by Brittany Lavin
Let me tell you what I know about writer’s block. It’s REAL. In fact, for me (and other writers I’m sure…I think…it can’t just be me, can it?) it’s so real it’s practically tangible. Like a dam obstructing a river, it stops the flow. All those brilliant plots and red herrings-- gone just like that. What’s worse is you never know how long it will last. It could be over in a day or it could take months, even years. So if you’re like me and find yourself blocked for any period of time, here are some tips to get the creative juices flowing again.
1. Stop what you’re doing. Don’t stare at blank piece of notebook paper or at a blinking cursor. Trust me, it doesn’t help.
2. Take a walk. Stretch your legs and get some fresh air, it might give you a new perspective.
3. Take a nap. You could dream up a best-selling plot!
4. Talk it out. Grab a friend and go over the part where you keep getting stuck. Another opinion may provide you with new insight into your story.
5. Write somewhere else. Perhaps the room you’re in is stifling you. Perhaps there are too many distractions. Try moving to another spot in the house.
6. Subscribe to daily writing prompts. A prompt can be one word or a few sentences. Basically, it gives you the start and you take it where you will.
7. Make a schedule. Set aside time everyday to write. If you haven’t written anything by a certain time, call it a day and try again tomorrow.
8. Try making an outline of where you want the story to go and write each part one at a time.
9. If all else fails, move on. Start writing something new and don’t let it get you down!
10. Don’t give up! Don’t be discouraged and remember- all writers go through it.
Some say that writer’s block doesn’t really exist, that it’s a deep-rooted issue pertaining to the writer. Well, I say it depends on the writer. Insecurity and fear of failure may indeed bring about writer’s block. However, it’s important to remember to stay positive and do what you love. Don’t let the block finish your story- write through it!
For more ways to battle writer’s block:
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Photo courtesy of Miguel Ugalde.