Even the best of writers suffer from writer’s block occasionally. Writer’s block can be described as being unable to produce any words, but many writers also suffer from the inability to refrain from editing until after their writing session. Here are some tips for putting an end to writer’s block.
Setting Routines
Determine a time when writing fits best into your schedule. To do this, think of a time when interruptions are minimal and when your mind has the easiest time focusing. Make this your daily writing appointment and stick with it, even if you are unhappy with the quality of writing coming out.
Now that the time has been set, think of a spot where your most successful writing sessions have been and designate that place as your writing spot.
Next, think of other routines that help to let the words out smoothly. Decide whether a special tea or coffee will fit nicely into your routine and fix a cup before your writing time has arrived.
Turn off telephone ringers and if music is of assistance in your process, turn on the music in preparation.
When Routines Fail
Taking the time to set routines may help to generate a higher number of successful writing sessions. However, sometimes routines fail and, in the case that they do, allow your mind to take over.
Begin by noting, through the use of each of the senses, what is going on around you. For instance, start by writing down that you have writer’s block or that your words are stuck, but that you are sitting in a chair at your usual spot.
Describe in detail if there are birds chirping outside or if there is water dripping in the faucet. Write down if there is a wind blowing outside or any particular smells such as tea sitting next to you. Let your mind wander from one thought to the next, writing it all down as your thoughts change.
After describing the environment around you, come back to your feelings about having writer’s block and describe them in detail through your writing. After you have finished this exercise, put your entry aside without reading it.
Next take a character from your story and try this same exercise while describing what your character in a situation within the story, hears, sees, smells, and feels.
In the case that this exercise does not relieve writer’s block, try using the description of your own environment in the story.
Writers Block: A Temporary Condition
Most importantly, remember when suffering from writer’s block that even the best of writers suffer from it from time to time. It is a temporary condition that will eventually pass. The best remedy is to keep on writing.
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