A bad case of writer's block

This intern is suffering from a severe affliction. I don’t need a doctor or WebMD to tell me what’s going on; the symptoms are painfully obvious. I’ve come down with a brutal case of writer’s block, the dreaded metaphorical disease that all journalists fear.

Unlike most interns, I actually get to do a lot of writing. Although I do get assigned typical intern tasks (filing, mailing, organizing, etc.), my major assignments require me to pick up a pen and pencil (meaning sit by a computer) and write my heart out (about things going on in Atlanta). So far this summer I’ve acquired four clips, one of which was even situated in the feature well of my mag’s lastest issue! I have two pieces coming up in the issue we’re currently working on, as well. Last week I wrote the first feature and this week I have been attempting with all my might to actually write the second one, to no avail.

Instead of experiencing that “eureka” moment in writing where, to quote the Beatles, “words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,” I find myself in a lull. I just can’t write. Rather, I have spent much of the past two days at the office staring out of my window, googling random facts (i.e., did you know that THE Sir Elton John lives in Atlanta?!) and re-reading press releases and other magazines for inspiration. I keep trying to write, too, but nothing works; nothing I’ve come up with sounds right.

I’m at a complete loss. I’ve never suffered from such severe writer’s block before. I have no idea what to do. Luckily I have to work full-time this week (because I’m taking a week off to go to London next Friday) so I still have a couple of days to complete this project… thank goodness. But my inability to do what I love—-which, of course, is writing—-has put me in a very “blah” mood, even outside of work. All of my friends have commented on my general lackadaisical manner. I suppose only writers understand the perils of this painful affliction.

Truthfully, I need your help. How do you guys work through your writer’s block? Seriously, I can use some advice here. Writing exercises, mantras, anything—I’m desperate!

On a limb,
Ed’s Intern #3