Remedies for Writer's Block
You know you have to write something. You stare at the page and your mind drifts to everything from what you’re going to make for dinner to what you’re going to do when you finish your word count for the day. If you finish. When writer’s block strikes, that “if” seems more realistic than “when.”
At one time or another just about everyone experiences writer’s block. For me I’ve found the best way to combat it is to write. That might sound a little crazy. After all the problem is that at the moment you can’t write. I’ve found that for me it’s usually not that I really can’t write, but I simply can’t work on a particular story at that time. If I place my current project aside and work on something else, the creative juices start flowing again. Usually I write something that’s purely for pleasure and that I have no plans of showing to anyone. For me writing has always been a form of stress relief and an enjoyable experience. Working on something just for fun helps me relax and formulate new ideas that usually get me back on track so I can finish the particular scene that was giving me trouble in my work-in-progress. I don’t like to write my stories when I’m feeling “forced” because I believe it will come through in my work, so for me it’s worth it to go off and write something else, even for a short time. Then I can return to my work-in-progress and give the story and characters the focus and genuine emotion they deserve.
Other things that help me with writer’s block are taking a shower or exercising. I’ve found that almost anything that relieves stress combats writer’s block. Possibly a hot fudge sundae? Well, maybe not. . .
What are some of your favorite ways to overcome writer’s block?
Kate Hill is vegetarian New Englander who loves writing romantic fantasies. When she’s not working on her books, she enjoys reading, exercising, and researching vampires and Viking history. Visit her online at http://www.kate-hill.com .
I am an aspiring writer and have many stops and starts. My husband tries very hard to keep me writing even going to the point of thinking of really weird beginnings/ends and I have to decide what goes in the middle. I haven’t finished an entire book yet but I am still interested in doing so and it helps when you have a support system.
I’m not a writer, just an avid reader. But it’s interesting to see what helps different Authors. Mo, your bath ingredients sound like something everyone could use to destress. 🙂 Thanks for that. 🙂
Carol L.
I’m not a writer but I found it interesting all the different things writer’s do when they get writer’s block!
Kate, I rarely have writers’ block because when I write a story I don’t stop thinking about it. I keep plotting the scenes one after the other in my head, when I cook, when I walk, before sleeping. I am kind of saturating myself with my story so the ideas keep coming. But if I leave the story aside for a week or a month I lose track of the flow. The only way to get it back is to read the manuscript from the beginning.
I agree with you. The best way to overcome writer’s block is to get busy with it and write. Great topic, Kate.
Natalie Acres
That’s a great one, too, Angelique. I love listening to music when I write. 🙂
Kate
Hi Kate!
When I get writers block I find listening to music really helps, especially if I have a specific playlist for my work in progress. Music always makes me feel good 🙂
Angelique Armae
Thanks, Mo! Those are some great ideas. That bath sounds great even if you don’t have writer’s block. 🙂 Will have to try that!
Kate
Kate, this something that you may want to consider. It’s great for just about everything that ain’t broke. 1/4 cup of sea salt, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of Real Lemon Juice. Run some bath water as warm or as cool as you like and place the above contents in. You can add whatever else you want with oils, for instances. Even burn some candles. The idea is to clear your aureic field and therefore de-stress. This is especially good after dealing with a large amount of people. You will be surprised at how much lighter, clearer, and energized you will feel. Not like the Energizer Bunny but able to do whatever. It will also relax you enough to get a good night’s sleep. If you do try it, let me know how it went. You won’t be disappointed.
Now when I have writers block, I usually read a book that’s light to get my mind off of what I need to do with the other work. Sometimes just meditate to regain my center with some smooth jazz in the background OR I get on the phone and talk shop with a friend. When I’m finished, I can usually go back to what I needed to do. If not, I take a nap if the opportunity is there. Hope that helps. Mo