Writer’s block – common problem, right? You know, the lack of inspiration, and general stuckness that stops you from getting words on a page. Despite the number who say that it isn’t a real problem, it feels real, and sometimes you just need a way to get over it.
It’s frustrating, and it can be tough to break through.
But fear no more, my friend. Here are 4 practical tips that might help you get writing again.
Tip #1: Push through it.
Yeah, it’s a cliche answer, I know. But sometimes, it’s the only solution. When you’re stuck on a project and a boatload of demotivation is dumped on you, you’ve got to keep writing until you find a space where you can write comfortably again. This is assuming it’s a first draft.
When you’re writing a first draft, the little details don’t matter. Those can be fixed later. So when you try to push through, it’s likely the quality of your writing won’t be award-winning. That’s just the way first drafts are.
But even though it’s hard, persevering through it can allow you to sink into the zone. You know what I mean? It’s the place where it’s just you and your writing, and nothing else matters in the world. Getting into the zone can break you out of writer’s block like nothing else. Once you’ve crossed the bridge from one possibly boring scene into a more exciting scene, that’s where things get SPICY and you can break out of writer’s block.
Tip #2: Write something else.
Okay, before you point out that I’m contradicting myself, I’m not. I’m just saying that pushing through your writing when you don’t want to is hard, and I totally get it. That’s why I’m offering three other solutions.
I’ll be honest with you. I’ve had writer’s block for the majority of this month. But two days ago, I wrote a short story and I feel so much better now that the creativity is flowing again.
So if you have a side project or a short story you’ve been wanting to write, write that. Write anything. Write poetry, non-fiction, a blog post, anything to get you pumped up and inspired again.
There’s nothing like suddenly being able to write again to help you get back into the creative space and back into your main project.
It’s not giving up. It’s just setting your work-in-progress aside for a short time while you spend a while on something else. Then pull out your project again and see if you can add any more words to it. Even if you only add ten words, that’s ten more than what your project had before.
Tip #3: Figure out WHY you’re stuck.
Most of the time, there’s a reason why you have writer’s block.
If you find out what the specific reason is, you can tackle it head on and get rid of writer’s block in the process.
Oftentimes I get writer’s block from my amazing lack of plotting (like that one time when I forgot to plan how my characters escaped from the villain). Because I don’t know how to get from one plot point to another, I end up not knowing what to do and I end up not writing at all.
But lack of plotting isn’t the only reason why people get writer’s block. I’ll tackle that first, then move on to others.
– Lack of Plotting
Right, there’s only one way to fix this problem, and that’s sitting down to plot the actual scene. And unless you get a sudden burst of inspiration, that’s tough. What might help you is to talk to a trusted friend about this, preferably one who:
A. Knows what you’re writing about so you don’t have to explain every little detail before getting to the real question.
B. Is a writer themself so they can give advice and various plot ideas.
Friends can help like nothing else when you’re stuck on your plot. Because our minds all work in unique ways, other people can come up with fresh ideas that you would never think of.
OTHER HELPFUL POSTS:
How To Get Ideas For Your Plot
Why It’s Important to Create Connections
4 Things I Use To Outline My Novels
– Demotivation
If your problem isn’t lack of planning, it may be plain demotivation. Demotivation is tricky to overcome, but it isn’t impossible. I wrote a post about it last week, but to summarize, it’s all about mindset.
If you see writing as a chore rather than something that gives you joy, then it might be time to switch your thinking around. Try to see writing as something fun again. Alternatively, you could take a quick break from writing and do something else that’s creative, like art, music, or theater. That way, you’re still being creative – it’s just in a different way.
– Burnout
Like it or not, burnout is a very real problem. And if you’re sure you have burnout, don’t push through it. Please. If the reason you’re on writer’s block is burnout, shelf the project and take a break. Go for a walk and drink lots of water. Relax.
How long burnout lasts varies from person to person, but when you start to feel better again, go on ahead and pull out the project. Try again. If you need to shelf it again, shelf it again. Burnout is definitely more serious than demotivation, and so you have to be careful around it.
Also: if you’re not on burnout, don’t push yourself to the breaking point. Do that for yourself.
Tip #4: Get inspired.
If you can’t or don’t know what to write, do yourself a favor and get inspired! This can be just by enjoying a book rather than analyzing it, watching a movie, going out for a walk… anything that gets you feeling creative and inspired again.
When I finish a good book, I’m often excited to get back to writing because I want to write as well as the author. I want to impact people the same way they impact me, craft characters that others will love as much as I love other authors’ characters.
Getting inspired can help unplug writer’s block and send you down rabbit holes of exploration. The best part is that you return to your writing feeling great and ready to punch out a couple of words on the page.
Back at you!
Writer’s block is difficult, I’m not going to deny that. But even though it’s hard, it’s not impossible to break through.
So tell me, do you struggle with writer’s block? How do you overcome it? What are some other tips and tricks you have for staying happy and creative?
Leave a comment below!
