Writer’s Block

Writer’s block has become a familiar term.  But it’s not just writer’s who get blocked.  It’s musicians, artists, actors, decorators, designers, dancers, poets, architects, directors, all people in general really.  I prefer the term “creativity block.”  It’s not just writer’s who suffer from block, it could be anyone who’s trying to create.

What to Expect

The first session begins with a series of questions.  Each question is designed to help in finding the proper “diagnosis” to the specific problem.  From there simple tasks and exercises are given to the writer/artist which can be completed on the spot.  These introductory exercises are meant to quickly asses the writer’s/artist’s strengths, weaknesses and mental processes.  This insight will identify internal processes which are limiting and internal processes that need to be strengthened for further growth.  Finally, an initial assessment can be made.  This assessment could include further exercises and assignments, readings to complete, and setting realistic goals and finding strategies to achieve them.  The agenda for any further sessions will be based on each individual and their needs and goals. 

What I can offer during your sessions

• Dozens of different approaches for getting over creativity/writer’s block taken from books, classes and workshops
• Over 100 different exercises for getting past block
• A comprehensive assessment to find what specifically is keeping you blocked and whether to take an active or passive approach to combating your creativity block
• A personalized reading list
• Insight into factors which affect creativity block
• Understanding of all the reasons people stay blocked and how to avoid them
• Numerous methods for increasing creativity by expanding the imagination and learning how to understand it
• Knowledge of the exact Improvisation techniques and theories which are used by the world’s leading authorities on improvisation (you’ll learn the same things the “Who’s Line Is It Anyway” improvisers know, they never seem blocked, do they?)
• A list of effective rules to follow
• Meditation and visualization techniques to explore the mind for answers
• Lucid dreaming techniques to increase creativity and awareness
• Ongoing support
• Someone else to “answer to” if deadlines are important
• Ways of understanding how the people in your life are helping or hindering
• Skills to handle any critiques of your work after it’s completed
• A list of goals and solid methods of overcoming procrastination
• Contrasting techniques on how to build a “well” within yourself, from which you can draw creative ideas whenever they’re needed
• Understanding how to always have fun creating

The Second/Final Session

It is recommended that you commit to two sessions.  The first session primarily consists of an assessment and a realistic plan of action.  The second is a good way to follow up on progress and have further insight provided.  After the second session, if you feel you’re all set to tackle creativity block without my help, that’s great!  If not, and you’d like more sessions, that’s fine too.  My goal however, is to get you to the point where you have enough tools to combat creativity block without any coaching sessions.  I would rather build my business by always finding new clients which end up to be non-returning clients. 

How it all works

We meet for at least an hour, perhaps a little longer.  I have my lap top and bag full of readings and exercises, you have your notebook and we talk.  Sometimes I may ask you to pick up your pencil and try things.  The best plan is to meet somewhere you are comfortable.  So I will come to your office, home or even your favourite bar and we’ll get started.  The first step starts with you contacting me.  My name is Matt and I can be reached at 403-870-6234 or matt@wildimaginations.ca.  Hope to see you soon!

Inspiring words

Creativity/Writer’s block is never a permanent condition (though it may feel that way).  It is something that even if we battle with it everyday, we can also learn how to win everyday.  Every person is very creative, and once you learn how to effectively tap into that creativity, a seemingly magical world of opportunities opens up.