Writer’s Block
Writer’s block has always existed, but the term itself was coined by Edmund Bergler in
the 1940’s. Bergler’s definition of writer’s block is the “neurotic inhibition of productivity in
creative writers.”
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Bergler’s definition might be generally correct, but there are also many
nuanced explanations of writer’s block from renowned writers. Additionally, some experts do
not even believe writer’s block exists. Not only are there different definitions, but, if it does
exist, according to writers who have experienced writer’s block first hand, there are also different
causes as well as many ways to remedy the situation.
According to columnist Megan McArdle procrastination itself causes writer’s block.
There are a multitude of reasons why writers procrastinate. McArdle explained one reason that
affects writers, who as children naturally excelled in English classes early on in their lives, are