Let's face it, we've all been there.
First, I want to clarify a definition. When I say "writing," this is an overarching term to describe anything that has to do with getting that book finished. Research is writing, editing is writing, deleting is writing. Just because the numbers aren't necessarily adding up on the page does not mean that you are not writing. It does not mean that you are a failure. (Stares at self in the mirror.)
The first step in combating writer's block is figuring out what type of writer's block you're having. Ask yourself the following questions:
1) Do I just not want to write?
2) Is there a problem I can't figure out? Am I stuck?
3) Are you bored with what you're writing?
4) Am I afraid of what comes next?
1) Do I just not want to write?
The answer to this question could be tied to some of the others, but for ease let's say that you're just not in the mood. No matter how much you love your job, there are going to be days that you don't want to do it.
But the thing is, if you want to accomplish your goals, you have to do the thing. So if you're not in the mood, take a look at your schedule. Sometimes it's okay to take a break and come back to it when inspiration strikes, but sometimes you have a deadline and procrastinating is not something that you have time for.
In the latter case, you just have to do it. You need to sit down and write something--even if it's just going to be reworked or cut later.
In the earlier case, take that break. Go for a walk, do some yoga, read a book. Anything you want to really! And when you feel like going back to your story, look at it with fresh eyes.
2) Is there a problem I can't figure out? Am I stuck?
This one is slightly harder to answer. In my own experience, if I'm stuck it's normally because I don't know where I'm going. The solution, for me, is to ask myself the question: what if...? with the mindset that literally anything is possible.
What if the main character didn't walk through that doorway? What if they're having a really bad day? What if they suddenly realize that they hate their best friend? What if a polar bear randomly walks into the classroom?
This type of thinking gets my brain out of the rut that something logical has to happen which generally shows me what will actually happen. And once I can see where my story is going, then it starts flowing again.
But sometimes, I have to put that project on hold and take a break. The awesome thing about our brains is that they continue to work on difficult problems even if we're not consciously working on them. It's why you could be half asleep and the perfect idea just pops into your brain.
When even the "what if" doesn't work, I leave it on the back burner for a bit.
3) Are you bored with what you're writing?
One of the best things I ever heard about writing is: if you're bored writing it, then you'll probably be bored reading it.
Most of the time, this means reworking the scene. Does the setting need to change (one of the best ways to add tension is simply to change the setting)? Does this scene advance the plot? Are these character reactions accurate?
Sometimes it takes going back through what's already been written to figure out where that fork in the road happened. When you can see the right direction, start from that point and rework.
4) Am I afraid of what comes next?
I may be the queen of over-thinking, so this one gets me. The idea that, at some point, people might actually be reading my published work is terrifying. What if I offend someone despite my best intentions? What if no one likes it? What if I've been wasting my time?
To this, I have two mantras.
The first: You are writing for yourself. If you decide you don't want to show anyone your work, you don't have to. So long as you like what you're writing, you're on the right track.
But if, like me, you do want your work published, then the second mantra comes into play: You're not there yet.
It can be really intimadating to take the next step. The truth is, there's no point about worrying over it before you even get there. It's important in these times to ground yourself in the present moment, on the words on the page in front of you now.
No matter what you write, you won't please everyone. But that could still be a long way off.
Always write for yourself first. If you write for anyone else, you'll probably burn out, you'll probably get confused by your own writing, you'll probably want to quit.
But please don't quit! I want to see your work on the shelves one day.
If none of these solutions seem to fit, drop me a line. I'd be happy to discuss how to get past that block with you.
Happy writing!
Erin
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