The Worst Critic

As writers, I don’t think there’s anything more frustrating than writer’s block. It’s something every writer suffers from at some point. We’re our own worst critics. We tell ourselves if we were really so talented, we wouldn’t get stuck in the first place. But that’s just not the case. I’m a big believer in using outlines (my first book was written without one and in all honesty, it was a sprawling mess; unnecessary characters, long-winded paragraphs that added nothing to the story, scenes and events included simply because I didn’t yet know every word from my brain wasn’t brilliant--the list is endless), but even that doesn’t always safeguard against the dreaded Block.

But the thing is, stories change as we write them, don’t they? The narrative takes on a life of its own. Secondary characters horn their way into the main plot. Love interests just don’t seem to have the right chemistry with the protagonist. I’m in the middle of one manuscript right now where I realized I enjoyed writing scenes between my main character and another character (originally intended to only be a platonic friend) so much that they’ve now become a slow-burning love interest. Stories change. And it can wreak havoc with my well though-out outlines.

When I do find myself stuck, I usually take a giant step back from the creative aspect of writing and focus on the technical side, editing. I know a lot of writers prefer to get the whole novel on paper first and then go back over from the beginning, but sometimes I find it helps to read the previous chapters. Do they still mesh with the theme/feel of the story? If it becomes obvious that I've veered off-track (which happens more often than I'd like to admit), I have two options: I can cut/rewrite the scenes that are throwing off my narrative or I can re-work earlier scenes to continue in the new direction. Either way, it gets me thinking critically about my work and helps me see problems that I may have missed when I was focused solely on getting words on the page.

Another excellent idea is to read. Anything. Everything. Take the opportunity to read all those novels you’ve always wanted to or ones that you’ve already read, but absolutely loved. Go back and read the books that first inspired you to become a writer.

I’ve read tons of advice from other writers for beating writing block and this is a common one, for one simple reason: IT WORKS. Take a break and read something other than your own words. They say you need to love the story you’re writing because you’re going to be reading it. A lot. But sometimes that’s the problem. I get so immersed in this world I’ve created, my brain shorts out and I run out of steam. It’s only natural. Reading a new and different story helps reboot my brain. There’s a reason every single writer is an avid reader, too. We love stories. We love studying the craft. And it can help me realize what might be holding me back. Sometimes my problem is that I’m playing it too safe, not taking enough chances with the story or characters. If nothing else, at least I have the opportunity to experience a really great book.

But I’ve found the best way to overcome the Block is to stop beating myself up when I do get blocked. The bottom is line is I write because I love it. Because I don’t feel right if I stop. Don’t push yourself to the point where writing isn’t even fun anymore. Just forgive yourself when it hits. It doesn’t mean you aren’t talented. It doesn’t mean you don’t have an amazing story to tell. It just means you’re human.