Getting Unstuck
If anyone tells you writer’s block isn’t real, don’t listen. Writer’s block is a term to describe whatever stops your creativity. First, being a writer isn’t like being an accountant. I know. I’ve been both. We can debate the degree to which each function involves creativity and rules; however, from experience, I would stand firm on the differences being vast.
As writers, we can all agree that some days, ideas flow without obstruction. On other days, however, we can’t formulate a coherent sentence. Leaving many to ask: How do we make every day one where our thoughts and ideas flow freely? As with any issue, we first would look to find a cause and fix it. However, in this instance, there are external factors that create the blockage, which are not all within a person’s control. Therefore, instead of trying to prevent the unpreventable, the question should be: How can we shift those “stuck” days back into “flow” days?
Here are some suggestions that have worked for me and many of our clients:
• Revisit your outline and notes.
• Put some distance between you and your manuscript – take a short break.
• Read other books in your genre. This is about inciting motivation and ideas.
• Know where and when you are at your most creative and maximize it.
• Get outside your writing area and talk to others.
• Do something you love that will unencumber your mind.
• Visit a place featured in your manuscript.
• Talk with others about your story, such as a writing group.
• Find that quiet place to reflect.
• Exercise or meditation
If you were to find a common theme among those bullet points, it would be to put some distance between you and your work. That may sound counterintuitive, but it does help. The problem with remaining at your desk or wherever you choose to write is you start to force content to flow, and that never works. More often than not, you will delete everything a day later. I made the analogy in the beginning that being a writer is not like being an accountant. That’s because no matter how you feel or your energy level, you can create a spreadsheet or produce an income statement, for example – it’s a far greater formulaic, standardized process than creative writing is or will ever be. To get “unstuck,” you must release the self-induced pressure that’s built up in your head, curtailing the flow of ideas. The way to do that is to physically remove yourself and use some of the suggestions I’ve bullet-pointed above.
In creative writing, your number one objective should be to produce a quality product. And yes, we want to be efficient and quick, but after years of experience, I can say stepping away will not only create flow but will save you substantial time. However, some may ask: How long do I walk away from it? The answer: It varies. It’s person-dependent. However, most often, it ranges from a quick stroll to the kitchen for a glass of water to a night or two to sleep on it.
The next time you get stuck and find the above ideas or something completely different helped you, please reach out and let us know so we can share with our writing community!
Happy writing!
Celeste