What the Author Can do to About Writer's Block

Creative Writing Advice, Help & Tips on How to Complete a Novel

Jun 7, 2009

Writer's block is the most frustrating experience an author can face. How can the writer conquer this seemingly impenetrable brick wall?

Writer’s block can mean different things to different writers. For some novelists, it might be a temporary glitch that lasts but a week or so, for others, it can cause months of crippling misery and even end a career. Agatha Christie and Victor Hugo suffered this affliction of which the latter was rumoured to write naked when struck down. Les Miserables (Vintage Classiscs, 2008) took him 17 years to write.

The Causes of Writer’s Block

Simply put, writer’s block is when words refuse to flow. Half the battle is identifying the problem. This affliction could be due to one of a few reasons.

Physical Obstacles to Writing

The most obvious answer is often overlooked. Backache, eyestrain or fatigue can dull the thought processes. It might be a good idea to assess the workstation or to simply take a reality check. Too little sleep, working too hard, not eating properly will dent energy levels. An under-active thyroid gland can have a devastating effect upon motivation. A check-up at the GP might be in order for those who experience unexplained listlessness, and if necessary, formulate a healthier life plan. After all, the mind cannot function without the body.

Tips for Overcoming Emotional Obstructions to Write a Novel

Unresolved issues can lodge itself in the mind and create a hiatus in the creative process. Life experiences like divorce and bereavement have obvious consequences. But even subtle events that happened years ago can nurture writer’s block and can even lead to depression. Unresolved feelings should be expressed somehow in a safe way, perhaps written down or discussed with a trusted party. Facing it might help the writer begin to heal and move on.

How Writer’s Block Helps Develop the Writer

Getting to the root of the problem might help the writer gain a better of themselves. The experience will not be squandered, for the writer might in the future project what they have learned onto a character, gain a better understanding of what makes their characters tick and make them more believable. Negative experiences as well as the positives are invaluable to the writer’s development.

Story Writing Tips

Writer’s block might be caused by the writer’s inability to solve a problem. Issues with the novel can mean any of the following:

With stubborn problems, author might go for long walks, reflect and get away from the novel until an objective view is recaptured. When revisiting the novel, be ruthless. Cut out anything that doesn’t work, for example, the following:

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Writer’s block has many causes, dips in energy levels, unexpressed emotions, technical problems with the novel. Identifying the problem is half the battle. A rest, long walks and ruthless paring down of the novel might be in order. Writing a novel is hard work and can at times be exacting. Temporary lapses are to be expected. But writing must have its rewards. It should be at times fun, thrilling and at times reveal the self. If these moments never occur, the writer must ask themselves whether writing a novel is the route to pursue at this time.

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