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Beating the Block
Writers block is something which all writers encounter at some point. It is whatever brings your creativity to a grinding halt. But how can you overcome it?
The Blank Page
There is nothing worse than looking at your computer screen and seeing a completely blank page, devoid of anything except that blinking cursor. The blank page might be right at the start of your latest work in progress, preventing anything getting on the page or it might be at the beginning of the next chapter in your book, but wherever it is, it’s not a nice experience.
When you come up against the blank page give yourself permission to write something that isn’t perfect first time around. Write anything, type it in a different colour or font to mark it in your mind as words just for now. But write something.
If this doesn’t work, take a break from the screen and go back to paper and pencil. Take yourself somewhere else and try to write for at least ten minutes or a few paragraphs.
I also find that a walk and a complete break from the screen helps to unlock my mind. Sometimes the block can be serious and you may need to take a day or two away from your work and then doing things you enjoy, things that will refill your creative well, are a must.
Small Ideas
Sometimes it’s just not the right time to write that idea. You need to push it away, either physically filed as a brief outline or wrapped up and put away in your mind. Whilst it’s away it will grow and when you next approach that idea you will be ready to write instead of facing the demon blank page.
If you have a friend you can sound ideas out with then go for it. Bouncing ideas off someone else takes you down a different path than the one you could be stuck on and even better, can unlock just what it is that is needed to turn your small idea into a bigger one.
Doubting Yourself
If you are going to make it as a writer you have to let go of your doubt or your fear that you will be good enough. Like any craft, writing improves the more you do it. Believe in yourself and your work; give it the importance it needs. Don’t hide yourself away not telling anyone what you are doing. Tell your friends and family. Just by saying it aloud to someone you will be helping to kill off those monsters of doubt which lurk on all writers shoulders ready to create a block.
My tips for getting writing again
Reach for a pad and pencil.
Set a timer and just freewrite – write anything and everything as it comes into your mind.
Music is a great stimulant for the mind. Play some background music or sit back and listen to the lyrics for a while.
Bounce ideas off friends.
Take time out. Go for a walk or read a book.
Keep your creative well topped up.
Accept that first drafts are never perfect.
Believe in yourself.
Rachael Thomas's new release:
The
Sheikh’s Last Mistress
Promoted
to Princess!
Destiny
Richards knows she is playing with fire when she accepts charismatic Sheikh
Zafir Al Asmari's job offer, but it seems like a fair price to pay to start her
life over again. Until the temperature reaches the boiling point and Destiny
finds herself spending one out-of-this-world night with the sheikh!
When powerful Zafir seduces English rose Destiny, he never
anticipates she'll hold the title of his Last Mistress. But their scorching
affair has shocking repercussions. Now, before their nine months are up, Zafir
must convince Destiny to make their arrangement more permanent!
Buy
Links:
M&B Aust Harlequin US B&N
Enter this Goodreads Giveaway for signed copies of The Sheikh's Last Mistress:
Enter this Goodreads Giveaway for signed copies of The Sheikh's Last Mistress:
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Sheikh's Last Mistress
by Rachael Thomas
Giveaway ends May 31, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Some writers say writer's block isn't real, but I experienced a true case of it years ago and became a believer. Now, though, I do notice it's mostly because I'm procrastinating or too busy, and therefore exhausted.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great tips!
Procrastination is so hard to ignore! Thanks Chrys.
DeleteWriter's block is alive and well! I think it comes more frequently when you have some books out and want to get others out there, too!
ReplyDeleteGreat to read what you have to say about this. I'll just add, "Go take a hike!" It always works for me.
And thanks for the visit to The Write Game. I love visitors and when they come by I always have to find out what they're up to on their blogs! You're up to good stuff here.
Thanks! I'll add a hike to the list for sure.
DeleteI completely agree with Rachael's tips. Usually my blocks are caused by a book/idea that just isn't ready yet. If I take a break, the story stews until it's done!
ReplyDeleteI love it when a story stews Lexa!
Deletei am the victim of it too ,i used to write poetry and prose before my marriage but since 24 years i am waiting for the moment when the ice melts and real of me comes out
ReplyDeleteSet the real you free now, don't wait!
DeleteThese are all great tips and it looks like a fab book.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elisabeth and congratulations on your release too! xx
DeleteAwesome tips for beating writer's block. Usually when I have trouble writing, I go do something else like clean or walk or read a good book. That usually does the trick! :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, cleaning! How could I have forgotten that one? Thanks Christine.
DeleteGreat advice here, Rachael. If I get really stuck I give myself permission to skip forward and move on to something I've been looking forward to writing or that at least I know where it's going! Generally speaking when you go back to the 'stuck bit' it seems more manageable.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a good idea Andie! Thanks. Also congratulations on your release too. xx
DeleteI think if anyone is going to be a writer they will have to not care what others think... it's not easy but needed if you will write your stories xox
ReplyDeleteThat is so true Launna!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice and tips, thanks for sharing Rachael. And congrats on the release of your book!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly for stopping by.
DeleteWonderful writerly tips. I've been seeing Rachael around on her tour. Great posts all around.
ReplyDeleteThanks Medeia for stopping by.
DeleteI think doubt is a big one. I actually had someone ask me the other day if I ever face writers block. I blinked at them, laughed, and explained that you haven't put two words on a paper with the intent of writing a book and not experienced writers block.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with that Crystal! Thanks.
DeleteGreat tips for getting back to writing. For me, using a timer has worked like a charm. Congrats, Rachael!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! Lots of great ideas to help writers get writing in different situations. Writer's block effects us all at some point and the more tips we have for getting through it- the better. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess