Some of our greatest writers suffered from writer’s block. Before computers ever existed, writers like, Leo Tolstoy, Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, all had bouts with writer’s block. Some call it writer’s anxiety; many scientists say it doesn’t even exist. However, if you ask most writers they will admit there are times when the [...]]]>

Writer's Block?

Some of our greatest writers suffered from writer’s block. Before computers ever existed, writers like, Leo Tolstoy, Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, all had bouts with writer’s block. Some call it writer’s anxiety; many scientists say it doesn’t even exist. However, if you ask most writers they will admit there are times when the words just won’t come. Pinpointing the reasons is difficult, if not impossible. Here is a list of five tips that might help you break out of what is commonly known as writer’s block.

1. Get inspired

You may be in danger of uninspired writing. It sounds simplistic I know, but perhaps a change of scenery is in order. A simple drive down a country road may work wonders.  If possible, go to the seashore and watch the surf break against the rocks— inhale the salt air— see the beauty. Get inspired with life around you. Whatever it takes, divert your mind away from the task at hand for about twenty-four hours.  Then, go back to the drawing board and see if you are ready to write.

2. Still blocked?

Try writing in a different spot, at different times of the day. If weather permits, sit out on the patio, or the back lawn. Perhaps you are accustomed to using a word processor, if that’s the case, switch to a pen and write by hand.

3. What’s the editor in your head doing?

Some call it your overbearing inner critic. I call it too many rules asphyxiating creativity. If this is happening to you there are a couple things to do.  First, make an effort to free-write. Creative Writing Prompts can get you started.  Another trick is to choose one word, then think of other words that relate to that one word. It’s called clustering. I highly recommend, Writing the Natural Way, by Gabriele Lusser Rico

4. Give yourself permission to screw-up

Perhaps you’re blocked because you’ve painted yourself into a corner. This could mean you need more structure. If this happens, write out a basic plot outline of your story with about five key points. Keep it simple.  Name your characters and make a list of each one. Don’t try to be perfect. Give yourself permission to write crap. You can clean it up later. Always keep in mind to have fun.

5. Join a writing group

It’s important to associate with other writers. Develop friendships in the writing community; communicate your feelings.  Just about every writer has experienced writer’s block. If you are new to writing or a seasoned writer, Writer’s Village University is a good place to start a new writing journey.

Note: Of course, there are many ways to conquer writer’s block; these are just a few tips that seem to make sense. Please comment and let me know if you were helped, or if you have tips of your own you’d like to share.

To your writing success,

Marli

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