Writer's Block and What to Do About It

Lately, I've been having a hard time getting back into writing. I've got a few smaller projects to finish first, but soon enough, it'll be time to start a new book. Normally, the beginning of a new first draft is super exciting! I can't wait to delve into a new world with new characters and discover a new voice as I go. But this time ... it's daunting.

Why?

Well, probably because writing (like most creative pursuits) is emotional and I have a hard time reigning my emotions in some days. The release of a new book can take an intense emotional toll - after so long waiting and editing and preparing for release, it comes so suddenly and there’s so much to do and then … nothing. And you don’t really know what to do with yourself afterwards.

It’s easy to tell yourself to move onto the next project but … which one? I always have at least three or four projects in progress at one time, so it's hard to know which one I should commit to next. Sprinkle on top a heavy dose of self-doubt, anxiety and a “why do I even bother?” attitude and suddenly writing ANYTHING becomes almost impossible.

Getting published has also changed the way my brain approaches my next project. Where I used to work on whatever took my fancy, now I’m thinking about marketing trends, what certain agents or publishers are looking for, etc. Suddenly writing doesn’t feel like it’s for ME anymore and I’m not really sure how to handle that thought. Writing was my favourite pastime; now it’s a job. So how do I ensure that I continue to enjoy it?

Well, here are a few strategies that work for me:

Strategy 1 - Take a break

Sounds counter-intuitive, I know, but you can't schedule inspiration. If you're a visual writer like me, you may need to close your eyes and just spend some time in that universe. Hang out with the characters, eavesdrop on their conversations, see what they do when left to their own devices. Ask big questions about the plot and attempt to answer them. That's how I get most of my ideas, and I write them all down for later. The more notes I have, the easier it'll be to create an outline for the plot, the themes I want to explore, and how I want conversations to play out. That way, when the motivation finally finds me to sit down and write, I will be well-prepared.

Strategy 2 - Write something different

If you're a novel writer, used to cranking out 100k novels in no time, why not switch it up and give short stories a try? The shorter the word count, the harder the challenge and maybe stepping out of your comfort zone is exactly what you need to reawaken the problem-solving side of your brain. If you're a fiction writer, maybe try some short non-fiction, like blog posts or essays. I've personally chosen the blog route, as well some literary analysis essays of books I love. Poetry is also a great palate-cleanser, good for getting simple, small ideas out of your head and resulting in a satisfying final product. Trying new things is a great way to keep writing, even if it's not what you expected to be writing.

Strategy 3: Make a soundtrack

Music is great for getting the ideas flowing, so go ahead and make a playlist that perfectly suits your upcoming project. If it helps you to think then it might just get enough ideas out to get you started. Then you've got a playlist ready to go for when the writing actually begins.

Strategy 4: Change your environment

Sometimes, writer's block is as simple as your environment sapping your energy and motivation. A change of air or scenery can do wonders to reignite the creative side of your brain and make you want to write. Whether it's lounging on your bed or sitting up at a desk. Whether it's at home, the library, your favourite coffee shop, or an isolated cabin in the woods. If you normally write on a computer, try switching to a notebook and pen. If you normally write at night before going to bed, try writing in the morning. Just a small change could be the thing you needed to get those creative juices flowing!

Strategy 5: Write in small chunks

Perhaps the issue is the overwhelming, daunting prospect of writing a full novel, start to finish. If so, try not to think about the big picture. Break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Character profiles. Plot outlines. Scene descriptions. Conversations. Maybe this week, you just focus on getting one chapter done. Maybe today, you just focus on getting a couple of paragraphs out. Even just a few sentences are better than nothing. Small progress might feel slow but it all builds up. Before you know it, you'll have the beginnings of your novel!

Strategy 6: Talk it out

Find a friend and try explaining your book idea to them. Tell them who the characters are, break down the plot, maybe even spoil the ending. Chances are, they'll have a lot of questions, and this can be a great way to find problem points in your narrative and work through them, giving you a clearer idea of what your story needs to be. And if your friend sounds actively invested in the story, their excitement might just be the motivation you need to sit down and get writing.

Strategy 7: Go where your heart takes you

If you have a story you've been sitting on for a long time, or a new idea that excites you, just go for it. You don't have to commit, you don't even have to finish it. But you can always start, even just to keep up the practice of writing. And it may just be the reminder that you needed of how fun writing can be when you're doing it for you and nobody else.

If you're stuck in a writing rut like I am, I hope these strategies help to break that writer's block and get you back to doing what you love. Happy writing!