No matter how experienced or talented a writer is, they, at one time or another, have faced writer's block. That sitting at your computer screen, staring at the blank page, and nothing comes to you. It's frustrating. The good news is because it's so common, ways have been discovered to help get you back to getting those words flowing again.
So how do we combat writer's block?
1) Free Writing. As authors, we want to be able to sit down and create usable material, but sometimes that isn't possible. Sometimes, we need to take the pressure off ourselves and just let our minds meander wherever they want to.
Are you writing a contemporary story, but when you let your mind and fingers wonder across the page your character ends up in a distant land inhabited by giants? Give yourself permission to see where it leads. Maybe you'll decide to change up the genre you're writing. Or maybe you'll stumble upon a story thread that inspires you. It could be a relationship, a situation, or even a personality trait in your character you didn't know existed.
Letting your mind wonder can help clear your mental pathways and allow your ideas to flow freely.
2) Write Somewhere Else. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. If you're used to writing at a desk, maybe take your laptop and try the couch or your bed. If that doesn't work, try the library or a coffee shop. The great thing about modern technology is that we're not as limited as to where we can do to write. Most public places have Wi-Fi. Take advantage of it!
3) Schedule Your Writing. Sometimes we get into the habit of not making our writing a priority. We'll try to work writing into our busy schedule. But sometimes not having consistent writing time can contribute to writer's block. Decide how often you're going to write, and add it to your calendar. Treat it like you would an appointment. You wouldn't blow off a doctor's appointment, right? Don't blow off your writing.
4) Switch Projects. Sometimes the fastest and easiest way to alleviate writer's block is to redirect your creative juices to another project. This can especially be true for those of us who like to write by the seat of our pants. If ideas aren't coming for one story, that doesn't mean they aren't for another. Pick the project that has you feeling the most inspired and run with it.
5) Go Back To Basics. Brainstorming or brain dumping can be a great way to get those ideas flowing. It can help you connect to different elements of your story. Start with what you know and start asking yourself questions. What is this character's history? Who were their parents? What do they do for a living? Do they have any trauma in their past?
Naturally, these questions lead to other questions. Flesh out your characters backstory, their current situation, and what their goals and aspirations are for the future. This will often spark an idea that will guide your story forward.
6) Move. Physical activity has been proven to not only increase blood flow to the brain, but boost creativity. Go for a walk. Do some yoga. Or just put on some music and start dancing in your living room. The activity can help your mind break through the mental block.
7) Set Realistic Goals. Creatives tend to be overly optimistic when it comes to the time they'll have to write. In an ideal world we can write every day for hours without interruption. In the real world, that rarely happens. Berating yourself because you weren't able to live up to the ideal isn't good for you or your writing.
The best way I've found to address this is by time blocking. You can do it on paper, but I prefer Google Calendar. It's free and it's easy to change whenever something unexpected pops up.
Make sure you block out all your other commitments, as well as travel time to any appointments, etc. Block out time for meals (we all have to eat). Then, see what time you realistically have for your writing and marketing.Only after that's done can you set realistic goals you have a chance of achiving.
8) Set Time Limits For Technology. We all need to disconnect sometimes. Constant notifications and distractions can hinder your ability to focus. Not to mention, social media can be a time suck. Its easy to go on Facebook, Instagram, TickTok, Youtube, etc. and the next time you look at the clock an hour has gone by.
So should you delete all your social media?
I wouldn't go that far. Social media has its place, but there are things you can do to help manage your time when it comes to these distractions. There are apps that can prevent you from logging on to certain websites for a period of time or timers you can use to help you narrow your focus if having a deadline motivates you.
10) Relax. Sometimes the best thing to do is rest. Stress can contribute to writer's block. Sometimes we need to take a minute and let it all go. Meditation, deep breathing, taking a bath, or even a nap can clear your mind and reduce anxiety. Some people work well under pressure. Some don't. Get to know how you work best and create an environment that supports you and your goals.
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