Tip Tuesday: Battle Writer’s Block
Piggybacking off yesterday’s post, there’s a difference between taking a break because you need one, and taking a break because there’s nothing left in your brain. Outlining greatly reduces writer’s block, but sometimes even that doesn’t keep the beast at bay.
I’ve suffered from writer’s block countless times. No surprise, it sucks. You wonder if you’ll ever be able to finish; if you’ll ever write again. You have to find ways to get your creative brain working again.
Over the years, I’ve found some things to help me out of a writing funk. First, is nature. I like to walk and just take in all of the sights of a nature preserve. I especially love streams, babbling brooks, oh, and moss! Mossy trees, mushrooms, marshes. But what works for me, might not for you. It’s worth a shot, though. Try a beach, a local walking trail, etc.
This is definitely a first world suggestion, but travel. If you have the opportunity to get yourself out of your town, possibly even your state, do it. My family would go to the mountains of Appalachia to visit family for a couple weeks a year. I always got the most writing done down there. Being plucked out of Long Island sparked my creativity. If you can’t travel, look up images and videos of places you’ve always wanted to go. Sometimes that will inspire an idea.
Do something mindless. Take a bath, go for a long drive, and just let your mind wander. Something might fly into that brain of yours. I like to listen to music while I write, and while I’m trying to conjure up new ideas. If I feel I need inspiration, I’ll pop on some music while I shower or clean the house. Just be careful what music it is. If it’s too dancey or a real karaoke killer, you’ll find yourself lost in a performance instead of thought.
Most of all, don’t panic or dwell on it. You’re a writer. You will write again. It’s in your blood, just feed your brain inspiration and you’ll type again.
