Writer’s Block And How To Deal With It
Writer’s block sucks and there is no one out there saying “man you know what’s great? Writer’s block!” and sadly its not something that goes away. Think of it as a rite of passage in a sense. All great writers have experienced it, were defeated by it, and overcame it. The way you go about it is up to you, but know that you are not alone. Struggling with constant writer’s block myself its somewhat funny that the first thing posted to this blog is about just that. With that said lets help each other out and talk about what writer’s block is and some common strategies to handle the lurking shadow.
What Is Writer’s Block? - Understanding The Beast Behind The Pen
As defined perfectly by MasterClass writer’s block is, “a phenomenon experienced by writers that is best described as an overwhelming feeling of being stuck in the writing process without the ability to move forward and write anything new”. And this lurking, formidable foe plagues all types of authors, poets, and even seasoned wordsmiths. It is a perplexing state of creative paralysis, an affliction that transforms the once-fluid flow of ideas into a desolate drought. For most writers, this predicament can be particularly vexing, even more so if the day before you could be really enjoying your craft. You wrote yourself a very interesting character moment or a super badass fight scene and you stop for the day. Only to come back tomorrow and all that juice is just, well, gone.
That awesome moment you planned next suddenly no longer seems as awesome. Like I said in a round about way a few times already, this can kill the writing session in a heartbeat.
Writer's block, however, is not a mere lack of motivation or laziness, as some might presume. It is a psychological labyrinth with roots in anxiety, perfectionism, and the ever-looming fear of inadequacy. The writer, who often grapples with the weight of their own expectations, is particularly susceptible to these internal struggles.
Something that sounds that deeply engraved may feel impossible to uproot but in reality it is doable.
Writer’s Block Management Tips - Defeating The Beast
Dealing with writer's block is a multifaceted challenge, with solutions as diverse as the individuals who encounter it. Where one may need to take constant breaks another may need a steady and distraction free environment for hours at a time. And while I can not feasibly list every strategy possible there are a few that I have found very useful myself in my own day to day writing.
Find The Best Environment For Yourself: Coffee shop, bookstore, library, sidewalk? Finding the scenery that allows you to get into your flow can help stave off writer’s block. Next thing you know you written another thousand words.
Set Realistic Goals: Ok this one may be easier said then done. When I started writing regularly I came at it with the mindset of “ok at this time of day everyday I am going to sit down and write at least one thousand words before I even think about stopping”. Very quickly I learned how much a thousand words actually were. Let me tell you, its not something everyone can do everyday. Being able to understand what you can handle and set goals around that is key. I soon lowered my goal to 500 words a day and before I knew it I was hitting my original set word count with out realizing it. 500, 2000, 50000 words, it doesn’t matter.
Work At Your Peak Time: We all have different internal clocks, finding the best time to write when you are at your most creative or productive will help keep that feeling of laziness away. And in turn keep writer’s block at bay. Also, similar to the last point, avoid allocating long, overwhelming blocks of time; if a five-hour writing stint feels daunting, start with four, or three. Find the when and how long that works for you.
Read For Inspiration: As I learned during my fourth semester pursuing an English degree, one enduring truth remains: "To be a good writer, you have to be a good reader." Embrace this simplicity, and you'll not only witness improvements in your craft but also derive immense enjoyment. Reading with your "author mind," as I like to call it, ensures perpetual growth, even when you're not actively writing.
Drop Google Docs And Find A Writing Tool: Hold on don’t raise your pitchforks just yet. Google Docs is fantastic, I still use it. But for working on my novel I threw Docs aside and went with a tool built for writers. While there are a few to chose from, the best by far is Livingwriter. Matter of fact the variety of writing platforms and their pros and cons is something we will 100% be covering in another post. But anyway, if you want to take your writing game to the next level, move on from docs and find a tool that drives your craft.
Keep Showing Up: Perhaps the most challenging tip is simply to keep showing up, even when the Muse seems elusive. Cultivating healthy writing habits empowers you to add a little every day, and this consistency accumulates over time. If you stop showing up, that is letting writer’s block win and no one wants that for you. Sadly writing isn’t always fun… trust me.
Again, while it may be impossible to list all of the ways one can deal with writer’s block, this list contains some standouts that can prove to be highly effective if implemented into practice.
Conclusion - Keep At It
Writer’s block effects us all, you are not alone and you should not convince yourself that you are. By picking up the pen you are joining a community of amazing people that genuinely want you to succeed. In the realm of writing, no one thrives by stifling the creativity of others. In fact, hindering your fellow writers has a detrimental impact on the collective creative spirit. The beauty of this shared journey lies in the collective wisdom, support, and inspiration we provide one another. And at the end of the day even know writing is like business and you are building a brand (yourself), never forget that there are people willing to help you along your path and genuinely want to see you flourish.
Hopefully this helps you out along the way and thanks for taking the time to read the first blog on The Worldbuilder site! The fun is only just beginning.
