Recently I posted an article on Medium about struggling with writer’s block, where I talked about my lack of inspiration and motivation with my writing. (I’ll post a link to that article at the bottom of this post.)
Ironically, the act of writing that article helped. Something I didn’t explore in great detail, however, was the fact that this mental block has also been affecting my art. The creative block has affected everything I’ve attempted to pursue. Now, though, I sense I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
As I said, the simple act of writing and publishing the article seemed to help me to look past the mental barrier that has stood in my way for the past few weeks. It expressed thoughts I’d bottled up for a while and also got me back into the rhythm of writing.
Today I spent a bit of time flipping through the sketchbook I used to draw in when I lived in Canada. I did a quick sketch of Tower Bridge in London, then later on I tried my hand at an expressionist drawing (pictured below). Although it quickly became clear that my drawing abilities are a tad rusty, it felt amazing to create again.
I’m going to try and use this newfound momentum to create some more tomorrow. What, exactly, I’m not sure, so watch this space.
The reason the creative block has been such a huge deal for me, really, is because it’s the first time it’s hit me this hard. Sure, I’ve had many moments where I struggle to find inspiration for a piece of art or I can’t think up a good way to conclude a narrative, but never before have I experienced a creative block on this scale, during which the thought of opening a notebook or sketchbook seems unthinkable.
Now that my partner and I have settled into our new apartment in London, I’m confident my creative abilities will naturally restore over the next few days and weeks.
Davey Cobb 
I read the article and I completely understand having creative block.
I’m not going to repeat what I said there since I know you’ve read it, only that to restate my positive sentiment.
I am getting into the journey present in The Black Rook and I’m immensely curious to see how it ends.
The narrative is written really well and the characters have been great.
I’m especially looking forward to seeing if Bennett is going to prove himself against the odds placed against him by joining Hanzus.
The last fantasy book I read was quite disappointing so this one has been a breath of fresh air overall in terms of enjoyment.
Just wanted to emphasize that.
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That’s very kind of you to say, Novus, thank you so much.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying The Black Rook. As we’ve discussed before, the dramatic life changes I’ve gone through in the past year have made so much of The Black Rook’s already challenging journey to publication even harder to contend with. Of course I’m really grateful for the experiences I’ve had in Canada and now moving to London, but I have to admit the whole process has been incredibly disruptive to my creative ambitions and has made it impossible to create a routine.
I have, it pains me to admit, lost so much faith in The Black Rook. (Or I should say, I did lose faith, as I’m now beginning to regain some confidence and interest for the project), and so reading you say that you’re enjoying the book makes me feel so inspired.
When I set out to be an author, I always said to myself that my goal wasn’t to be world famous, it was simply to write, publish, and (hopefully) entertain people. Even if only a handful of people read and enjoy my work, that alone is a huge victory for me.
Let me know how you get on with The Black Rook. I like hearing your updates! And I would love to hear your honest feedback and review once you’ve read it.
Hope you’re doing great!
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I understand that. I am the same way in terms of why I want to write novels because the main thing I care about is making a story that can stand on its own rather than as a method to chase fame or notoriety.
If I do make a bunch of money or get a lot of attention for my writing then that’s all well and good but it’s not what I write for. I write as a form of self actualization and accomplishment. For the sake of creative fulfillment.
I am almost at 20k words for one of my books and getting back into it has shown that the primary force motivating me is being able to make a great product and be able to hold it in my hands one day.
I tend to think about that whenever I pick up my copy of The Black Rook and Imagine how you felt when your work of 10 years finally became a product people can buy.
I will certainly have a full fledged review when I finish it seeing as how I have about 100 pages left.
Never stop creating.
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