Whether you’re a novice just dipping your toes into the world of writing or a seasoned author with a hundred books to your credit, writer’s block can be a mischievous monkey that loves to spring onto your back, seizing the reins of your creative process.
It’s a condition that plagues many creators and is often depicted as an impenetrable wall, a silent keyboard, or a blank page that refuses to be filled.
A sudden dry spell after a stretch during which your creative juices were really flowing can be incredibly difficult for an author which is why I felt it was important to address this topic near the beginning of this blog series. Just remember you are far from alone in this experience.
Writer’s block is a tricky adversary that can stop your writing journey dead in its tracks. However, like with any obstacle, it can be beaten and can even lead to some extra creativity.
Beginning with the source, writer’s block can be attributed to fear, perfectionism, or fatigue. Fear of not meeting either your own standards or those of others might be at the root of this phenomenon. Additionally, aiming for perfection on the first attempt is a lofty objective even for professional writers. Lastly, mental and physical exhaustion could mean that the brain is screaming for rest after extended periods of intense concentration.
It’s essential to bear in mind that life can throw curveballs and it can affect our creativity. Always be kind to yourself during these trying times. I, too, have encountered such struggles on my writing journey. In the beginning, fear hindered me, which developed into an incapacitating quest for excellence.
Finding out my mother had advanced Alzheimer’s, was a crushing blow. Everything in my life was impacted: emotional wellness, physical energy, creative flow–all drained away. I pushed myself to finish books even though I didn’t have the energy or inclination.
Every writer’s pathway is lined with various obstacles. If you come across such an obstacle, pause and take care of yourself first. It is important to be kind to yourself in order to rebuild the creative energy within. In time, your words will return and you’ll be able to write again.
The good news is, once you’ve located the cause of your impasse, you can start to do something about it. In case fear is the problem, remember that all authors, even the most popular ones, con front denial and feedback. What makes them stand out is their assurance to take in from these occurrences and keep striving. Writing is an art, and like any craft, it requires practice. Each word you write, each piece you finish, conveys you one bit nearer to perfecting it. Don’t let dread of disappointment hinder you from making that progression.
If you find yourself aiming for flawlessness, remember that unfinished work isn’t intended to be flawless. The purpose of a rough draft is just to exist. It’s alright if it’s untidy and not perfect; the actual effort begins in the editing phase. Allow yourself to make errors and leave them on the paper. You can fix them later, but you won’t have the capacity to change an unfilled page.
When fatigue sets in, it’s crucial to detach from work and revive your energy through activities that stimulate creativity. This might involve immersing yourself in nature, going for a walk or a hike, enjoying your favorite music, delving into a good book, or recharging with a restful nap.
I love those.
Often, inspiration arrives when it’s least anticipated. Bear in mind that being productive isn’t solely about exerting yourself to the maximum; it also involves stepping back and partaking in activities that fuel your motivation to reach greater heights.
In moments of creative block, painting helps me to relax and tap into my imagination. The vibrant colors swirled together on the canvas seem to dance in harmony — and it’s this dynamic that encourages my storyteller to come alive. Maybe it’s also the liberating lack of constraints that makes painting a therapeutic activity.
To get out of the writer’s block fog, consider changing your environment. A different atmosphere can invigorate your thoughts, providing you with fresh perspectives and new beginnings that will help your words to flow again. Take a chance and write in a café, library, park or any other place you wouldn’t traditionally use for writing.
To maintain your motivation for writing, consider breaking down your task into more manageable segments. This strategy simplifies the process of conveying your thoughts onto the page. By personal habit and preference, I weave two viewpoints into every chapter – one for my hero and another for my heroine. Instead of targeting the completion of an entire chapter, begin with a modest goal such as crafting a paragraph or even just a single sentence.
Once you accomplish that goal, set your sights on the next goal and continue this process. This incremental approach allows you to continually move forward, making significant strides towards your ultimate objective. By translating large tasks into a series of smaller victories, you’ll find that your motivation remains high and your progress consistent.
Consider freewriting or incorporating writing sprints into your routine. This method involves engaging in freewriting for a specified duration, such as five to ten minutes, which is an excellent starting point. During this period, write continuously without pausing for corrections or second thoughts about grammar, punctuation, or coherence.
The goal of this activity is to race past your inner critic and dive into the flow of writing. Writing sprints nurture creativity, break through writer’s block, and enable you to draft plenty of content in a limited time. Keep in mind that we don’t strive for perfection here, but for progress.
Connecting with others can be greatly helpful for writers. Think about joining a writing group, participating in a workshop, or working individually with an experienced teacher or advisor. Interacting with individuals who comprehend your struggles can bring solace, motivation, and informative advice on how to stay.
Each writer possesses a unique approach to their craft, and what fuels one person’s creativity might not necessarily spark another’s. I have friends who like listening to movie soundtracks as they write. But I like listening to country music, blues and traditional classical pieces. The key lies in persistently exploring various techniques until you uncover the one that resonates with your style. Remember not to exert undue pressure on yourself – the creative process often thrives in a space of comfort and acceptance.
Don’t let writer’s block silence you. The shoulder-riding monkey is a foe all writer’s face. With the right approach, it’s something that you can get past. Don’t see this as a sign of defeat, instead look at it as an opportunity for growth. Use different tactics to break through the wall and keep writing. You have a distinctive voice and story to tell–don’t let writer’s block stop it from being heard. Keep going one word at a time.
Here are a few helpful tips I’ve used to combat writer’s block.
Routine. Writing at the same time and place every day can condition your brain to enter a creative state more easily. This routine can act as a trigger, signaling to your mind that it’s time to write. I’m a morning person who is more productive between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
However, my inclination towards ennui implies that I cannot endure the uniformity of using the same workspace book after book. Repetition may be the key, but it can also be the devil. Before I start a book, I rearrange my office. It gives me a new perspective and helps stimulate my creative process.
Stay healthy. I cannot stress this enough. Physical health directly affects mental health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep can keep your brain in top condition, making it easier for ideas to flow.
Break It Down. As I stated before, instead of viewing a piece of writing as one large project, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This can make the process less daunting and help keep writer’s block at bay.
Have fun. Set aside time to write without any rules or restrictions. This can help you bypass your inner critic and decrease the pressure that can lead to writer’s block.
Don’t be afraid to write imperfectly. Perfectionism often leads to writer’s block. Give yourself permission to write imperfectly. Remember, the first draft is about getting your ideas out. You can refine them later.
Relax with an audiobook. Listening to audiobooks is a powerful way to stimulate your inner narrator. They expose you to a range of vocal techniques, character development methods, and diverse language styles, improving your mental narration and storytelling skills. The cohesive narrative flow of audiobooks helps structure thoughts more effectively, while the need to create visuals enhances your imaginative abilities. Over time and with practice, these experiences can significantly enrich your inner narrative.
Remember, all writers face writer’s block from time to time. It’s a normal part of the creative process. If you hit a block, be kind to yourself and use it as an opportunity to explore new strategies and ideas.
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