog Freddie out on a walk (you can find the photo it’s based on here: https://www.helensword.com/helen-sword-blog/write-like-freddie.) How many dog-walking writers subscribe to this newsletter, I wonder?
Clearly I can’t count: I started with 7 Writing Unblocks, then expanded my list to 10 to match the blocks in the collage -- but forgot to change the number in the tagline and intro text. Embracing imperfection!
Thanks for this list Helen. For some reason I find it comforting that I already reach for a few of these (walking, talking aloud, free writing). I like the idea of doing something with my hands, and the mind maps so I'll try these next. I also find having a shower can help... Maybe it's the act of stepping away and not having writing materials available that makes you panicked and race back to jot down the thoughts that are suddenly clear?!
I love this list! I find that walking around the block works well for me. I often try to do in-depth thinking before taking the doggos out for a walk. When i return, writing flows better!
Same for me! In my chapter on the physical pleasures of writing in “Writing with Pleasure,” there’s even a drawing of my dog Freddie out on a walk (you can find the photo it’s based on here: https://www.helensword.com/helen-sword-blog/write-like-freddie.) How many dog-walking writers subscribe to this newsletter, I wonder?
Clearly I can’t count: I started with 7 Writing Unblocks, then expanded my list to 10 to match the blocks in the collage -- but forgot to change the number in the tagline and intro text. Embracing imperfection!
Thanks for this list Helen. For some reason I find it comforting that I already reach for a few of these (walking, talking aloud, free writing). I like the idea of doing something with my hands, and the mind maps so I'll try these next. I also find having a shower can help... Maybe it's the act of stepping away and not having writing materials available that makes you panicked and race back to jot down the thoughts that are suddenly clear?!
I love this list! I find that walking around the block works well for me. I often try to do in-depth thinking before taking the doggos out for a walk. When i return, writing flows better!
Sorry, Marie, I posted my reply to your comment on dogwalking as a new comment rather than a reply. Still gettin’ the hang of this Substack thang….
Excellent list! And instead of “a penny for your thoughts” this feels like a pot of gold!
I’ll be trying some of these out! A whole new take on “writing in blocks” (in a grid, not a block of time!?!). Love it!
And spirals….makes me think of walking a labyrinth….meditative and relaxing….cool!
Thanks so much for this first instalment!
Thank you, Linda, I’d love to hear where your unblocking experiments take you!