Writers come in all shapes and sizes. While writers may be inherently creative, (I actually believe all humans are creative if they’re allowed to be) they have different personalities. In my case, I think I may have many…personalities that is.
Some writers push thought their challenges. Some take a step back and allow the solutions to come to them. Both are the right approach if they work for you. Today we’ll talk about pushing through writer’s block and offer some suggestions. Tomorrow we’ll talk about sitting with it.
Okay, so you’re sitting at your computer and nothing is happening. No words are coming to your mind and your heroine and hero are in limbo. What can you do?
- Move onto a different section of your story and come back to this scene later. No one says that you have to write from chapter one clear through to the end. You can skip around.
- Read what you wrote yesterday. Sometimes all you need is a kick start – something to get your writing brain going. In fact, some authors make this step part of their daily writing practice.
- Remind yourself that it doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be good. Just write.
- Relocate. Pick up your computer, if possible, and move to a different area. Go outside, go to a coffee shop or head to a different room in your home. If relocating isn’t an option, then switch and write on paper instead of your keyboard or try dictating your story.
- Brainstorm. Push through writer’s block by experimenting and brainstorming different scenarios. When you find an idea that may have some merit, start writing. Give it a try and see what happens.
To be honest sometimes I push through writer’s block and sometimes I sit with it. It all depends on what’s causing the block. If you’re on a deadline or you have a word count goal then pushing through it is often the only option. Try one of these five tips next time you are staring at a blank page.
Happy writing!