Tactics for Writer's Block

 

 

We've all been there. Whether you're trying to write the world's next epic novel, or just trying to finish your final project for college, writer's block is a demon that has infested us all at some point. I've gone through it many times. In fact, I've been struggling with it ever since Covid hit. I'd like to say that I follow my own advice here, but sometimes it's hard to muster up the motivation, and that's okay. If you need a break, then don't be hard on yourself. If you want to bust through your writer's block, here are a few things I do that help me.

Keep thinking about it

 Even when I'm not actively putting the fingers to the keyboard, I find that just sitting around going over my stories in my head sometimes work to give me the next idea. Daydream before bed. Think about it at work. Always try to devote a little time each day to just acknowledge your project in your head. That in and of itself counts as an act of progress, and it could lead to a eureka moment later on.

 

Write yourself notes.

Often times, while I'm thinking about my writing, a sudden idea will ring positively in my brain. Rather than risk forgetting about, write yourself a note. Use a pad and paper, use the note function on your phone, email it to yourself. You may look at it later and go "meh", or you may find you can begin to build on it. Don't let any idea go away completely. Keep notes and refer to them later. You may find that something you thought of won't work in your current project, but may work for a future one.

 

Read over your old stuff

Yes, turn to yourself for inspiration. Read old stuff you've written to remind yourself you're a good writer. Get yourself interested in it again by remembering the stuff that interested you before. 

 

Read someone else's work

Now, I am not suggesting plagiarism here, but sometimes simply reading another author's work for enjoyment can bring back the spark and renew your own writing energy. Keep the brain muscles strong, and keep reading. Eventually, you should find that spark again and want to work more on your own stuff. The worst case scenario here, is you've read a good book.