Writer’s Block

Writer’s Block is something EVERY SINGLE WRITER ON THE PLANET has dealt with. That feeling when you have this wonderful momentum… writing hundreds of words, knocking out scenes and chapters, and then you hit a wall at full speed.

Writer, meet Writer’s Block.

(The astute reader will notice that I capitalize the phrase “Writer’s Block” in this post… this is intentional. To me, Writer’s Block is a proper noun, like a demon with a name or something.)

Some authors don’t believe in Writer’s Block, citing having too much time, not enough discipline, or being distracted, among other reasons. I personally believe Writer’s Block is a real thing (given how many times it has kicked my ass during my admittedly short life). But I also believe it is a hurdle you can absolutely get over. But the big question is: HOW?

Accept Writer’s Block as a natural part of the writing process

Writer’s Block is (unfortunately) a natural part of the writing process. It sucks but as a creative, you must either come to terms with it or go insane.

Take a break… but not for too long

If you have to, it’s okay to take a break. But what you don’t want to do is give up, blaming Writer’s Block.

Writer’s Block will pass; you have to weather the storm. Unfortunately (and as much as it sucks) you will face Writer’s Block many, MANY times as a writer. So, the worst thing you can do is say “oh, I have had Writer’s Block for days/weeks/months, I may as well quit.”

It is always okay to cut yourself some slack and take a break if you need to, but make sure it’s just that – a break. TEMPORARY.

Feed your creativity in other ways

Sometimes we experience Writer’s Block because our creative well has neared the bottom. So, the obvious answer is to take some time to refill your creative reservoir. This looks different for everyone. Some people read, take a walk in the woods, have a movie marathon, go to the beach/lake/pool, or jam to music.

Do whatever you must do to recharge your creative battery. You may find it not only helps cure your Writer’s Block but also helps you destress in other areas of your life. Win-Win!

Keep writing – Always keep writing

I have said this before, and I can’t stress it enough. When you hit the Writer’s Block wall (or any hang-up), you have to keep writing; easier said than done, I know. But as stated earlier, Writer’s Block is normal to all writers, so you just have to preserver, whether that means writing while you have Writer’s Block or after it has passed.


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3 responses to “Writer’s Block”

  1. I personally like to spite my block by writing the crappiest crap I can think of then threatening to put it somewhere public. That’ll send the editor into panic enough to improve whatever I wrote (which won’t turn out as bad as I think it would in the first place). Anyway, thanks for this post!

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    1. Spiting Writer’s Block is a really solid tactic! Writing something terrible in order to light a fire under the editor part of your brain is brilliant, and I love it. Thank you for sharing; I think all writers need to try this from time to time!

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  2. […] I wrote about (oddly enough) this time last year in a post called… wait for it… “Writer’s Block” (what can I say? Sometimes I like to get straight to the point with my titles). This recent bout of […]

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