Writer's Block

Writer’s Block

As Alex sat trying to think of something to write, he was reminded of the first time he’d actually thought about becoming a writer. The school principal had called his mother in because of an essay Alex had written.

He’d had writer’s block then too, he was ten and writing an essay was hard! He couldn’t think of anything. Then Mom had come home from helping Mr. Kates next door. She helped him a lot. That was a subject! Mr. Kates appeared to be fine on the outside, but apparently he had some problems and Mom always helped him.

Alex wasn’t exactly sure with what but sometimes moving furniture. The one time he had to find her, she was coming out of Mr. Kates’ bedroom and she was all sweaty, he figured they had to be moving furniture that day. Mom was so sweet, she asked Alex not to tell anybody because she didn’t want them to make a fuss and embarrass Mr. Kates. But it was a great subject for an essay. He’d just used fake names.

When the Principal called his mother in, he was nervous, but on the way home Mom told him it was just because his essay was so good. “Principal Andrews thinks you may grow up to be a writer.” she’d said, quietly.

He’d forgotten all about it, though that’s certainly when he’d started thinking of himself as a writer. Their family moved right after that, and less than a year later his parents divorced. His whole life was suddenly turned upside down.

As he sat thinking about it, as an adult, Mom’s story about helping Mr. Kates move his furniture started to unravel a bit. Suddenly Alex shot straight up in his chair. “OMG!” he yelled!

It immediately cleared up his writer’s block.