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Every writer, published or not, knows what it’s like to encounter that awful demon, writer’s block. That time when you are certain every word you write is utter rubbish or worse, where you can’t write a word. It begins with a little doubt monster and very soon can get out of control, preventing you from writing anything.
It’s happened to me, but thankfully not for any length of time. So here are a few of my go to solutions.
Write A Different Way
Writing longhand can often free up your mind. So grab a pen or pencil and pad and continue your work from the point you became blocked or even start a new scene or chapter.
Find a new place. A change of scenery often helps. It could be as simple as another room at home or a local café.
If you can’t continue with your current work in progress, try some freewriting. For instance, it is January now, so where does that take your mind? Put your pen on the page and just let your mind wander, writing down every random thought which comes to your mind for the next ten minutes.
Don’t Write
You may be wondering what kind of advice this is, but sometimes it helps to step away from the keyboard and your work in progress. Take a break and clear your mind.
Take a walk. My dog gets extra-long walks when I need thinking time to unblock my creativity.
Relax and watch your favourite television show or even a movie.
Do whatever makes you happy, as happiness generates positivity and that keeps the monster of doubt at bay, stopping it from becoming a complete block.
If the block is really bad, give yourself the rest of the day off. Tomorrow is another day.
Reward Yourself
Give yourself a small incentive if you hit your session or daily target.
For those larger targets, like reaching the half way point or completing the book, reward yourself with a bigger treat. Perhaps a day out with friends.
And Finally
Don’t wait too long for your creativity to return. Force it to come back. Tell yourself you will write just one paragraph or for ten minutes only. Taking the pressure off might be enough to get past that block. Also, always believe in yourself and your writing. Don’t allow those doubt monsters in.
If you have any others to add, I’d love to know!
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Rachael Thomas
I love escaping to distant shores with my characters, entering their glamorous world and feeling all the emotions they experience as they discover their love for one another. A love so strong it will overcome all obstacles eventually, leading to that promised happy ever after.
Connect with Rachael Thomas on the web:
A Child Claimed by Gold (One Night with Consequences)
A scandal of their own making
Nikolai Cunningham has kept his family history secret for seventeen years. So when photographer Emma Sanders is granted exclusive access to his childhood home, he returns to Russia to ensure it stays hidden.
Though she tries to keep her eye on the story, Nikolai's potent sexuality proves too much for Emma's untouched body to resist! But, convinced she only wanted a scoop, Nikolai casts Emma out, unaware she's pregnant!
When the consequence of their recklessness is revealed, Nikolai will legitimize his heir—with a gold wedding ring!
Buy Links
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Thanks Rachael!I often get attacked by the Doubt Monster - but I'm learning techniques to quiet him down! Working on a different project often helps me.
What about you? How do you get the mojo back?
32 comments:
Good tips. I don't get writer's block while writing - I get it when trying to come up with ideas for a story.
Lots of good tips here.Sometimes writing the story backwards to the point of the block, or skipping the scene we're stuck at can help.
I think writing by hand is a great way to lift inhibitions that come with writing on the computer. The brain and hand are free to just flow with ideas.
That can be a tricky time too Alex! Thanks for stopping by.
These are great tips Elizabeth. I have scene skipped before but am yet to try writing backwards.
I love it too - and taking myself away from my desk with the pen and paper. Sitting next to a river in the summer is my favorite place to write.
Reading books on the writing craft works for me. Congratulations on the new book.
Thanks for these tips. I read a lot. Congratulations on this new release.
All great ideas to break the block. Changing scenery is one of the best for me. Usually, if I can't write it's because I didn't outline enough or my characters are confusing me.
Don't write is the best advice. Do anything but, and pretty soon you're back up to speed and words are coming.
Great advice Rachael. I sometimes get stuck when working out the GMC with my characters and find that either a walk or chat with an author friend helps :)
Congrats on the new release x
Great tips, Rachel. I'm a nonfiction writer now and plan out all my articles for the month beforehand for my job. It really helps with showing up and writing every day because what I write is already planned and researched. Showing up can really help.
I usually find that when I have writer's block, it's because I am approaching the story from the wrong way or trying to take it in a direction it shouldn't go. I liken it to being lost in the woods. Sometimes you have to go back a ways and find the right path.
Hey Jemi,
How's it goin', eh?
Interesting perspective about writing, or lack of, by Rachael. I'm going to treat myself after this because I've attempted to comment in longhand.
Although I'm not writing much these days because I want to give others a chance to be noticed in the blogging world. I would just add that there is no such thing as writer's block. After all, if you started writing about having writer's block, it would prove that you don't have such a thing by writing one disjointed sentence after another disjointed sentence about having writer's block that you don't really have. And yep, start a sentence with the conjunction word "and", and suddenly realise you're writing run-on sentences....
I'm going now.
Penny's fictional human,
Gary
Rachael, these are some great tips for getting past that freeze our mind goes to sometimes. I especially like the one about taking pen in hand and writing.
Hi Marie! I love my collection of craft books.
Thanks Kelly!
I know that one Susan and a change of scenery can help to see them differently.
Like housework? That's my go to when I don't write at all.
Hi Joanne! A good walk can do wonders as can a nice long chat with author friends. Thanks for the congratulations.
Great tip Natalie! Thanks.
It can be tricky being lost in the woods, especially when there are several dead end paths, but we get there in the end!
Great reply and it proves just showing up to write a few sentences or for ten minutes can unlock you.
It always works for me! Thanks Mason.
Thanks for all the great advice, Rachael! I don't usually write by longhand, but I actually think that could be a really good technique for me when I am stuck. Awesome suggestions!
~Jess
Isn't it so weird that it can be a totally different experience writing instead of typing? I always have a pad of paper next to my computer--just in case.
I never used to but it works to get those words flowing again.
Even if you just write a small scene longhand it can help. Thanks for stopping by.
Great advice! Walking is something that helps me a lot, whenever I'm feeling blocked. Have had countless plot revelations that way!
What a unique cover!
I'm glad to read this post. I'm 23k into a novel and kind of stalled. I keep finding excuses not to write. Maybe longhand would help? I've got to try something new! Thanks.
Awesome advice. I hadn't thought too much about the idea of physically planting myself in another location to get the muse visiting.
Dropping in to say Hi Jemi!
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