Writer’s Block: Let’s Deal with It 1

To be up front: I personally do not believe that writer’s block exists. ‘Writer’s block’ is a tagged on phrase that refers to the end-result of an equation made up of other factors. As we learn very early in mathematics, it is not the numbers themselves that determine a result, it is how those numbers are calculated. In comparison, writer’s block is only the total sum of other parts or problems that came before.

While this article will only touch on dealing with those deeper disputes, it is more important for the writer to handle them first, and, though I am not a professional counselor, I will offer some suggestions.

How To Get Past It

Depression is a serious issue. Anxiety can obviously lead to later breakdowns. If you feel you fall under one of these categories, then seek help. There are people out there who can help you and want to. Don’t let your doldrums take the upper hand. Take charge. Be in control. True, there may be little in our lives we can actually control, but our attitude is one of them. Change your attitude, and you can change your perspective. Change your perspective, and you can change your outlook on life. When you manage to do that, your life actually changes.

I initially turned to poetry out of depression. That was a help, but I still had to learn how to deal with being an outcast and living with a mother who got drunk as often as she could. When I did get counseling, it wasn’t until after I had tried to commit suicide. I realized that I didn’t have to let my circumstances rule my moods or behaviors. I came to realize that my worth was important. Don’t let your pride prevent you from getting well.
Then again, maybe this isn’t you; maybe you’ve just lost sight of your goals, or can’t for the life of you think of something new to write about. Either way, keep reading.

Once you have dealt with the depression question, or answered your anxiety, then your worries and fears will soon take a back burner to the tasks at hand, and you will be able to concentrate more freely. When you can do this, truly, then you will have conquered the first mountain that stands in your way and there is only one more to go.

There are many remedies for a sleeping imagination. Some ways to wake it up—that are supported by most authorities and performed by many writers—are recommended below. Are you suffering from “writer’s block”? Is there really such a thing? Or, does your being just need a recharge?

Writer’s Block To Writer’s Flow

Here’s an analogous way to look at writer’s block: you could consider the opposite writer’s flow. Let’s compare writer’s flow to a water faucet. Perhaps that seems like a bold statement in the sense that it’s easy to turn a tap on. So, for those who would like a lesser version of this analogy, let’s call it a drainage pipe. Now, a pipe that gets blocked by other materials eventually needs to be cleaned or freed of debris. Why don’t we do that? Let’s take the time to figure out what’s preventing our writer’s flow, and go about addressing the matter.

The biggest issues should be tackled first. If we are upset over something that happened recently, like the loss of a loved one, or a family break up, let’s come to realize that things happen that are beyond our control. These are the kinds of issues that take the longest to resolve, and it’s true: “easier said than done”. Then, let’s move on to smaller issues. If we are vexed because work is stressful, or because we’ve broken up with a lover, then we have to vent our frustrations somehow. Find a way to vent, then move on. Finally, If we just can’t think of anything new to write about, here are some ways to grab a hold of some inspiration. There are links embedded throughout the rest of this article. Take some time to view them to learn about different possibilities.

• Diet, excercise, and meditation have been linked to the optimal performance of your body, mind, and spirit. I have been following such guidelines over the last few weeks and already have noticed a change in the way I feel and the sharpness of my mind, and the depth of my writing.
• Go out and get some fresh air. Walk a couple blocks, or miles if you don’t live in a city.
• Schedule time to write, regardless of the quality of it at first. Training your mind to be active at certain times of day can lead to more productivity. Feed this good habit and watch it grow.
• Try “freewriting” or “mindwriting”. This is basically a spontaneous “write whatever comes to mind” excercise. Click the links to learn more.
• Try asemic writing.
• Find a website that encourages creative writing exercises. Chunking, writing prompts, and ‘what if’ assignments can spur the imagination in new directions.
• Try automatic writing
• Take a short break or a long one (a couple hours to a couple days) and do something else that keeps you busy. Menial labors help to loosen up the mind.
• Do something out of the ordinary. If your writer’s block is caused by a lack of new input, then spark your curiosity by going somewhere new or doing something different.
• Read, watch a movie or play, or some similar activity that might inspire you.
• Listen to music.
• Join a Writer’s Group

Here are some quotes for inspiration.

For more inspiration and information on writing, check out this article.

Or, if you need help editing your work before submitting, click here.

For Part 2 of Writer’s Block: Let’s Deal With It, go here.