Have you ever embarked on a writing journey, only to find yourself stranded in a desert of ideas, where words refuse to flow?
That's where I found myself often during the writing of '614'. Here I was... sitting at my desk, the cursor on my screen blinking mockingly at me as if challenging me to type just one more word. I would stand up, pace the floor, and stare outside the window, but nothing came. The ideas that once flowed like a mighty river have dried up to a mere trickle. It's not just a momentary lapse; it's as if my brain has put up a 'No Entry' sign for new thoughts.
As the seconds turned into minutes, and the minutes into hours, the frustration mounted. Days passed, and I started to question if I'd ever navigate my way out of this creative drought. Writer's block isn't just a temporary hurdle; it feels like a colossal mountain standing between me and my finished manuscript and unfortunately, there were times I could not write for months.
I wish I could offer an easy solution to conquer writer's block.
But the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. What I've learned, however, is that writer's block isn't just an obstacle or a headache; it's an opportunity. It's a chance to step back, reassess, and perhaps even rediscover the joy of writing.
During these times, I did some research and found a few strategies that sometimes help to coax the words back:
Change your View: Stand up from that desk, in that room, and go outside... I like to google local cafes and I found some pretty interesting places to write. Take a drive and find a place in a new city. You will never know until you try it.
Writing Jam Session (Just Write): Take 10-15 minutes to have a writing jam session where you just write whatever comes to mind. I am a doodler... I'm not sure this counts, but you get the point.
Read a Book: Grabbing one of the many books that are on "My List" and settling in for a reading session, always has a way of bringing me back to what I love most about a great novel and why I started writing. (Whatever you do, do not start binge-watching a show, that doesn't help. Take it from me).
Reach out to Fellow Writers: Sometimes, reaching out to other writers who have suffered the same defeat in the battle, can be enlightening. Just surrounding yourself with the energy of creativity, can bring you back to self.
Self-Care is the Best Care: I've learned that sometimes, writer's block is my mind's way of saying it needs a break. Take time to empty your cup, recharge your battery, and reset your mind.
But here's the thing: even with these strategies, sometimes the block persists. And that's okay. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that creativity cannot be forced. It ebbs and flows like the tide.
Writer's block, as daunting as it seems, is a part of the writing journey. It's a reminder that our creative minds are not machines; they need rest, they need nurturing, and sometimes, they need us to just be patient.
So, if you're currently staring at a blank page, know that you're not alone. Every writer, at some point, walks through this desert. But also know that deserts eventually lead to fertile lands. Your words will come back. Your ideas will flow again.
And when they do, you'll realize that this period of silence was not a full stop, but a comma, a brief pause in your incredible journey as a writer.
For additional insights on overcoming writer's block, refer to the American Psychological Association's article, "Blast Through Writer's Block." This resource emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent writing schedule, suggesting even a commitment as brief as four hours per week can significantly aid in ensuring steady progress. What do you believe is the psychology behind "The Big Block"?
Reference:
Lu, S. (2015, March). "Blast Through Writer's Block". American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2015/11/writers-block
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