writer's Block
Is writer’s block real? Many writers will tell you that it is. Many will say to you that it is not. All writers struggle to develop new ideas or have trouble with proceeding on a writing project, but does that make it a blockage? I went through a year and a half long episode of not writing, and I don’t believe I had writer’s block. For me, it was just a time that I didn’t care about writing enough to sit down and write. I had plenty of ideas, and when I wanted to write, I did that very thing.
If you think of it as a lack of inspiration, then that is what I experienced. I was uninspired to take any idea and turn it into a story. I personally believe that if a writer wants to tell a story, they will. Writers will do whatever is necessary to get the thoughts in their minds on paper. I do not believe in writer’s block. If you can write one sentence, then you do not have a blockage. If you can write one sentence, you can write multiple sentences. Several sentences will then form a paragraph, and several paragraphs form a chapter. Those chapters will eventually for a book.
There is no blockage even when you feel stuck on where to proceed with a story. If I am stuck, I imagine that I am the character. I stand in his/her shoes and try to figure out what they would do in whatever situation they are in. Most often, if you forget that you are writing a story and try living as your character, you will figure out what comes next.
If that doesn’t work, find writing prompts and go through them, exercising your mind until you have located your inspiration and can fill the page with your words. Sometimes it is as easy as walking away from your work for an hour, day, or longer. When you come back to it, maybe you will be able to see the way forward.
Other ways to combat periods of not writing are to eliminate distractions. I write with music or the television playing in the background. Sometimes you may need complete silence. Other times you may need to do something physical to get the blood pumping, like dancing or going for a run. Playtime can also be effective. I play video games like The Sims. Reading a book can also be what is needed. It doesn’t have to be something in the same genre as your story. Sometimes taking a break from writing and enjoying an entertaining tale written by another can help you see how to proceed with your own story.
You could also try talking to a trusted friend or family member. When I get stuck on an idea that doesn’t seem to be working, I talk to my closest friends and ask them what they think about the concept I’m struggling with. They often have a different take on it, allowing me to imagine things happening in another way. I don’t always use their ideas, but it helps to get the brain working.
The ultimate solution to a slump in writing is to simply write about anything at all.
