How Writer's Block Can be Beneficial
Use a Momentary Lapse in Creativity to Advance One's Writing Career
Sep 5, 2009
Every writer has been there. They sit down to write and find it impossible to think of a single word. It seems as though the more they try to force words on to the screen the more difficult it becomes. Many people offer tips on how to overcome writer's block, but more often than not writers attempting these techniques will only become more frustrated when the tips don't produce results.
Well, this piece isn't intended to offer advice on how to overcome writer's block. Instead, it takes the opposite stance and encourages writers to embrace it. Okay, so a writer can't think of a single word. So, stop trying. Rather than waste hours trying to string even a few sentences together, they could be using that time more productively to accomplish other tasks that will advance their writing career. Being a writer, after all, isn't just about writing.
Once they start busying themselves accomplishing other tasks they won't be so focused on their writer's block and it really will be more likely to clear up on its own. So, with that in mind, here are some productive tasks to undertake when suffering from writer's block.
Drum up Writing Business
If writer's block is preventing one from getting any writing done, then why not spend time drumming up more writing clients? That way, when the creative juices start flowing again, the writer will have plenty of work to keep them occupied.
Brainstorm Writing Ideas
A writer may not be able to form a cohesive paragraph when plagued by writer's block, but that doesn't mean that their creativity has completely left them. Now would be the perfect time to generate ideas for future pieces. It doesn't matter if they write books, blogs, articles, or any thing else. Ideas are always needed and it is simply a good idea to have a stockpile of them just waiting to be written.
Network
Everyone knows just how important networking can be to the success of any endeavor and a writing career is no different. Take this time to make new contacts and reconnect with old ones.
Proofread and Edit Previous Writing Projects
If a writer has some writing projects that were set aside because they need a final polish, then now would be a good time to do some editing and to give the piece a final proofreading. Since this task isn't as mentally taxing as writing, they should be able to get the job done despite their writer's block.
Promote Previously Published Work
Promotion is a vital part any writer's career. Getting the word out about their writing is an excellent way to spend time during a bout of writer's block.
Derive a Sense of Satisfaction From Writer's Block
Writers may be tempted to just sit there staring at the screen in the hope that their writer's block will disappear, but it is obviously clear that there are much better things that they can be doing. When writer's block sets in, writers should make a point to focus on something that can actually produce results. This will give them a sense of satisfaction despite their temporary inability to write.
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