Connect with Jane
Godman on the web:
“Plumbers don’t get plumber’s block, and
doctors don’t get doctor’s block; why should writers be the only profession
that gives a special name to the difficulty of working, and then expects
sympathy for it?” Philip
Pullman
Writer’s
block is a miserable feeling. Put simply, the ideas dry up to the point where writing
becomes painful. But, instead of staring at a blank screen, there are practical
things we can do to unblock our thoughts and get the ideas flowing again.
1. Writing your way out. Either by
plowing relentlessly on with the current work, or turning briefly to a new
project.
2. Do something else. Go for a walk.
Mow the lawn. Bath the dog. Forget about writing for a while.
3. Switch off from the internet and
other distractions. Give your brain a break.
4. Write backwards. Focus on the happy
ending instead of getting bogged down in the middle.
5. Record yourself as you read out
loud. Remind yourself what you love about this book.
6. Write the juicy bits. Come back and
fill in the rest later.
7. Change your environment. Find a new
place to write.
8. Raise the stakes. Make an
announcement about your deadline. Once other people are invested, you have to
up your game.
9. Set yourself targets and give
yourself rewards.
10. Don’t use stimulants while writing.
Avoid alcohol, coffee, chocolate etc. Save them until you’ve reached your daily
goals.
These are
just a few ideas. Some you may love, others you may hate. Either way, I’d love
to hear what you think, or find out if you have anything to add to my list.
Colton and the Single Mom (The
Coltons of Red Ridge)
This Colton cop
falls for a ready-made family
A Coltons of Red
Ridge story
A serial killer is on the loose, and true-crime
filmmaker Esmée da Costa is on the case. K-9 cop Brayden Colton, the prime
suspect’s half brother, works hard to stop her prying, but sparks fly as he
falls for Esmée and her son. When Esmée and Brayden’s little family comes under
siege, can they save all they love?
Read Reader Reviews
Buy on:
Nice tips for getting around writer's block. I've done many of them, and they do work.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to hear you've found a way around the dreaded writer's block, Elizabeth. I always find switching another project helps (unless a deadline is looming, of course!).
DeleteLoved the quote. And great tips on writer's block. I like doing something else and reading to help me get through those challenges.
ReplyDeleteReading is always a great way to relax the brain, isn't it. Natalie? And I find walking helps. I read somewhere that green, outdoor spaces are the most soothing. Maybe taking a book outside is the best solution of all?
DeleteI don't get blocked – I just have periods whe I'm extra lazy.
ReplyDelete:) That's a great way of looking at it, Patsy!
DeleteI have a thing I call my writer's block workshop. It's basically a journal. I write about what's blocking me. I write about what I want to write and I whine about not being able to write it. It's funny how that untangles my thoughts sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to try that, Liz. Sounds like a form of therapy :)
DeleteWell, let's not do anything crazy (referencing tip #10). ;) Those are some great tips, Jane!
ReplyDeleteHa! I didn't say I always follow my own advice :)
DeleteSome good advice and can definitely apply to blogging as well. Sometimes I just need to step away and take a break and it helps a good deal.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, sometimes staring at the page doesn't help but walking away can get the words flowing again :)
DeleteHello, Jane! Good luck with your latest.
ReplyDeleteHi there! Thank you :)
DeleteLots of great tips, Jane! Usually getting out in nature and taking a walk helps me to get my brain going again. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Yes, there's nothing like a bit of fresh air to get the brain working again. I also think putting some physical distance between myself and my laptop helps!
DeleteI’ve been dealing with burnout toward writing much of anything for a long time. I’ve tried all the usual writer’s block tips. I’ve been trying many things like journaling to get words down, writers meetings for inspiration, and writing nonfiction. It’s all a process. One step at a time.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that, Chrys. Sadly, there will always be extremes and it sounds like you're in one of those right now. As you say, one step at a time. It will work out for you. Sending a virtual hug your way. X
Delete