Types of Writer’s Block & their ‘cures’
As someone who has been writing a long time AND does a yearly challenge of writing 50,000 words in 30 days, I have both experienced and overcome writer’s block. A common mistake with trying to get over anything is thinking there is only one solution. But, with everything, habits, creativity, relationships, there are different things that must be overcome depending on situation and how you work as a person.
I guarantee if you keep writing, you will experience all the different forms of writer’s block, sometimes multiple at once. But, the number one thing to keep in mind is not letting that little negative voice in your head win. It is just a bad day/week/month, you are not a bad writer. You will get over it, just be kind to yourself.
Lack of motivation - get inspired (read, make a WIP moodboard, etc)
You aren’t feeling the spark you used to have with the story so find something to get excited about. Read about a topic in your book; make character sheets or even conduct character interviews; or make a playlist that is inspired by the story you are trying to write. Also reading other authors’ books, getting fresh ideas, can help as well. Just remember; don’t compare. Every writer is different for a reason.
Boredom - work on a different project
I am currently editing a book, writing a book, and planning a book all at once. While admittedly this is a little too much, having two projects on the go is actually really good because then you are always making progress on something, even if one is a werewolf Drarry fanfic.
Getting stuck - talk about your story with someone
Writing is a lonely hobby. Everything lives in your head so sharing it with someone, a friend, your mom, etc, can be really helpful. They might think of something you haven’t.
Burnout - take a break/recharge
This, I feel is the most common writer’s block, definitely the one I’ve experienced the most. Even if you have a deadline, give yourself at least a day. Take a bath; work in the garden; go to a bookstore or cafe; or work on another hobby. Let yourself rest—let yourself refill your cup or spoons—whatever method you use.
Stamina - try writing a short story with a word limit
I only wrote stories with the intention of being novel-length, until my husband begged me to enter a writing contest. I believe the word limit was 17k which is still a decent length story, but it was still a great exercise for me to tell a story in more limited time. If short stories aren’t your thing, maybe try writing poetry, an essay, or stream of conscious journaling.
Divided focus - let yourself adjust priorities
For many of us, writing is an escape, but sometimes things in our day-to-day life become too much to ignore. Your house is a mess, a loved one is sick, you are worried about paying bills. You are not a writing machine, you are a human who has other things to think about besides smashing out 10k words a day. Give yourself a chance to prioritize the other things in your life, your writing will still be there when you come back.
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To anyone doing Nanowrimo this month, good luck, I am with you on this quest. To those still just writing for fun, you can call yourself a writer, your writing is valid. You don’t need to be published, you don’t need to have finished a novel. You just need to write.
Keep Writing