As a writer, I find it’s quite important that I actually write. After all, that’s what a writer is supposed to do; the clue’s in the name.
But when you’re working on a piece, there are times when you’ll find things not going as well as you’d like. You get stuck. Your mind goes blank. Writer’s block has set in, so it’s time to get yourself a cup of coffee and do some serious staring out of the window.
Writer’s block terrifies some of us, whilst others will wonder what the fuss is about. Personally, I find the stories of writers getting stuck for months or years, very hard to believe. I mean, if your livelihood depends on you writing something, then you’re going to damn well write it aren’t you.
It’s only natural that your mind will occasionally go blank, but writer’s block? That’s just an excuse isn’t it? You don’t hear about Plumber’s block or Bus Driver’s block do you?
Causes?
Writer’s block, allegedly, has many causes.
I find that boredom kicks in when I’ve been working on something for longer than I’d hoped. Sometimes I find I’m trying too hard to get things right when I should just get them written. I get impatient to start something else. Maybe it’s the wrong time of day. Perhaps I’m tired, or drunk. Or I might have convinced myself that I need a specific pen before I can get started.
Have you noticed that many of these causes just sound like excuses?
Cures?
There’s a bunch of stuff you can do to give the muse a kick if you need to. One of the best is, free-writing, where you let your mind go, don’t edit, and have fun for a while. You could write a short piece about why you’re suddenly unable to write.
Other things you might want to try include:
- Having a fun side-project that you can keep going back to; a novel or script perhaps.
- Going for a walk or doing some other form of exercise is highly recommended.
- Talking things over with a friend is always a nice distraction.
- Complaining loudly on Twitter until someone pays attention can provide a lot of light relief and inspiration.
- Doing another creative thing for a while can ease the pressure on that writing muscle too. For instance, I like to play my ukulele. I play really badly, but it’s still fun and relaxing
Whatever you do though, resist the temptation to sit and do nothing but make excuses.
Your Turn
Well, I’ve said my peace; I would have written more, but my mind keeps going blank so I’ll leave it with you. Writer’s block – load of old pony, or what?
Your thoughts and tips below, please.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I think the free writing is the hardest for me. My self-edit won’t shut down!
Laura Eno´s last blog ..The Teacup – #FridayFlash
I know what you mean Laura, I had the same trouble with my internal editor.
Recently though, I got some advice from Iain at http://writeforyourlife.net/ in a piece about procrastination. He suggests getting away from the computer and planning by hand using notepad and pen.
Following Iain’s advice, and free-writing in a notepad, I’ve found that I’m less likely to edit on-the-fly because it makes the page look untidy. I get many more ideas down on the page. And they’re still there, should I need them, when I go back to review things later.
It works for me. Maybe it would work for you too
I just popped in to leave a comment on this post and there I am already – thanks for the reference – glad it helped!
Now then, writer’s block. My first post on Write for Your Life caused a bit of a stir because I told people to abandon their muses and take responsibility for their writing. I went on to say that if that means walking away from it for a while, then so be it. This advice was taken by some (well, one) as me making excuses when really writers should just get on with it.
But that’s not what I was suggesting. I believe, like you in this article, I think, that writers should get into the habit of treating their writing as a craft – something to refine and practice.
While I too don’t believe in writer’s block, I know that sometimes it can be tricky to find the words. That’s when it’s time to do something else and get the juices flowing – your suggestions here are perfect.
For me, blogging provides a secondary outlet for my writing.
Iain Broome´s last blog ..Scrap that last post – we won!
Thanks for popping over Iain.
Writer’s block can certainly be a bit of a contentious issue for some. I’d used it as an excuse for years when I read a line in a book (embarrassed to say I can’t remember which one) that just said, “There’s no such thing as writer’s block.” I spent quite some time stomping about and pulling my face over that before coming to the conclusion that, this author is probably right.
Writing is the best cure for writer’s block and I totally agree about blogging; I’m amazed more writers don’t do it.
Oh, and thanks for the advice about going back to the old notepad and pen. It’s done me the world of good and, as you might have noticed, I’ve been telling anyone who’ll listen ;0) Good advice is good advice, right?
Your eye-catching headline caught my attention when you commented on my blog. So here I am!
This is such great advice, Mr Uku. I have this problem once in a while. I’ve found that exercise and relaxation really help to revive my mind.
I also get “the block” when I haven’t been keeping up with industry news or other blogs that I follow in my industry. Reading other people’s blogs inspire me and give me ideas for the kinds of things people want to read about. Of course I don’t copy the topics but I use them for inspiration to create my own spin.
Lisa Irby´s last blog ..The Bread and Butter of Affiliate Marketing
Hi Lisa, and welcome
You are so right about exercise, a good walk can really help clear out the cobwebs. If I got writers block more often, I might actually lose a few pounds ;0)
I also agree with your other point. It’s so important to keep up to date with your niche as it can be a great source of inspiration. I’m planning a new article about legitimately “stealing” other peoples ideas, which will cover this exact point.
I always come across this situation, which can be a real pain as I’m a journalist.
These tips will definitely be able to help me out, especially as I go into my 3rd year university media project. When I work on a story for a while, I usually become distracted and find that my mind goes blank. The reason usually being because I get bored quickly.
Keeping yourself going is important to do, and knowing several ways of doing this is a good thing too.
Hi Stacey
Glad you found my piece useful, I know what you mean about becoming distracted. I constantly find myself working out ideas for new blogs despite not getting on and writing for the ones I already have.
On the plus side, I’m now great at planning stuff