How to Get Over Writer’s Block
It happens to the best of us. No matter whether it’s your first novel or your sixth, there will be slumps when your prose seems to turn into mush, and you’re unsure how to progress the plot. It’s enough to make us want to throw in the towel.
But you mustn’t.
It is vital to power through such a powerless time of your life and career.
It happens to the best of us. No matter whether it’s your first novel or your sixth, there will be slumps when your prose seems to turn into mush, and you’re unsure how to progress the plot. It’s enough to make us want to throw in the towel.
But you mustn’t.
It is vital to power through such a powerless time of your life and career.
Common reasons for writer’s blockFearMany writers are afraid of writing. It could be a fear of putting their thoughts on paper and allowing others to read their words, or it could be the dread of failing to become a writer.
Perfectionism
Writers are perfectionists at heart. They strive for each word and sentence to be just right, and there is nothing wrong in being proud and passionate about your work. But by overthinking every single detail, you run the risk of never completing your prose, poem or screenplay.
Poor timing
Sometimes, we are simply unable to write. It could be because it is a stressful time of your life, you are too busy, or you need longer with your ideas and thoughts before transcending them onto paper.
Solutions to get over writer’s block
Go for a walkThe simplest of answers. Going for a walk allows you to change your environment and be one with nature. Your mind can wander as you think about the next part of your novel. Free thinking is a great way to plan and let a scene play out in your mind without any confinements. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself; limit the amount of information you write down. Rather than carry a pen and notebook, have a tape recorder and talk into the device if there is a breakthrough you cannot risk forgetting.
Travel the world
How can you write about the world if you have not experienced it? The best way to understand human emotions and different cultures is to experience it firsthand, otherwise, characters and environment can seem two-dimensional. Travel to the places you wish to write about, talk to people who are different and learn from your surroundings. What’s more, engage in activities you may not usually do, but if your character, for instance, is an adrenaline junkie, skydiving or bungee jumping can be great ways for you to experience and learn about the character you are forming.
When traveling, make sure you have all the correct papers, documents and insurance in place. You will need your plane tickets, passport, and printouts of accommodation bookings, etc. Do not rely on the internet. Furthermore, having a term life insurance policy as well as travel insurance is highly recommended.
Tip: You can always visit the destinations of your favorite authors and novels.
Do mundane tasks
It may seem counterproductive, but stopping and doing mundane tasks such as brewing a pot of coffee or hanging the washing on the line can allow your brain to think freely. When you are stuck indoors, looking at a bit of paper or your laptop screen, it can be hard to think objectively. Sometimes, the best plot points come to us when we are not directly thinking of our writing.
The next time you are struggling, do the following:
You shouldn’t, however, watch TV or scroll online. This activity can cause you to think less and cause distractions.
Speak to a trusted friend
Talking about our work can be terrifying. What we write about is personal, and for someone to possibly critique our work, it can leave us afraid to ask for a person’s opinion. If you have someone you trust, though, having them read and provide their honest opinion can help spark some life into a plot that may have fizzled out from writer’s block.
Speak to your friend and send them your work so far. Allow them time to read over your work, and once they have done so, meet up for coffee. This allows for both of you to discuss your work in a pleasant environment, and what’s more, it is a change in scenery for you.
Listen to music
Music can make us feel things. It can cause our mind to stir and wonder, so by plugging in your headphones and clicking ‘Play’ on a playlist, you be whisked away to a far off land that’ll help clear your mind.
If you need help writing an emotional scene, listen to songs that are known for causing your sadness. Sometimes, it’s best to feel the emotions yourself, before writing the emotions of your characters.
Tip: Listen to music your character will enjoy or hate. If a character’s love for jazz is going to be a huge character point, then learn how jazz works – the way it flows, the most famous songs and musicians. Have jazz playing before you write a scene where the character describes why he loves this particular genre of music so that you can get into the mindset more easily.
Freewrite
Need a quick and fun way to expand your plot? Grab a bit of paper and write a location, character or emotion as a prompt. Remove all distractions, grab your pen or pencil, and use a timer. Set it between 15-30 minutes, and then write without stopping. Do not stop and read your work until the timer has gone.
Play
Writing can become all business at times. It is important for us to play, though. Grab some LEGOS or coloring pencils, and have fun. Build a house for your LEGO people, draw a scene that interests you, and see whether it brings inspiration.
The last word
It is important always to keep writing. While there are different levels of writer’s block, there is always a solution. Never force yourself to write if it is proving too difficult. Doing so can compromise your level and quality of work. Take a step back and consider one of the solutions above.
Perfectionism
Writers are perfectionists at heart. They strive for each word and sentence to be just right, and there is nothing wrong in being proud and passionate about your work. But by overthinking every single detail, you run the risk of never completing your prose, poem or screenplay.
Poor timing
Sometimes, we are simply unable to write. It could be because it is a stressful time of your life, you are too busy, or you need longer with your ideas and thoughts before transcending them onto paper.
Solutions to get over writer’s block
Go for a walkThe simplest of answers. Going for a walk allows you to change your environment and be one with nature. Your mind can wander as you think about the next part of your novel. Free thinking is a great way to plan and let a scene play out in your mind without any confinements. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself; limit the amount of information you write down. Rather than carry a pen and notebook, have a tape recorder and talk into the device if there is a breakthrough you cannot risk forgetting.
Travel the world
How can you write about the world if you have not experienced it? The best way to understand human emotions and different cultures is to experience it firsthand, otherwise, characters and environment can seem two-dimensional. Travel to the places you wish to write about, talk to people who are different and learn from your surroundings. What’s more, engage in activities you may not usually do, but if your character, for instance, is an adrenaline junkie, skydiving or bungee jumping can be great ways for you to experience and learn about the character you are forming.
When traveling, make sure you have all the correct papers, documents and insurance in place. You will need your plane tickets, passport, and printouts of accommodation bookings, etc. Do not rely on the internet. Furthermore, having a term life insurance policy as well as travel insurance is highly recommended.
Tip: You can always visit the destinations of your favorite authors and novels.
Do mundane tasks
It may seem counterproductive, but stopping and doing mundane tasks such as brewing a pot of coffee or hanging the washing on the line can allow your brain to think freely. When you are stuck indoors, looking at a bit of paper or your laptop screen, it can be hard to think objectively. Sometimes, the best plot points come to us when we are not directly thinking of our writing.
The next time you are struggling, do the following:
- Make a cup of coffee or tea
- Clean the house
- Wash the car
- Garden
- Do the washing
- Clean the dishes
You shouldn’t, however, watch TV or scroll online. This activity can cause you to think less and cause distractions.
Speak to a trusted friend
Talking about our work can be terrifying. What we write about is personal, and for someone to possibly critique our work, it can leave us afraid to ask for a person’s opinion. If you have someone you trust, though, having them read and provide their honest opinion can help spark some life into a plot that may have fizzled out from writer’s block.
Speak to your friend and send them your work so far. Allow them time to read over your work, and once they have done so, meet up for coffee. This allows for both of you to discuss your work in a pleasant environment, and what’s more, it is a change in scenery for you.
Listen to music
Music can make us feel things. It can cause our mind to stir and wonder, so by plugging in your headphones and clicking ‘Play’ on a playlist, you be whisked away to a far off land that’ll help clear your mind.
If you need help writing an emotional scene, listen to songs that are known for causing your sadness. Sometimes, it’s best to feel the emotions yourself, before writing the emotions of your characters.
Tip: Listen to music your character will enjoy or hate. If a character’s love for jazz is going to be a huge character point, then learn how jazz works – the way it flows, the most famous songs and musicians. Have jazz playing before you write a scene where the character describes why he loves this particular genre of music so that you can get into the mindset more easily.
Freewrite
Need a quick and fun way to expand your plot? Grab a bit of paper and write a location, character or emotion as a prompt. Remove all distractions, grab your pen or pencil, and use a timer. Set it between 15-30 minutes, and then write without stopping. Do not stop and read your work until the timer has gone.
Play
Writing can become all business at times. It is important for us to play, though. Grab some LEGOS or coloring pencils, and have fun. Build a house for your LEGO people, draw a scene that interests you, and see whether it brings inspiration.
The last word
It is important always to keep writing. While there are different levels of writer’s block, there is always a solution. Never force yourself to write if it is proving too difficult. Doing so can compromise your level and quality of work. Take a step back and consider one of the solutions above.
