11 Tips for Beating the Block
Whether you call it writer’s block, a lack of inspiration or just plain frustrating, there is no doubting that we all struggle with our writing from time to time. Getting stuck is part of the process, but there are plenty of things we can try to get back on track. Here are 11 ideas to help you beat the block.
Take a break
One option is to just accept that your writing isn’t working right at this moment and walk away for a while. Don’t make the break too long or else it could be even harder to get back into it, but sometimes a little bit of distance (even if it’s just going to make a cup of tea) works wonders.
Write something else
Writing things, especially when they are long things or things that take a long time, can get you bogged down. Write something else instead – it doesn’t really matter what, but you’ll feel good for actually doing some writing and it might help loosen you up for your main writing project.
Free writing/stream of consciousness writing
We’ve looked at the idea of free writing before on this blog. This is where you just sit and write for a period of time – what you write isn’t that important, but it can be a good way to work through thoughts and just see what happens.
Look out of the window
Ah, our old friend staring out of the window. It’s a popular activity for a reason, y’know. Let your mind wander and enjoy the view.
Summon determination
Of course, you could decide that you’re not going to give into The Block at all. Summon up all of your determination and just power through. What you write might turn out to be awful but hey, we’ve all been there and we’ve got to start somewhere.
Read a book, watch a film
Other people’s creativity can sometimes help us re-find our own. Read a book, watch a good film, don’t think about your novel while you’re reading/watching – unless, of course, inspiration suddenly strikes, in which case: mission accomplished.
Turn off the word count
The word count tool can be the bane of a writer’s life. Even when we know our word count isn’t important, we still sit and stare and it, willing it to increase. Turning it off if at all possible can help to remove some of the pressure. Alternatively, switch from writing on the computer to writing by hand. And write big, so you can feel accomplished by filling up lots of pages.
Develop a (writing) habit
Probably one of the best ways to beat writer’s block is to get into a habit of writing. It takes time to develop a habit, so you’ll need some willpower, but even setting aside twenty minutes or half an hour a day where you just sit down and write can help. If you know that you’re going to be writing at X O’clock no matter what, it could well help get your brain into gear.
Exercise
A lot of people say that physical exercise helps; the space to do something else while still having the mental space to think about your writing if you want to is useful when you’re feeling stuck.
Bribe yourself
Sometimes, you just need a bribe to get your writing done. Tell yourself you’ll write for fifteen minutes and then – and only then – can you eat that yummy biscuit. The combination of the goal plus the treat at the end is a good way of focusing your mind.
Go to bed
Finally, if you’re stuck and it’s late and you’re just getting nowhere, go to bed. Don’t worry about it for the rest of the night. Your writing will still be there tomorrow when you’re well rested. Sometimes there’s just no point in forcing it. Know when to step back and walk away for a while. A good night’s sleep can be a wonderful healer.
