Some of the best lies are the ones which have a grain of truth. They are the ones which you’re hard-pressed to dispute because there’s often a quick come-back which reminds you of the validity which exists within the lie.
This lie, “I have writer’s block”, is one of those. It’s like playing two lies and a truth.
- The lie is that when writers claim that their “writing” is blocked, quite often they can write many other things, just not what they want to write. As a result, they’re not really experiencing a “block” in writing but a hindrance with writing a particular thing.
- The lie is that writer’s block is not a condition or disease that needs to be treated. It’s actually a symptom of other issues and the only way to get past it is to figure out the underlying issues and address those.
- The truth is, there are many things which can “block” a writer from completing a writing task.
To get to the bottom of all of this, let’s define what some writers experience when they identify themselves as having writer’s block.
Writer’s block refers to a creative slowdown or inability to produce new written work, and it can be quite frustrating and demotivating. When experiencing writer’s block, individuals may find it challenging to generate ideas, articulate their thoughts, or make progress on their writing projects.
Writer’s block can manifest differently for each person. Some common experiences include:
- The inability to start writing or feeling stuck at the beginning of a piece.
- A diminished sense of creativity or difficulty finding new ideas.
- Frequently delaying writing tasks or finding distractions instead of focusing on writing.
- Feeling uncertain about one’s writing abilities or constantly criticizing one’s work.
- Striving for perfection and being overly critical of one’s writing, leading to paralysis.
- Being afraid of producing subpar work or facing rejection, resulting in avoidance of completing a writing task.
- Feeling mentally exhausted or unable to concentrate on completing a particular writing task due to stress or other factors.
As noted earlier, writer’s block is a symptom of various issues, including high expectations, pressure to produce exceptional work, personal or professional stress, lack of motivation, fear of criticism, or simply running out of creative energy. These experiences can happen to anyone and do not represent lack of talent or writing ability.
Returning to writing and completing a writing task can be supported through several strategies. Here are a few you may want to consider if you’re experiencing writer’s block.
- Freewriting: Setting aside dedicated time to write without worrying about the quality or outcome, allowing thoughts to flow freely. Feel free to use guided prompts to assist with the freewriting and help get the writing flowing again.
- Setting realistic goals: Breaking down writing tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make progress and build momentum. This reduces the overwhelm, especially when these tasks are scheduled so that you know when and how they’ll get done.
- Changing the environment: Writing in a different location or adjusting the physical surroundings to create a fresh and inspiring atmosphere. This could include going to a coffee shop or library rather than writing at home.
- Seeking inspiration: Engaging in activities that spark creativity, such as reading books, exploring new experiences, or brainstorming with others. You can even watch a movie or use a photo as a stimulus to activate creative thinking.
- Establishing a routine: Creating a consistent writing schedule and sticking to it, even if the initial output feels challenging. This is one of the best ways to address what’s causing writer’s block because it trains your brain to write at certain times and that habit makes it possible to keep writing.
- Embracing imperfection: Accepting that the first draft does not have to be perfect and allowing for revisions and improvements later. Editing is part of the writing process and recognizing this frees you from delays caused by second-guessing writing as it’s being produced.
- Taking breaks: Stepping away from writing temporarily to engage in other activities, relax, and recharge. This can be as simple as taking a walk or stretching, or may even include taking a short vacation.
- Seeking support: Connecting with fellow writers, joining writing groups, or seeking feedback from trusted individuals who can offer encouragement and constructive criticism. Being part of a community is one of the best ways to build and maintain a habit of writing.
Remember that everyone’s writing journey is unique, and it may take time and experimentation to find the strategies that work best for you. The key is to persevere and keep writing, even if progress feels slow at times.
So don’t just diagnose yourself as having writer’s block. In fact, don’t use that term at all. Get straight to the point and identify what you’re actually experiencing so that you can find the best way to work through it and get back to completing your writing tasks.
And, as always, happy writing.
