Wing Block

Tips for Overcoming Writer's Block

No matter how much you love to write or how knowledgeable you are on a topic, everyone succumbs to the misery of writer's block.  As a wise person once said, you can't have writer's block if you aren't a writer.  It is a mark of accomplishment in the field; it means you have written enough to come to a place of challenge.  Here are some excellent tools to use to break through your writer's block and meet the sparkling prose that lies just beyond.

 

1.  Write badly

Commit to writing badly.  This is harder than it sounds.  We all have a streak of vanity within that can be difficult to push aside.  It is worth the effort to drown your ego when writing because the experience of writing is a creative one, something that is at direct odds with the self-consciousness of the ego.  When writing a first draft of a project, tell yourself that you are going to get it down on paper, and it is going to be ugly.  If you still can't allow yourself to let the words come in a stream-of-consciousness manner, try writing super-bad prose on purpose: use puns and cliches and as many adverbs as you can cram into a sentence.  Try to make the characters unlikable.  Murder someone.  Do all the things that terrify you.  Make all the mistakes you're horrified you will make.  Once that's done, you don't have to worry about it anymore.  And be not afraid, no one ever has to read your first drafts but you.  Getting the meat of the project out of the way is the most important part.  If you let yourself go, you'll find the words eventually arrange themselves in strange and wondrous ways.

 

2.  Write for yourself

Often, we write for an intended audience.  They're there, lingering in the wings or staring at you as you type.  You keep revising and erasing, embarrassed that you're writing so poorly, until you can't write anything at all.  Stop and think about what story you would be interested in reading.  Write selfishly, simply to get that story out into the world.  The best works are done this way, and the author's enjoyment is apparent on their pages.  This does not mean the writing process is always enjoyable.  Sometimes it is grueling and difficult.  But write the story for yourself and you'll find the words begin to flow again.  Don't write toward pleasing your sense of perfection. Rather write the bones of the story that is in your head.  That's all you need for now.

 

3.  Plan it out

If you can't make words flow out in an ordered, lyrical way, try making an outline.  Write a word or sentence for each paragraph, stanza, or plot point you want to appear in your final product.  Write the table of contents for your book.  Write a four word poem.  Then, go back and flesh out the points when you're ready.  Writing is a cyclical process.  Even the most linear writers write in drafts and revisions.  Don't get hung up on what counts as "writing."  Sit down at your desk and put in your time.

 

4.  Stop writing for awhile

Daydream.  Go shopping.  Take a shower.  Do something physically active.  Writing is an intensely mental activity, and much of it happens between the periods of active writing.  This is why we often have the best ideas in the shower, while driving, and in our dreams.  These are times when our minds are free to wander and solve the mysteries we've posed to them during the day.

 

5.  Write something else

Having multiple writing projects allows you the ability to keep your creativity moving.  When you're stalled on one project, turn your mind to another.  Like the previous step, this allows your brain to mull over the first project for awhile, but you'll keep your writing skills intact because you're continuing to work while you do it.

 

There are countless ways to deal with writer's block.  Often, when we stop we realize we've been pushing too hard in the wrong direction.  If there is fear behind the writer's block, though, it can help to write through it.  Prove to yourself you're still a writer, and don't give up.  Take a nap, write badly, make an outline, and keep moving.  You'll get through this yet.

About the Author

Alex Lemone is a professional writer who often writes about weddings.  For ideas for wedding wording and more wedding ideas, go to Wedding Ideas Etc. Note: You may reprint this article on your website, newsletter, or blog as long as the resource box remains in tact and hyperlinks stay active and dofollow.

Why are Libs are only ones who block?

I'm a moderate, and I've only been blocked by leftists but not a single Right-wing or Libertarian user.

I don't block anyone except trolls on either side. Know that if someone blocks you on here, they are either:

1.A troll that blocks you for mentioning (trend on both sides)
2.A general a@@
3.Someone who's IQ is less than what they weigh

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