Curse of the Writer’s Block

After reshuffling my schedule for the whole week, I was finally able wrench a whole free day in which to write. A few days earlier, various interesting subjects crammed themselves into my thoughts, and each time a particularly neat idea came to mind, I’d make a mental note, ‘yeah, that’d make a nice topic!’

So Saturday comes and I’m facing my laptop. My eager hands are resting on the keyboard as they wait for my mind to kick off…

(I need some coffee.)

Two cups of coffee later, I’m still staring at a blank screen. My hands move to type a few words, then I read what I typed.

No good. I jabbed the backspace button.

(Perhaps, some music might help?)

Grasping at this excuse, I get up and turn the music on, then flip the dial to a station that features a classical music playlist.

(Ahh, Vivaldi. splendid. now I can concentrate.)

Ten minutes later, I glance down at my output. Great. One measly paragraph. At this rate, I’ll probably fill a page in about 4 hours. The problem was, I couldn’t think of a single thing to follow up on my lead sentence, which looked like a forlorn tiny island in a sea of nothingness.

After 30 minutes of typing, deleting, editing and vainly waiting for that light bulb moment, I give up. This isn’t leading anywhere, I conclude sourly as I put away my laptop.

Sighing, I go outside to take a walk. Having made no conscious decision as to whether I would try again later, I head for the village bakery and buy some muffins. Then I wander to a nearby park, sit down and wave to a neighbor. We chat for a while, after which she leaves. I stay there for like 20 or 30 minutes, absorbing the morning calm. Then I head home.

After a quick bath, I go back to my study table and idly switch on my laptop, thinking I’d check my inbox for a while and then maybe go the mall or something.

Without planning to, I review how my morning went and gripe about what an irritating thing Writer’s Block is. Before I know it, I’m already typing away. Words flow without conscious direction from me. Then I glance at my output.

Well! Not exactly what I had planned to write, but things seem to flow easily this time. I’m still deleting and correcting a few things as I go on, but now, surprisingly, I’m on my second page…!

Before I let this dastardly writer’s block choke me up in its grip again (unfortunately, it occurs far too often for my comfort, and usually at the most inconvenient time, too!), I think it’s high time I should write down and share a few tings on how to avoid it, or at least minimize its damage.

1. Don’t Force Yourself to Write

   If the right words don’t come, then it’s probably time for you to stop trying. Don’t sweat it if you don’t get it the first (or second) time. There’s always another time (as there are certain subjects that require a certain mindset). If writing becomes a chore, it loses its charm.

2. Break Your Pattern

   If you usually write in a fixed time and place, try for a little variation. Or take a walk. Or take a quick bath. A refreshing wash can do wonders to a flagging mind.

3. Do Something Else

   Surf, watch TV, work out, do some housework, or go out. Occupy your mind with other things for a while. When I run out of ideas, I usually do some manual activity that involves repetitive movements. There’s something calming and mentally stimulating while you’re engaged in rhythmic activities.

4. Engage in Associative Activities

   When you’re planning to expound on positive/upbeat/heartwarming topics, it helps if you do it in a place that you associate with happy thoughts. Conversely, if you’re feeling melancholic and you’re in a gloomy setting, it will have some effect on the way you write.

5. Try a Different Topic

   If you’re stumped for words, there’s just no getting around it while the dreaded writer’s block takes a hold of you. Sometimes a different topic can set you off in the right direction.

Good luck!

Despite its debilitating effect on your output, writer’s block also serves a purpose: It’s a convenient excuse if you don’t feel like writing at all.