Writer’s Block

Feeling mentally foggy? Got no inspiration? Can’t focus? Stressed? Frustrated? This is for my writer buddies.

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

Maya Angelou

Writer’s block: When you want to write, but simply can’t. Here’s some pointers that could help (:

What is Up?

First, ask yourself this. What exactly is it that you’re feeling? Is it a burnout? Exhaustion? Sleep deprivation? Or is it that you feel like you’re destitute of ideas? If it’s the former; take a break sweetie. If the latter, keep reading.

Word Target

This is obvious because it’s expected of writers to have targets that works for them. And do understand that what works for one, may or may not work for another. Find your own pace. Only you get to decide your target. But make it achievable. Don’t set impossibly high standards for yourself. Also, figure out what time of the day you’re most productive in. Personally, I find myself writing mostly after midnight. And if I’m being completely honest, it’s 4:23am right now as I write this.

Distractions

Get rid of em. Turn off everything, including your computer. Take a pen and paper, and write. It’s scientifically proven that writing physically helps with creativity. It takes longer to write, so you actually have time to think while writing. Plus, it activates more parts of the brain when you write that way. Don’t worry about your handwriting. Get a journal, and never let it see the light of the day.

Your Niche

You know what your niche is? Dope. Watch movies and read books from the genre that you’re trying to write. It’ll help you generate ideas and get the creative juices flowing. Everybody knows reading is very essential when it comes to writing. Watching something related is just as good though. Ooh, and on a similar note, I always find myself stumbling upon great ideas while doing the most mundane tasks. Maybe doing the chores won’t seem so dreadful now, eh?

Free Writing

Free Writing is, well, free writing. Literally. Write whatever comes in your head without worrying about grammar, punctuation or vocabulary. Don’t waste your time wondering if it makes sense. It doesn’t have to be structured. It doesn’t have to be anything. It just has to be. Just write. And remember, no idea is stupid. You write whatever comes to you and let it fluctuate. Don’t even think of it as a draft, but more like, brainstorming, or even creative doodling, if you will.

Give Yourself the Permission to Write Garbage

Yes. You heard me. Why do you always feel as if you simply have to come up with something spectacular? Is it because you succeeded in the past? Is it the performance anxiety? Is it the pathological need to prove your worth through what you create? Think about it. You’re in a slump, and all you have to do to get out of it is write. So make it simple. If your current project overwhelms you, start something else, something small, without any obligation to complete it whatsoever.

Look, I’ve read this a bunch of times and I’m sure you have too, but allow me to remind you. Sometimes your ideas are just too complex and intricate for you to be able to express them with your current writing skills. Focus on developing your skills as a writer and you’ll definitely get there.

Write Dialogues

If you’re overly worried about the exposition, just write dialogues. It’s easier that way. Or maybe you’re good at writing descriptions instead of dialogues. Do that! Whatever works for you. Also, the write-break-review thing works. You think you’ve written something noice or awful. Leave it. Wait a couple days. Then read it again. You’ll feel differently.

The important thing to understand is that writer’s block is always temporary. It is not a psychological condition. You could write then, you can write now. As simple as that. Think of it this way; you’ve left the water pipe closed for a while, so it’ll take time before clear waters runs again. Let the dark water out. Patience and persistence is the key.

And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.

Sylvia Plath

Go write! Go ponder! Can’t edit a blank page, can you?