How to Deal With Writer’s Block
Techniques I Use to Get Past Writer’s Block
Writing has a poor reputation for being tedious and time-consuming. While it certainly can be, it doesn’t have to be if you bring in some motivation and creativity. If you feel stuck or frustrated with your writing, embrace it and then figure out how to use it to your advantage. In this article, I’ll talk about some things I think of during these times, and offer a bit of what I do to get past the dreaded block.
ONE | Why do writers write?
There are many reasons people write. Some people write to express their thoughts, some write to be understood, and some write to be heard. Their own lives and the lives of those around them compel writers. The writer’s life is a life of action, of doing, which is what writing is all about. Writers write to live and to explore the world through words. No matter what your reason is, writing can be a very cathartic experience. For most writers, it is their passion, their joy, and their way of making daily life more enjoyable.
There are also many reasons people don't write. Some people may think that they're not good enough, or they're afraid that they won't be able to write a good story. Others may have a fear of not being able to complete their work. If you are one of these people, it's important to know why you're not writing. If you know why you're not writing, it will help you get motivated to write.
TWO | How to get motivated.
Giving your characters flaws makes them more believable and relatable. It’s also a great way to increase suspense and/or conflict in the story. For example, let’s say you have a character who is an attorney who has never lost a case. That would be an unrealistic situation that wouldn’t interest readers. What if instead this character struggles with addiction and lose cases because they can’t focus on their work? Now the reader will feel sympathetic for the character and root for him or her to get back on track.
THREE | How to deal with writer's block.
One of the most common problems that writers face is writer's block. Writer's block is when you have no ideas for what to write. It can be very frustrating and it can make you want to give up on writing. If you are feeling stuck or like you need a change of scenery, try going for a walk or getting some fresh air. Taking a break will not only help you feel refreshed but also take your mind off of the project at hand.
How to deal with writer's block? There are a few things you can do to help get through it. First, try to find a place that you love to write in. This will help you concentrate and get motivated to write. Second, get organized and make sure that you have everything you need in order to write effectively. Third, try to get your day off to a good start. This will help you remain focused and motivated to write.
Writer’s block is a real thing that happens to everyone. When I recognize I have hit that wall, I sometimes jump on another project. I usually have several writing projects in play and it helps to go back and forth between them.
FOUR | Let your characters guide you
If you’re writing a novel, let your characters guide you through your slump. For instance, if I have no ideas on how to finish a scene in chapter two, it’s a fairly sure bet that a scene in a later chapter will result from the one you’re stuck on. By skipping ahead and reading a related chapter, I can usually get ideas on how to move forward. Dialog, in particular, can be a powerful approach to jog your memory or guide you through your block. Skip forward and see how your protagonist in a future scene responds to threats from the antagonist. From those conversations, I can usually get ideas for breaking through my block.
Conclusion
There are a few ways you can get motivated and stop feeling writer's block. One way is to get out of your comfort zone. Another way is to take a break and do something else, something not related to writing that you enjoy doing. And finally, think about what your end goal is. These things can help you get motivated and help you deal with writer’s block.
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