Table Of Contents:
- What is Writer’s Block?
- Definition Of Writers Block
- Common Reasons for Writers Block
- 7 Strategies for Overcoming Writer’s Block
- Strategy 1: Try Freewriting and stream-of-consciousness
- Strategy 2: Set SMART goals
- Strategy 3: Changing your writing environment
- Strategy 4: Trying different writing exercises
- Strategy 5: Seek Inspiration
- Strategy 6: Take a break
- Strategy 7: Talk it out
What is writer’s block?
At some point in every writer’s journey, from novice to experienced crafters, they will encounter an adversary that has the power to halt creativity in its tracks: writer’s block. It’s that frustrating moment when your mind goes as blank as the page before you and you can’t seem to get a word out.
In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of writer’s block, explore the common causes behind this creative paralysis, and most importantly, equip you with an arsenal of strategies to overcome it. After all, even the most prolific authors have faced this formidable foe and emerged victorious.
Definition of Writer’s Block
Webster’s Dictionary defines writer’s block as “a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece.” For some people, this is just a temporary hiccup and they’re back on their way. For others, this could become an overwhelming barrier that lasts days, weeks, or even longer.
Common Reasons for Writer’s Block
Some of the most common reasons for writer’s block include:
Fear:
A lot of writers experience some sort of fear. This could be fear of putting your thoughts out there, fear of being rejected by a publisher, fear of people not liking your work, and so on a so forth
Self-doubt:
Self-doubt is the killer of dreams and for writers, it’s no different. Many writers believe they aren’t good enough, their stories are boring, no one will actually want to read their stuff and because of this, many writers never pursue anything that they dream of.
Perfectionism:
One of the biggest problems for writers is perfectionism. So many times writers feel like their work needs to be perfect but really, this is just a mechanism to try and protect you from judgment or failure but ultimately prevents them from writing at all.
External stressors:
Oftentimes our own lives can be the cause of this block. This one is a bit difficult in the sense that you can’t always control these external sources, but there are ways to work around them.
Distractions:
Similar to external stressors, we have distractions. This could be your phone, TV, children, dogs… you get the picture. Some of these distractions are easier to control than others and some you may feel like you’ll never escape
Lack of inspiration:
Lack of inspiration is probably the first thing you think of when you hear writer’s block. This may be due to many factors and can be challenging to overcome
7 Strategies for Overcoming Writer’s Block
- Try Freewriting and stream-of-consciousness
Freewriting and stream of consciousness are two creative writing techniques that encourage the generation of ideas and the free expression of thoughts without the constraints of structure, grammar, or coherence. While they share similarities, they are distinct in their approach.
1. Freewriting:
– Freewriting is a method where you write continuously, without stopping, for a set period of time (typically 5-15 minutes). The key is to write without self-censorship, allowing ideas to flow spontaneously.
– There are no rules for freewriting. You can write about anything that comes to mind, even if it seems unrelated or unimportant.
– The goal of freewriting is to bypass your inner critic and generate a raw stream of ideas, which you can then refine and shape into more coherent pieces of writing later.
2. Stream of Consciousness:
– Unlike freewriting, stream of consciousness is typically used in a more structured and deliberate manner within a story or essay. It allows readers to access a character’s inner thoughts and emotions in real time as if they were experiencing the character’s consciousness directly.
– Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that seeks to represent the unfiltered, continuous flow of thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they occur in a character’s mind. It’s often used in literature to provide insight into a character’s inner world.
– Stream of consciousness can be challenging to read because it often lacks traditional punctuation and linear structure. It aims to capture the fluid and often disjointed nature of human thought.
Both freewriting and stream of consciousness can be valuable tools for writers. They help break through writer’s block, access creativity, and reveal subconscious ideas and emotions. Freewriting is a practice used in brainstorming and idea generation, while stream of consciousness is a narrative technique used in storytelling to create a deeper connection between characters and readers.
- Set SMART goals
SMART goals are a framework used to create clear, concise, and actionable objectives. The acronym “SMART” stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When you set SMART goals, you make them more effective and easier to track and achieve. Here’s a breakdown of each component:
1. Specific: “I want to write a novel.”
– While this is a clear intention, it lacks specificity. A more specific goal might be: “I want to write a 70,000-word science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world.”
2. Measurable: “I want to improve my writing skills.”
– This goal is vague and lacks a way to measure progress. A measurable goal could be: “I will write and edit at least one short story per month to track my improvement.”
3. Achievable: “I want to become a bestselling author in six months.”
– While becoming a bestselling author is a worthy goal, this timeframe may not be realistic. An achievable goal might be: “I want to self-publish my first novel within a year.”
4. Relevant: “I want to become a famous writer like J.K. Rowling.”
– While it’s great to have aspirations, this goal doesn’t necessarily align with your unique writing interests and capabilities. A relevant goal could be: “I want to publish a series of young adult fantasy novels like the ones I loved as a teenager.”
5. Time-bound: “I want to write a memoir someday.”
– Without a timeframe, there’s no sense of urgency. A time-bound goal might be: “I will complete the first draft of my memoir in the next six months.”
Putting it all together, a SMART goal for a writer could be: “I want to write a 70,000-word science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world within the next 12 months, completing the first draft in six months, and then spending the remaining time on revisions and edits to ensure its quality.”
This SMART goal is specific, measurable (word count and timeframe), achievable within a reasonable period, relevant to the writer’s interests, and time-bound with clear deadlines for different phases of the project. It provides a well-structured plan for a writer to follow.
- Changing your writing environment
Creating a dedicated writing space can help you mentally prepare your writing journey so much faster. Now this doesn’t need to be some huge decked-out office, it can be a small, specific spot in your house that you’ve decorated cutely and set the ambiance. (Check out our blog for how to create the perfect writing space) This could also be your favorite coffee shop where you get all of your writing done. The goal of this is, once you sit down your mind already knows it’s time for writing because you’ve mentally made this your specific writing spot. The environment can have a significant impact on creativity and writing. Different settings, surroundings, and conditions can foster or hinder a writer’s creative process. Here are some ways in which the environment influences creativity and writing:
1. Inspiration: A stimulating environment, such as a picturesque natural setting, an art gallery, or a bustling city, can inspire creativity. Exposure to new and diverse surroundings can trigger fresh ideas and perspectives.
2. Distractions: A noisy or chaotic environment can be distracting and disrupt a writer’s focus and flow. On the other hand, a quiet and organized space can help writers concentrate on their work.
3. Comfort: The physical comfort of your writing space matters. Uncomfortable seating, poor lighting, or an unsuitable desk can lead to physical discomfort that hinders your writing. A comfortable environment allows you to focus on your creativity.
4. Routine: Consistency in your writing environment can be helpful. Having a dedicated space where you regularly write can signal to your brain that it’s time to get into a creative mode. A consistent routine can promote productivity.
5. Social Interaction: The presence or absence of people in your environment can impact creativity. Some writers thrive in social settings, drawing energy from interactions with others, while others need solitude to concentrate and create.
6. Access to Resources: The availability of research materials, books, technology, and other resources in your environment can significantly affect your writing. Easy access to information can enhance the quality and depth of your work.
7. Emotional State: The emotional atmosphere of your environment can influence your writing. A calming, nurturing environment may encourage positive and imaginative thinking, while a stressful or negative environment can hinder creativity.
8. Cultural and Historical Context: The cultural and historical context of your environment can shape the themes, ideas, and stories you explore in your writing. Your surroundings can influence the narratives and perspectives you choose to engage with.
9. Personal Connection: An environment that holds personal significance or nostalgia can evoke memories and emotions that inspire your writing. Familiar surroundings can also be comforting, making it easier to dive into creative work.
10. Weather and Seasonal Changes: Weather and seasonal variations can affect mood and creativity. For some, the change in seasons can bring new perspectives and inspiration, while others may find certain weather conditions more conducive to writing.
Ultimately, the impact of the environment on creativity and writing can vary from person to person. What works best for one writer may not be the ideal setting for another. It’s essential for writers to experiment and find an environment that optimally supports their creative process and productivity. Adapting your environment to suit your needs and preferences is often essential for consistent and successful writing.
- Trying different writing exercises
This is one of my favorites and it’s something I do quite often. When writing a novel for example, it could take months to years so you’re bound to get stuck eventually and when this happens, it’s nice to sometimes take a break and try another creative venture. Writing prompts can be a great way to push your creative limits and just have fun. If you want some creative writing ideas check out our blog here for 45 different prompts. We also do weekly writing prompts where at the end of the week, I share what I wrote with everyone. You can check out the latest one here.
Writing prompts can be powerful tools for stimulating your brain and sparking creativity in several ways:
1. Focusing Your Thoughts: Prompts force you to focus on a specific topic or theme. This concentration helps clear your mind of distractions and encourages you to explore the subject in-depth, stimulating your thinking.
2. Divergent Thinking: Writing prompts encourage divergent thinking, where you explore a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and possibilities related to the prompt. This kind of free-flowing thinking can lead to creative breakthroughs.
3. Connecting Ideas: Writing prompts often introduce unexpected or unrelated elements. This can prompt you to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, fostering creativity and innovation.
4. Stirring Emotions: Prompts that evoke emotions or personal experiences can tap into your emotional reservoir and drive you to write with authenticity and passion.
5. Challenging Assumptions: Some prompts encourage you to challenge conventional wisdom, question assumptions, and think critically. This can lead to fresh and unconventional perspectives.
6. Constraint as Catalyst: Constraints, such as word limits or specific rules, can be liberating. They challenge you to work within defined boundaries, which can spark creativity by forcing you to find novel solutions.
7. Practice and Habit Formation: Regularly using writing prompts can help establish a writing routine. Consistency in writing can lead to improved creativity over time.
8. Inspiring New Genres and Styles: Prompts that push you to explore different genres, styles, or formats can expand your creative horizons and help you develop versatile writing skills.
9. Encouraging Exploration: Writing prompts can push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to explore unfamiliar territory. This can lead to personal growth and creative development.
10. Fostering Playfulness: Writing prompts often invite playful or whimsical thinking, which can be a refreshing break from serious or academic writing, sparking joy and creativity.
11. Community and Collaboration: Participating in writing communities that use prompts can create a sense of camaraderie and shared creativity, which can boost motivation and inspire fresh ideas.
- Seek Inspiration
- Read Widely: When I’m in a writing slump, I like to close my laptop and open up a new book. This can help get you inspired to finish whatever it is you’re writing. Now this doesn’t mean going out and stealing people’s ideas but it’s nice to take inspiration from anywhere. This also doesn’t have to just be books. It can be articles, blogs, or any other form of written content.
- Explore Nature: Another way to find inspiration is to go out and observe the world. Walk in nature, people watch, walk by the beach (If you live near one). You never know where inspiration will be and if you’re stuck in your house you’ll never find it.
- Art & Creativity: Visit local museums, galleries, or any other artistic event to help draw out inspiration.
- Listen to music: Listening to music, especially music that reminds you of what your writing, can help evoke emotions
- Read about writing: I love to read writing tips, other people’s writing experiences, or just people talking about their stories in general. Something about this inspires me to get back to finishing my piece.
- Take A Break
This one sounds so simple but so many writers feel like they need to reach a certain word count before they can stop. This however could actually be worse to the quality of work. Sometimes all you need is to take a step back for a while so when you do return to writing, you’re returning with a fresh mind and possibly a new perspective.
The length of this break will depend entirely on you and what you need whether that be a few minutes, hours, or even days. Take a few moments to practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which often contribute to writer’s block.
- Talk It Out
Find someone whom you can share ideas with whether that be a friend, family member, or even another author. Sometimes verbalizing your thoughts can help you see your ideas from a different perspective and give you clarity on where your story is going. Don’t be afraid of judgment here, these should be trusted people that you can open up to and get some good feedback/ideas from.
Once you’ve found your person, you can begin to explain to them what you’re trying to achieve, the issue you’re having, and any questions you may have for them. Sometimes the simple act of expressing your thoughts out loud can spark new ideas. Take whatever feedback you get from this person and head back to the writing table.