Do you have "writer's block"? Nope. You don't, and you never will. Let me tell you right now, writer's block is a myth.
I've always hated the phrase "writer's block." It honestly makes me cringe. Maybe because it sounds so cliche. I mean, I didn't want to call myself a writer at first because I didn't think I liked or was good at writing, but secondly because the term "writer" comes with a whole load of stereotypes I want no part of.
But I'm getting sidetracked, as writers do. I'll take any other stereotype before I say "I have writer's block" out loud. I just have too much pride, and you should too.
You do not "have" writer's block. It is not a disease. It's not this huge weight, this impossible to cure condition that prevents you from moving your hands on a keyboard. But once you tell yourself you "have" writer's block, suddenly you do put that weight on your shoulders. Suddenly it's this enormous excuse to give up. So never, never tell yourself you have writer's block. Ever. Then, try out some of these tips:
Identify your real problem. If you're just starting out, and are faced with a blank page, that problem is usually perfectionism. This can get in the way during any step of the writing process, but it's very common at the beginning. Give yourself permission to write crap.
There are several things you can do if you feel unfocused, and perfectionism isn't the problem
First, check in with yourself. Maybe you've been sitting at the keyboard for endless hours, and you haven't eaten, slept, or showered in the recent past. Get up and take care of yourself before getting back to work. You'll do much better rested, clean, and with a full stomach. Remember, you are just tired, you do not have writer's block.
Read the story from the beginning. You'll find little things you've forgotten about, and the clear path will reveal itself. Remember, you are just a little fogged, you do not have writer's block.
Clear your head. Get off the internet, get away from your phone, and just write for a set amount of time. I find setting a timer for 30 minutes to shut out the world and write works well. Remember, you are just distracted, you do not have writer's block.
Get Inspired. Remember your two golden rules: read more, and write more. If your current work in progress is giving you trouble, try something new. Google writing prompts, or even just try journaling. Take a break and read a book. Try drawing your characters. Remember, you do not have writer's block. The real world is always trying to tone down your creativity. Don't let it.
I've always hated the phrase "writer's block." It honestly makes me cringe. Maybe because it sounds so cliche. I mean, I didn't want to call myself a writer at first because I didn't think I liked or was good at writing, but secondly because the term "writer" comes with a whole load of stereotypes I want no part of.
But I'm getting sidetracked, as writers do. I'll take any other stereotype before I say "I have writer's block" out loud. I just have too much pride, and you should too.
You do not "have" writer's block. It is not a disease. It's not this huge weight, this impossible to cure condition that prevents you from moving your hands on a keyboard. But once you tell yourself you "have" writer's block, suddenly you do put that weight on your shoulders. Suddenly it's this enormous excuse to give up. So never, never tell yourself you have writer's block. Ever. Then, try out some of these tips:
Identify your real problem. If you're just starting out, and are faced with a blank page, that problem is usually perfectionism. This can get in the way during any step of the writing process, but it's very common at the beginning. Give yourself permission to write crap.
There are several things you can do if you feel unfocused, and perfectionism isn't the problem
First, check in with yourself. Maybe you've been sitting at the keyboard for endless hours, and you haven't eaten, slept, or showered in the recent past. Get up and take care of yourself before getting back to work. You'll do much better rested, clean, and with a full stomach. Remember, you are just tired, you do not have writer's block.
Read the story from the beginning. You'll find little things you've forgotten about, and the clear path will reveal itself. Remember, you are just a little fogged, you do not have writer's block.
Clear your head. Get off the internet, get away from your phone, and just write for a set amount of time. I find setting a timer for 30 minutes to shut out the world and write works well. Remember, you are just distracted, you do not have writer's block.
Get Inspired. Remember your two golden rules: read more, and write more. If your current work in progress is giving you trouble, try something new. Google writing prompts, or even just try journaling. Take a break and read a book. Try drawing your characters. Remember, you do not have writer's block. The real world is always trying to tone down your creativity. Don't let it.
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