How to Beat Writer's Block
One of my golden rules of writing is to not use absolutes (e.g., always, never, every, all). Having said that, I’d bet every writer has been faced with writer’s block at some point. I've written about fears on the blog before, and often these are the root of writer's block. Make sure you've addressed those before you try to write.
What should you do when writer's block strikes, though? Here are a few suggestions and tips.
Take a Break
Take a walk around the block. Empty the dishwasher. Put on some music and take a dance break.
Move your body! I don't mean a three-hour break, but 10 or 15 minutes away from the computer screen might be enough of a refresh to get your creative juices flowing.
Free Write (or Brain Dump or Journal)
Clear your mind. Maybe there's something on your mind preventing you from focusing on your work. You might not even realize it! Clear whatever it might be from your mind so there's room for creativity to flow in your writing.
Do Something Creative Before You Write
What it is doesn't matter. Paint. Color. Build something. Just do something that gets the creative part of your mind working. Then maybe you can pivot and transition into writing.
Write Something, Anything
That's not what you want to hear, right? There have been days when I had no writing mojo but would not let myself quit. I'd type anything, even if it was "I don't know what to write. I don't know what to write." over and over until something else appeared on the screen. Your first draft is not supposed to be good, so who cares if it stinks?
“Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all.”
—Charles Bukowski
Change Your Setting
Move your laptop to a different room in your house. Go to a coffee shop and set up shop. Take your laptop to the park and write outdoors for the day,
Note that none of these tips will work if you aren't really blocked. If you're afraid of something (whether it be failure, rejection, or something else) or even just tired (physically and/or mentally), these tips won't clear your block. You'll need to address them separately. Then you can get back to writing. No excuses, friends; it's time to write!
Do you need help overcoming writer's block? Schedule a complimentary Book Brainstorm Session and let me help!