Blockage: 5 Steps To Overcoming Writer’s Block
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Being flooded in and losing internet for almost a week means that I got out of my writing groove. I’m reluctant to report that it’s very easy for me to get out of this groove, and it happens when I’m not writing regularly and doing things like taking a shower or raising my children instead. I do all kinds of things to get past writer’s block, but this time around it’s harder than in the past. So, to get past my writer’s block, I decided to write a post about overcoming writer’s block. Sneaky, eh?
5 Steps to Overcoming Writer’s Block
1. Stop Trying. Stop trying to write, stop staring at the blank screen and start reading, instead. Reading your favorite blogs, find new undiscovered blogs, or better yet, finding anything fiction, can all help kick start that creative place in your brain that seems to have fallen asleep. If reading the news works for you, great, but the latest gloom and doom always seems to squelch creativity for me even more.
2. Get Out. Getting away from the computer altogether and heading outside can make you feel alive, when the lack of words on the screen can make you feel like sludge. Take time to really slow down, notice tiny details. The web on the porch out front, the many shades of green in your lawn, the work the ants are doing on that rogue crumb left behind by someone. All these things are miracles, works of art, and pure inspiration.
3. Give Yourself Some Space. What is your writing space like? Is it messy and cluttered, with unpaid bills lying next to you moaning about their neglect? Are children or other family members allowed unfettered access and therefore constantly interrupting your brain momentum? Clean out your space–of things and people–and watch your energy return.
4. Jump In. Don’t get caught up trying to figure out the first sentence or paragraph of your next article/post. If you have a funny story or a great quote to include, start writing it and see where it takes you. Even going into free writing or stream of consciousness-type journaling can help unclog the drain in your head. Go back later and fill in the gaps during the editing process, and you’ll find your momentum again.
5. Pencil It In. Establishing a routine each day, and getting into a habit or writing at the same time and place can do wonders for your soul. Even if you are a non-schedule person, you’re still a creature-of-habit-non-schedule-person, so setting up a routine that involves sitting down and jotting down some thoughts is a great way to release those angsty village gates.
Hopefully these ideas can kick start your mind…now I’m off to try some of these myself!
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i. need. this. Thank YOU!
Oh, number 3. So guilty of that. And it makes so much sense that the space needs to be a priority.
Great post! I needed this today. Thank you. Now I actually have to DO some of the steps instead of just thinking about it.
I think getting away from the computer is the key for my writer’s block right now. Seems like I’ll have done lately is sit here!
Great post Arianne. I find that I get the worse case of writer’s block when I’m under a lot of pressure from things that are not normally related to writing projects. Yet, it’s during those times that I can have the greatest inspiration if I’ll allow myself a moment to stop trying so hard and just relax. Thanks for these reminders!
Fabulous post (and yes, sneaky!)
Often times I find myself somewhat blocked, I love what you’ve come up with here! Thanks for the fabulous insight! #3 is definitely me.
How are you guys doing? Everything come out of the flood alright I hope??
Thanks! I needed this today!
Love your new blog look!!
Mary
LOOOVE your new design! It looks fantastic!
When I bang my head against the wall I usually like to have an actual conversation with someone because once we start laughing and sharing what’s going on, I realize that there’s oodles of inspiration surrounding me.
This is a great list. Sometimes it’s like my brain just locks up on me. I’ll have to try out your suggestions next time.