Writer's Block Arianna Wings

One of the most frustrating things about being a writer is the plague that is writer's block. Everyone has their own way of dealing with this. Some try to change the environment in which they write. They pack up a pen, a hard surface to write on and a small stack of Hilroy lined paper, yank on a pair of hiking boots and head off to find inspiration in the great outdoors. Others try writing odd bits of this and that, flitting from one thought to another. Eventually, they figure, they'll find the imp that's been working the waterwheel of whatever story they're in the process of writing. And some just sit in front of the computer/type-writer/desk staring at the last words they wrote and despairing that they've lost their magical touch.
Personally, I am a mixture of these and more.
Much of the inspiration I get comes from nature and so I like the idea of writing out of doors. Unfortunately, my mother has forbidden me from using chemical bug repellents and since I do not wish to reek of tea tree oil when I go out, I spend more time swatting away sand flies than actually writing.
Sitting and staring into space is something of a pastime to many people. For me, it's a way to come up with writing ideas. Often, while experiencing writer's block, I simply let my mind drift until I manage to catch some flittering fire fly or other, then I slap it on a piece of paper and stuff it in an overstuffed folder before sinking back into the clouds.
Blinking dumbly at my computer screen rarely, if ever, helps clear writer's block. Often it just makes my eyes blurry - and then I realize it's not my eyes; it's my screensaver. I do occasionally get the feeling that I'll never write again and that it isn't really my forte after all. Then someone will make some smartass remark about my butt getting fat and I'll go to the mall to nurse my insecurities over a blue bubblegum ice cream and splurge on whatever not-so-necessary necessities I come across on the way to Purdy's.
The 'cure' that many of you will probably find most amusing is to surround myself with inspirational or inspiration enhancing objects. For example, adamite is supposed to aide in finding hidden talents and agate of the blue lace variety helps in expression. Red beryl promotes increase of creativity and chalcedony gives inspiration. Blue vervain and carnations also help move along creativity and willow gives inspiration. When writing poems, laurel is said to be especially helpful.
However, I, in all my wisdom as a blossoming writer, find that the best way to deal with writer's block is to just wait it out. Writing, when forced, is not the art that it is meant to be. Words can be beautiful only when they are written and spoken with heart. Anything that does not flow with grace and exude passion can easily be spotted. What would be the fun in a game of tag if the participants do not want to play? A writer's block is only the eye of the storm. It passes and then your lightening can once more hit the earth strike up a flame.
So relax, work out the cramps in your fingers, find out what's been going on in the last thousand years that you've been in your own little world and just know that nothing's forever. Your block won't last, but that imp from the waterwheel needs a break once in awhile.