By Mariah Prouse
Writers block….the bane of every writer’s existence. Maybe it’s the dreaded synopsis or the brain shattering query. Did that not help? Sorry—I will try to do better.
It’s as though that blinking cursor or blank page is mocking you. It’s daring you to attempt to create a sentence or write a word. Your mind, on the other hand, is a complete and utter blank.
So maybe you start with some of the usual thoughts: (the below are an example of my own so maybe not your own)
“Is it me? Do I just suck as a writer?” NO!
“Well, if I can’t write, I will just jump over to social media.” That’s a rabbit hole that could lead you away from your goals.
“Fine then, I will clean something instead.” Your house or family might appreciate that, so who is to judge.
Many writers have different ways to deal with writers block so let’s start with mentioning a few of the tried and true ways to break the wall.
Ideas to Break writers Block:
- Take a walk: Sometimes the best way to clear the mind is to get outside into nature, the suburbs, or along a city sidewalk.
- Listen to atmospheric music: Music is used in movies for a reason. It sets a mood for the scene and what is happening. Whether you look up instrumental music for a specific movie, or have a favorite playlist, give it a try.
- Write anything: Prompts, another project, a letter to a friend – sometimes writing something else does exactly what you need
- Read what you wrote before: Reading the previous scene or chapter can give the necessary motivation and remind you what you wanted to write
- Light a candle and set a productive writing setting: My favorite candle is an evergreen scent which is perfect for my fantasy settings. Sometimes you don’t need to be specific but set the setting for yourself that allows for the most productivity
- Check in with your writing group: Bouncing off ideas is never a bad idea and writer friends understand what you are going through
- Can’t visual the scene you are one, then leave a note in [brackets] so you can come back to it later. Sometimes writing that next scene is just what you need to fill in the gaps later
- Read! I know, you can get sucked in but it may be what your brain needed
- What about a show? Sometimes a movie or that funny episode you have seen a million times gives you just a little clarity
- Go back to that to do list you have in the back of your mind
- Sometimes you just have to step away: It doesn’t mean you have failed, it just means you need time
During Nanowrimo, the best way for me as a plantser to deal with writer’s block is to stay ahead of it.
Staying Ahead of Writers Block:
– end the previous writing session in the middle of a scene you have visualized
– leave yourself notes of how you foresee the next scene, or chapter to continue
– Write a prompt sentence for your next scene
Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up.
That mean little voice tickling in the back of your mind is not correct. You can write! Sometimes our creative well is exhausted and space is all we need. So allow yourself the time necessary to fill it again. Read a book, take a bubble bath, spend time with friends or family—even if that means a phone call because, well, quarantine. Writers block doesn’t last forever if you give yourself the chance to replenish and try again later.
What are ways that you have used to overcome writers block? Share in the comments below!
Secret Writers Guild 