Author: Robinsongbird

Category: Writing Tips

From my experience, there are two main types of writer's block: passive and aggressive, I'm going to call them. In this article, I am going to give an overview on what these are and my tips on how to combat them.

If you are experiencing writer's block, ask yourself why. Is there something about the story that is blocking you from working on it? Are there problems with the storyline and you don't want to slog through the major rehaul it will need? Maybe it's time to work on a different story. But maybe you love this story and you're just stuck right now. That is where my tips come in. Just keep in mind that if you are going to craft a good story, you have to be invested in it. So it is your call whether you should stick to it or start something else.

Aggressive Writer's Block

This is when you are sitting, staring at your phone, computer, or paper (if you're old-fashioned like me) and just can't come up with anything to write. Or you're forcing ideas out and every sentence is worse than the previous one.

1) Take a break. Sometimes inspiration just needs a break

2) Immerse yourself in other art—whether it's your own or someone else's. Music, movies, stories, drawings. Art is very good for inspiration.

3) Keep a writing journal. Save your favorite lines from books, songs, favorite quotes. Write down funny things you've heard or witnessed in real life. Collect unique names and words. All of these will be an important reference in your writing.

4) Spend some time doing everything you let get behind while you were writing. Who knows, maybe you'll see a bird out the window while you are doing laundry and it will be just what you need for your next scene! Or maybe you'll be talking to your best friend and something they say is the perfect line! If nothing else, at least you've accomplished something you needed to do.

5) Take a hike. Physical activity is good for the brain. Get the blood flowing, whether you take a nice walk through nature or do some other physical activity.

6) Find supporters. Have a friend read your story. Having someone else who is invested in your story is very motivating and gives you someone to bounce ideas off of.

7) Try to get a routine. Write a little every day

Passive Writer's Block

This is when you just get tired of your story and then suddenly you realize it has been months since you last wrote anything. Suddenly you don't remember where you were in the story, and every time you think maybe you should get back to writing, something comes up and you decide it can wait for another time.

1) Reread your story to familiarize yourself with what you have and remind yourself of why you love it.

2) Sit yourself down and write! Even if it's just one sentence, getting back into writing is the biggest hurdle.

3) Again, art. Find something that inspires you. Maybe make that writing playlist for the book you've been needing.

4) Find supporters. People who give you feedback and constructive criticism are very helpful to the writing process.

5) Try using writing prompts to get your ideas going.

6) Try writing in different locations. Your desk is fine, but maybe your creativity will be sparked in the hammock, the bathtub, at a park bench...

7) Above all, keep writing! Remember that it takes hard work to create something good but you can do it!

Shiny Object Syndrome

This is related to writer's block, so I'm going to include it here. Have you ever been reading a series by an author and they published a standalone book instead of the next book in the series? Or are you in the middle of your novel when all of the sudden another idea pops up and you just have to write it instead? These are cases of Shiny Object Syndrome, when a new idea distracts you from your current project.

It's important to keep in mind that new ideas are not a bad thing, but sometimes they can distract you from the project at hand. It is up to you to decide whether the project you are in should be kept to or not, but if it is worthy, stick to it! You can always come back to the new idea later.

1) Write the new idea down. You don't want to lose it, so write down a general description of your ideas so you can get it out of your head until you are ready for it.

2) Try to incorporate your ideas into your current project. Stories with multiple layers are fascinating and can draw readers back for second and third reads of your book.

3) Stay focused on your main goal.

Conclusion

Writer's block is something we all struggle with on occasion, but I hope these tips help you overcome it. Your writing is an amazing thing and only improves with practice. So keep at it, all of you lovely authors! Maybe someday your story will bring tears to someone's eyes.

Editor's Note:

We (avadel) would like to add two quick things that help us with writer's block in addition to Robinsongbird's fantastic advice.

1. Remember it doesn't have to be perfect the first time. Sometimes anxiety over whether it will be good enough stops us from writing. Write anyway. You can fix it later.

2. Write a lot and don't think about it. Don't know what to put here? Put anything. Start anywhere. Say something you might want to say, and when you're done, put it away and start from scratch. Do this at least three times. When you're done, you'll have several samples of nonsense word salad, but in there somewhere might just be the place to start, or bits of things you can weave together to say what you actually wanted to. It's a great way to generate ideas without having to commit to anything.

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