THREE WAYS TO ATTACK WRITER'S BLOCK

You’ve got the itch. You want to work on a project, you need to, you’re burning up with it, it’s driving you crazy, but every time you open the document you’re faced with a blank page and a blinking cursor. What can you do?
 
Here are a couple ideas – not to “cure” writer’s block, because it isn’t something to cure but something to work through – to get your words rolling again.
 
1. WRITE LIKE NO ONE WILL EVER READ IT.

When I was a kid, I thought I was immune to writer’s block. I’d go into a creative frenzy every time I had an idea, no matter how strange or overdone the concept was, no matter the outrageousness, no matter the sensibility. No edits. No publication. Just me and my story. Of course, when you’re turning writing into a career, things get different. You have to consider the bigger picture – structure, clarity, plot, character – while still somehow maintaining the childlike belief that your story is telling.

I believe that the greatest cause of writer’s block is insecurity. It’s hardest to write when you don’t believe in your story at a very core level. So my suggestion is to bang out that first draft like no one will ever read it. You can edit later. You can worry about structure and clarity and plot and character later. For now, your goal is to write. For you.

2. LEARN SOMETHING NEW

I developed one of my favorite novel concepts from a documentary film. The more you open yourself up to knowledge, the more likely you are to find inspiration. It always helps to read other people’s work, learn something new, and absorb content similar to what you want to create. In this same vein, it is immeasurably helpful to find writer friends. People who hold you accountable. People who understand your vision. So join a writing club, or hop on an online forum, or take a class. Find your people!

3. MAKE A PLAYLIST

It’s hard to see a project through to the end, especially when you’re writing a novel. I think it helps to make a playlist with songs that would resonate with your characters. Play it in the car, on your way to work, before you fall asleep at night, and you’ll constantly get to live in your characters’ heads.
 

I hope this was helpful! Remember to check out my social media to keep updated on my journey!

​​yours in haste,

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