“There’s no rule on how it is to write … Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly. Sometimes it is like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.”
– Ernest Hemingway
Almost every great writer has sat down at their desk and experienced an overwhelming sensation of fear and frustration when they have nothing to say. IT IS OKAY. We all have a moment (or two…) where we just ‘hit a wall’, so don’t get discouraged. Writer’s block is a pain, but it doesn't have to be! I’ve put together nine top tricks to overcome this challenge.
1. Take a different approach
Whether that be skipping from a character description to a setting description, or missing out a chapter completely, approaching your work from a different angle can help rejuvenate your creative juices. Alternatively, switching from a keyboard to a pen or audio recorder can also help you to approach your work from a new perspective.
2. Read your old work
See how far you have come and that you are capable of doing this!
3. Read something new
Ditching your go-to author and embracing a new style of writing can provide a new source of inspiration and help you to think outside of the box (or should I say, outside of the block…).
4. Take a break
It’s important to acknowledge and accept that it just isn’t happening right now. Throw a fit, walk away and take time off. Go for a run, play some games, call a friend and DON’T think about your writing. Only return when you’re mentally ready.
5. Stop being a perfectionist
If you think all great books were written in one sitting, then you’re only setting yourself up for a breakdown. It took Audrey Niffenegger over four years to write The Time Traveler’s Wife and some staggering twelve years for J.R.R. Tolkien to complete The Lord of The Rings. It’s called a draft copy for a reason, so write without thinking about the edits (there’s plenty of time for that later).
6. Write for you
A common cause of writer’s block sparks from our intrinsic fear of being judged. Instead of worrying about other opinions, write as though your work isn’t going to be published. This really helps to reduce pressure and create a more positive mindset. Alternatively, writing to a single imaginary friend who happens to be your greatest fan also helps. In the words of John Steinbeck, “pretend that you’re writing not to your editor or to an audience or to a readership, but to someone close, like your sister, or your mother, or someone that you like.”
7. Stop procrastinating
Another form of writer’s block literally sparks from laziness and disorganization. I’ve found the productivity app, Forest, particularly useful. When you start working, load the app up and a tree will start to grow – the longer you work with the app open, the larger the tree will grow. However, as soon as you close the app, the tree will die! Trust me, it’s oddly satisfying and worth a go!
8. Free-write
Sit down for ten minutes and write down anything about your topic (or whatever is on your mind). This can be done in sentences, bullet points, diagrams, and while it may or may not spark something, it most importantly gets you writing! Just let it flow and don’t force it.
9.Create a routine
Many writers have trained their brains by scheduling when they are going to write and setting goals (such as word counts) to reach in each sitting. By breaking your work down into sections and creating an outline, it will seem less overwhelming and more manageable.
Thanks for reading! I hope this blog has helped, even if it has just clarified that you are not alone and before long you will be back to normal again. Be sure to tweet me, @digitisingmy20s, if you find any of these tips useful or would like to share your cures for writer’s block!
By a Solivagant Writer,
Abz
Thanks for reading this week's Solivagant Writers. This week was a special in the spirit of #NaNoWriMo. We hope it helps all the writers out there struggling with writer's block. If you enjoyed this post, please let us know in the comments and subscribe so you can be updated when new posts are released. Please give Abz some love on social @digitisingmy20s and share this post so that it can help other struggling writers. Thank you and have a good week till next Monday!
Written by: Abz (@digitisingmy20s)
Edited by: Sarah Robinson
Produced by: Bethany Lord