If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.
Martin Luther
Have you ever tried to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and frozen? Have you ever had moments when the words elude you? Do you ever doubt your ability to convey the message you have circling about your brain?
John Rogers said, You can’t think yourself out of a writing block; you have to write yourself out of a thinking block.
The writer’s block is the dreaded ‘plague’ with the potential of bringing your writing to a sudden halt. Learning how to overcome it in advance could very well save your book, so please don’t ignore it. When you experience this phenomenon, you may feel like you’ve run out of all your creative juices. It usually manifests when you’re at your desk, and your mind suddenly goes ‘blank’ and you have nothing to write. In other instances, the exact opposite happens and you feel you have so many important things you feel you need to put down, to the extent that you are unable to write anything. Here are some tips to deal with the writer’s block:
Refer to your bigger picture
A quick glance at your writing plan may be all you need to trigger fresh thoughts. Run a mental jog back and forth on your outline. Remind yourself what you had intended to write about and try to recapture your thought pattern.
Referring back to your outline regularly is actually highly recommended. Seeing the big picture and then getting back to your current position will often give you a jumpstart. Moreover, it will keep you focused and on-topic as you keep moving toward your desired end.
Make a change
The English proverb states that ‘a change is as good as a rest’. As you plan to write, it may really help to have more than one location for writing. Also, select different ways of writing. For example, you can switch between your laptop and tablet, or keep your regular writing pad close so you can write by hand when the mood calls for it.
A change of location or device may be all you need to keep the flow of writing going. Part of changing your environment includes adding some incentives to your writing. If music helps you relax, for example, you can have different playlists with instrumental music on stand-by.
Take healthy breaks
Making changes should not replace actual breaks. The human body is very interesting in how it works. Exercise, in particular, is one energy booster you don’t want to miss out on. It releases ‘feel-good’ hormones that could just be the solution to your writing paralysis. You can fit your exercise regimen in between your writing sessions, or at other strategic times.
Have a conversation
Talking about what you are writing about can help you get past the ‘blankness’. This could be a conversation with yourself or a friend. Getting someone who can ask you questions can really prove to be helpful. It could also give you new ideas to include in your writing, just remember to stay on-topic.
Look at what you’ve already written
Seeing what you’ve already accomplished may be the push you need to keep going. It will also help you identify areas or ideas you probably didn’t exhaust. However, remember to put off editing until the first draft is complete.
It’s time to reflect!
- What do you usually do to improve your mood whenever you are down or discouraged?
- How many people can you think of who you could engage in meaningful conversation about your topic of interest? Write their names.
- Are there other authors you respect who have written on your subject area and might help trigger new thoughts for your book? Write their names.
- What other methods of overcoming writer’s block do you think might be effective for you?
It’s time to act!
Share your reflections with a partner or a group.
Remember, writer’s block is bound to occur. Get your ammunition ready to overcome it.
Writing Checklist
Did I…
- Read Day 4 Insights
- Write my reflection from today’s reading
- Write my action plan
- Share my action plan for accountability with a partner or a writer’s group