By David Bailey, PPS Editor — Writer’s block is real. Who hasn’t sat behind a keyboard and stared blankly at a screen, waiting for words to form in their head worth preserving? This is a common occurrence among most writers, from elementary students writing their first essay to seasoned professionals writing their latest novel. Sometimes the words won’t come. Why does this happen?
Reasons Why We Get Blocked
According to MentalHealthDaily, there are several reasons for writer’s block, including but not limited to: a lack of knowledge on a particular topic (an English major writing a paper on quantum mechanics); emotionally disconnected with the topic (if you’re not a fan of This Is Us, how are you going to write an in-depth review of the last season?); or, facing a deadline (the article was due yesterday and the boss has walked by your desk two times already this morning). Other reasons include ADHD, using alcohol/drugs, overanalyzing the content (excessive self-criticism), being tired, or lacking motivation, either external or internal.
So reasons, yeah, writers have legitimate reasons for being blocked. How can writers get unstuck?
Five good ways to unblock your brain and get those fingers tapping.
1. Caffeine!
This minor stimulant is the “go-to” brand for many writers who may be feeling a bit sluggish. Caffeine from coffee, tea, or energy drinks, when taken in moderation, helps with energy and focus. While this may work for minor blockage, it doesn’t work for everyone. But it’s a good, simple remedy to try before moving on to the other strategies.
2. Relax Your Mind
Pretty much the opposite of #1, this involves unfocusing and taking a break from working on what is giving you writer’s block. Listen to some ambient music, walk outside, nap for 15 minutes, take a shower. Unfocusing helps the mind get off the one track it was stuck on and “resets” the creative thought processes. As the writer of “How to Overcome Writer’s Block” on reedsyblog states, “When you can’t find the words, let them find you!”
3. Start in the Middle
Many times, writers get stuck figuring out how to start a story, looking for that perfect introduction to draw in the reader. Solution: Start in the middle of the story or article and don’t worry about making it perfect. Often, just writing about the story will energize the thought process and that “perfect” introduction will be easier to find.
4. Make Writing a “Habit”
Develop a writing routine by scheduling a set time for writing. How much time depends on the writer’s commitments (every day, twice a week, etc.), but be diligent about sticking to the schedule. Having a set schedule means you sit down and write, writer’s block or not. Writing is a creative process, but creativity comes through working in the medium. The more writing you do, the better the chance for the creative thought process to come through and the writer’s block to disappear.
5. Work with Your Inner “Troll”
Self-criticism can be a good thing, but too much of this can cripple writing. Everyone has an inner troll that criticizes their work. Don’t just ignore the inner troll (sometimes it has a point); instead, have a conversation with it and figure out which criticisms can be ignored and which have merit. If the inner troll doesn’t like how you ended the story, ask what it doesn’t like and how it would fix the ending.