How I Deal With Writer’s Block

We all suffer from it. It is the bane of our existence. But what actually matters is how you go about dealing with writer’s block.

I have suffered from writer’s block at multiple times during my writing career so far, and I have watched many videos and read many articles about how to help overcome it. I have no shame in admitting to that. What I have noticed, however, is that it doesn’t matter if you have it regularly, sparingly, always have it, or what have you. What matters is what you do when you have it.

The first step is acknowledging that you have a creative block and instead of getting flustered and maybe trying to force something out, you step back from your piece and take a deep breath. There’s always something you can do, so don’t get frustrated.

1. Outline.
   Before you freak out, I fully acknowledge and understand that there are pantsers out there who are allergic to outlines. Fine, whatever, skip this one if you’re that against it, but hear me out first. An outline can be very useful in keeping you on track. I’m one of those writer’s who will wander off in all directions if I don’t have arrows pointing me in the right direction. Try writing an outline to keep you on the right track. Your writer’s block could be as simple as you’re not sure where to go next. An outline can help you with this if you find you’re struggling.
2. Work On Another Piece.
   I do not have the attention span to work on one piece from start to finish without becoming bored. Because I know this about myself I have several pieces in the works at any given time. If I cannot write one day on piece A, I work on editing piece B, or outline/thought-dumping piece C. I understand that this cannot work for everyone, but it can help if you feel like you’re just beating a piece to death. You don’t have to go working on this piece forever, but maybe just putting your main piece aside for a little while and coming back with fresh eyes is exactly what you need to get yourself through that plot hole you got yourself in.
3. Take In Some Art.
   As writers or creators, we are always giving a high output of art. We are always putting something on a page, or computer, and sometimes we forget to take in art ourselves. Your block could just be because you’re out of creativity and you need to get some more. Some of you might be thinking that you have plenty of creativity and this isn’t the root of your block. Have you ever heard of a well running dry? That could be exactly what it is. Read a couple books. Go see a movie. Catch up on your favourite t.v. show. You need to take in art at the same rate you’re pumping it out, otherwise, your well will run dry. Take in some art, you’ll be surprised.
4. Get A Change Of Scenery.
   Sometimes things get stale. If you’re constantly at your desk, maybe try going out to a coffee shop. Or maybe even just out to your kitchen table or living room. Go to the library. Sometimes just changing the wall your always staring at past your computer screen is all it takes. Keep in mind how you work while choosing your change of pace. If you prefer working in complete silence, a coffee shop might not be the best place for you. If you need some distraction then a library probably shouldn’t be your first choice. Always keep in mind how you work when considering these.
5. Use A Writing Prompt.
   I use writing prompts a lot. They are wonderful and can always spark some form of creativity in me. There are scene prompts, dialogue prompts, world prompts, kill the cliques, character banks, etc. If you are needing something to fill in something in your piece, or help with a driving force, there is a prompt out there that can help you. I encourage you to look for some if you’re struggling.
6. Reward/Treat Yourself.
   Figure out how you work. If you’re motivated by a finish line, tell yourself once you’re done your writing goal of the day you can get your favourite dinner, or go hang out with friends, or at the end of the week, you can go to a movie. If you need a little motivation to get started, settle down at your preferred location with a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate, and some of your favourite snacks. Have those with you while you work to keep you motivated. Your writer’s block might not be anything catastrophic but just really simple things that come from a misunderstanding of yourself and how you work.
7. Take A Break.
   This is probably going to be a controversial point here, but sometimes the best thing you can do is put down your piece and come back to it in a bit. Remember what I said about stepping back and taking a deep breath, or putting your piece away for a little bit while you worked on something else? Hear me out, every single time you don’t feel like writing you shouldn’t take a break. But if you feel like everything you’re doing is getting you nowhere and you can’t get through this block, maybe just take a break. Take in some art, maybe research something for your pieces or a new one you want to work on. When was the last time you spent a day with your friends? Take a break. Take a day to yourself. Sometimes you need that. It could very well be harmful to your mental health if you keep forcing yourself to pump things out without proper care. This is kind of a last ditch effort if everything else hasn’t worked, but it can be effective if you need it. Just don’t fall to this as a go to.

So, these are some of the things that I do when I get writer’s block, or I just plain don’t feel like writing. These are things that work for me, and if you’re struggling with it these might help. By no means is this an extensive list of what you can do. Again I would like to express this is what works for me, these might not be a perfect fit for you but it could be a good starting point.

Is there something you do for your writer’s block that I didn’t cover here? I’d love to know if you’d like to share.

I hope you are having a great day, and if it’s not great I hope it gets better. Thank you so much for reading and I will see you next time.

-T.R. Flynn.

Day 21: Fall Obsessions

Perhaps I’ve overstated what I mean in the title, however, I feel as though I’ve done too many fall favourite and least favourite lists so far. This is just going to be me going over some of the things that I’ve been using so far this season that I really like and sharing them with you.

Most of these are going to be writing/editing related, as that’s mostly what I’ve been exploring the past few months because I’ve been trying really hard to get my works in progress readable.

1. Writing Excuses- Podcast.

I’m sure if you’re a writer you’ve either heard of this or had someone recommend this to you. I actually find it to be a really good resource. It’s hosted by Brandon Sanderson, Howard Taylor, and Dan Wells; all of whom are very prominent and successful authors.

They go over everything from basic writing techniques and building blocks, to quiring agents, presenting your manuscript, marketing, self-editing, and more. I have found this very useful as I try to find my legs in this industry. I’m presently in season 5 of 13 at the time of writing this if that tells you how much I like it.

I particularly like their podcast because, for me, it really shows that no matter how high on the ladder and successful you get, we all start somewhere. And, sometimes, they are just as clueless as I am. Which makes me smile and really makes me feel like I’m not alone in my endeavors.

Link here—>>> https://writingexcuses.com/ 

2. Grammarly- Writing/Editing Program.

I’m sure most, if not all, of you have heard of Grammarly. It’s a free editing software that helps you with your spelling and grammar in real time. I’m actually using it right now as I type this up.

You can have it in your window/browser and use it there. You can also download it to your computer and have it in a regular document if you’d like. Which I might end up doing.

I do a lot of my writing and editing in my own word documents right on my computer because my internet has the tendency to lag and drop at the most inconvenient times.

I’ve only been using Grammarly for about a week or so now, but I’m very happy with it. My one complaint is that it uses American spelling, whereas I use Canadian/UK spelling and it doesn’t seem to recognize the difference there. Maybe in the future, they’ll fix it. But overall, very happy.

Link if you would like to check it out —>>> https://app.grammarly.com/

3. Neffex- Musician.

So, recently I’ve been creating playlists for my works in progress to help get me into the mood and my character’s headspace. For my newest pieces, Trials for the Princess Ryanne and War for the Good King respectively, I’ve wanted a lot of anthem sounding songs. Songs that make me feel powerful and the world is at my fingertips.

In my search, I came across Neffex. While I’m not a huge fan of all their songs, I rarely am of an artist or band, there were a couple of songs that I loved and that resonated with me enough for me to add them to my playlists.

Watch Me

Fight Back

The music style kinda blurs the line for me between techno/dubstep and rock, which I really like. I’m not a music person, so I can’t say what they do to make me like it so much, but I do. And, that’s good enough for me.

4. Hemingway Editor- Writing/Editing Program.

I think I found this through Tumblr, but I’m not certain.

What this is, is a program that will show you where your writing is weak. It has a colour coded highlighting system that lets you know if certain words are redundant if there’s a better word option if your sentences are run on or fragments. It can identify passive voice.

I’ll be honest, I’ve only used it in small samples so I haven’t had the full experience of it yet. I tried to implement a full chapter at one point, but it didn’t format right, so I think that’s my one issue.

So far though, this is a Godsend. I suggest this to anyone who’s looking for a little more in their editing programs or has issues in identifying passive voice or are having editing issues on a line level. I will most certainly be exploiting using this in the future.

Link here if you’re interested —>>> http://www.hemingwayapp.com/

5. Comparing Heights- Measurement Program?

I’ve been using this as a guide. In my newest works in progress, I have a decent sized cast, but they are all drastically different heights. I have two who are like six feet tall, I have one who’s like five feet tall, I have another who’s the average height for a girl. Heights and body types are all over the place for me here.

And, it gets rather difficult for me to picture it in my head when I have such a diverse cast and they’re, say, trudging through a swamp and I need to know how high up the water will come on all of them.

You can have up to six figures/silhouettes, each a different colour from the others. And you can name them all too in case you get confused by the colour, or some of your characters are the same heights. You have the option of female and male silhouettes too, which I think is really nice.

I don’t know how useful this could be to the rest of you, but just in case you’re interested.

Link—>>>> http://www.mrinitialman.com/OddsEnds/Sizes/compsizes.xhtml

6. Shakespearian Insults- Resource.

This is very circumstantial to me, but in one of my pieces, a character of mine is very theatrical. She’s incredibly over the top, so as a character quirk I made it so when she spews insults they’re all Shakespearian.

It is so hilarious to write, and sift through to try to find the best ones that suit the person she’s insulting. I love it so much! And it’s even better because she’s the shortest one in the group, but she has the sharpest tongue.

It’s very circumstantial, but I find it incredibly useful so I really wanted to share.

Link here—>>>  https://homelessphilosopher.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/thou-beslubbering-fat-kidneyed-clotpole/

Alright, I think that’s all I have for you right now. I hope you find this useful, at least a little.

Thank you so much for joining me for day 21 of my Blogtober challenge, which is where I post a new fall or Halloween themed post every day for the month of October. If you like this come back tomorrow to see what I have for you then. And, if it’s after the 31st all of these are up for you to check out if you like. I hope you are having a great day/afternoon/evening/night, and if it’s not great, I hope it gets there. I will see you next time.

-T.R. Flynn.