|
Listen to or download this article:
|
A Writer’s Greatest Enemy: The Block!
Your creativity is elusive and your imagination has taken a backseat to worry and anxiety.
Don’t worry!
We have time-tested tactics to break through writer’s block
Writers block is a common nemesis every writer faces at some point in our creative journey.
It’s a frustrating experience when inspiration seems elusive, and every word feels like it’s buried under layers of mental fog. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you conquer your creative blockade and break through what’s keeping your imagination at bay.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, finding the keys that will unlock the door to your imagination and reclaim your writing flow.
The secret tools against writer’s block are just ahead!
Free write:
The first draft is for you, so embrace your half-baked ideas and write with total freedom! Push your negative thoughts to the side and just start writing anything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about structure or grammar, or the areas of your story that haven’t yet come together. Starting out boldly, without regard to what comes next, can help get your creative juices flowing.
Take breaks:
If you’re feeling stuck, take a short break. Take a walk, play with your pet, go for a run or do some yoga. Physical activity or relaxation techniques like deep breathing can help clear your mind.
Change of scenery:
Sometimes a different environment can stimulate your mind. Try writing in a new location, such as a coffee shop, park, or library. If you don’t want to roam too far, explore another writing space at your home. I do this often and find that it acts as an eraser to all the noise that came before, freeing up my mind for new thoughts to come in.
Set small goals:
Break down your writing task into smaller, manageable goals. For example, aim to write for 15 minutes without interruption or limit yourself to just one chapter. Sometimes I find seeing each chapter as its own super short story can help avoid feeling overwhelmed. You can read more about our suggestions of tracking productivity in your writing here.
Read:
Read books, articles, or even your own past work can inspire new ideas and perspectives. When we’re in the midst of writers block doubt can often seep in and stymie our writing process. By reviewing your own past work, you’ll see for yourself the wonderful writing we’ve delivered in the past. Need a new book? Check out our most recent reviews and add to your TBR!
Brainstorming:
You never know when inspiration will strike, so carry a notepad or use your smartphone to write down ideas, words, or phrases related to your topic so you can put into your story the next time you sit down to write. Overtime, that treasure chest of great ideas will be full of ideas for you to pull from on your next book, and the next, and so on!
Talk it out:
Discuss your ideas with someone else. Sometimes talking through your thoughts can help clarify them. We love to reach out to people in our Circle of Influence. You can learn more about forming a Circle of Influence here!
Change your approach:
If you’re stuck on a particular section, skip it and work on a different part of your writing. You can always come back to it later. Kiffer’s favorite advice we ever received is “Write Fast, Edit Slow.” Chanticleer Award Winner Michelle Rene goes into detail about why here!
Eliminate distractions:
Find a quiet space and eliminate distractions such as phones or social media to help you focus. If you find you are interrupted by people walking in and out of your writing space, clearly define your writing time and let them know you when you will once again be available.
Set a routine:
Establishing a regular writing routine can help train your brain to be more creative at specific times. Some writers rely on a pre-writing ritual that helps to clear their minds and put them in the right headspace to imagine the next plot twist. I like to make tea while listening to music that fits the scene I’ll be working on. YouTube has innumerable choices of background noise videos that help set the right mood, too.
Use prompts:
Sometimes a good writing prompt is all you need to do to get those creative juices flowing. Pick a photo, a phrase, something in the news, or something you overheard to get you started. Knowing this is just a one off, fun writing assignment, you can allow yourself to breath and enjoy the writing process once again.
Seek feedback:
All writers like to hear good reviews! Sharing your work-in-progress with others can provide fresh perspectives, constructive criticism, and even a whole lot of confidence that you can use like a sledgehammer to break through that writers block.
Remember, writer’s block is a common challenge, and different techniques work for different people. So, try a few different ideas and see what works best for you!
Chanticleer Editorial Services – We’re ready when you are ready!
Did you know that Chanticleer offers editorial services? We do and have been doing so since 2011!
Tools of the Editing Trade
Our professional editors are top-notch and are experts in the Chicago Manual of Style. They have and are working for the top publishing houses (TOR, McMillian, Thomas Mercer, Penguin Random House, Simon Schuster, etc.).
If you would like more information, we invite you to email Kiffer or Sharon at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com or SAnderson@ChantiReviews.com for more information, testimonials, and fees.
We work with a small number of exclusive clients who want to collaborate with our team of top-editors on an on-going basis. Contact us today!
Chanticleer Editorial Services also offers writing craft sessions and masterclasses. Sign up to find out where, when, and how sessions being held.
A great way to get started is with our manuscript evaluation service. Here are some handy links about this tried and true service: https://www.chantireviews.com/manuscript-reviews/
Leave A Comment