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Write About Writer’s Block to Get Over Writer’s Block

10 April 2009 View Comments

Well there you are stuck again without any thing to write about.  Maybe you missed my other post, Use Mind-Mapping and Analyzing to Help Overcome Writer’s Block, and yes I realize I’ve hit this subject twice in the last two days, but when I began writing about writer’s block I realized it had turned into at least two posts.

If you’ve tried mind mapping and had no luck with it to get yourself writing, I have another writing tip for you; Write about it!  About what you ask?  Write about writer’s block.

Here’s an example:

“Today is Friday, April 10, 2009.  It’s Good Friday and I have writer’s block.  I can’t think of anything to write.  I’ve mulled ideas over in my mind and I’ve tried to convey my message to paper but nothing happens.  So here I sit, once again, knowing I need to be writing but nothing happens.  Maybe I’m trying to hard.  Maybe it’s stress because I know I should write and when I can’t I feel guilty about it.  I should go read a good book because it usually sparks my creative side and makes me want to write.  Or maybe I should keep writing about writer’s block and try to figure out what’s holding me back.”

Can writing about writer’s block reveal anything to you?  Often times the thing that’s holding us back will emerge in these free-writing sessions about writer’s block.  In my case, I’ve discovered that sometimes guilt keeps me from writing or it hinders my creative side.

Worrying about getting something written can actually shut down your creative process and nothing will flow.  The times I can’t write is usually because I’ve taken on an assignment that I don’t like.  It feels like work and it’s no longer enjoyment.  In those times I remind myself why I write.  It’s not to please others, it’s to inform others, entertain them and because I enjoy it.  When those three reasons come together harmoniously, it’s a great feeling.

Maybe you have the same problem.  Maybe you’re suffering from writer’s block because you aren’t happy with the material you’re writing.  If that’s the case you need to remind yourself why you’re a writer and get back in touch with that side of yourself.

If you can’t decide why you have writer’s block, try writing about it.  Write a dialog with yourself, write out your feelings about it and see if what holds you back doesn’t reveal itself.

Write On!
Patti

Written by: Patti Stafford on April 10, 2009.

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  • Great stuff, Patti. We're on the same page with this one!

    My writing career so far has been based on helping other writers get over this hump. But when it happens to me, I've found this technique to be one that works.

    I've been in writing circles or workshops that were initiated by me, with the group using a writing prompt I had created. And yet sometimes just looking around at all the passionate scribblers would do reverse psychology on me. Instead of going, "It feels so great to be inspiring others!" my brain would freeze up and get intimidated. I would then be the only one in the room with writer's block.

    I can often solve this by journaling first about what a slimeball I am for being the odd man out. For being the "expert" who can't walk her talk. For some reason it always helps to write the worst, most self-insulting things my brain is saying (yep, it's really good at that - arf!).

    Just when I think I couldn't possibly feel worse about my writing -- out pops the idea for a story using the given writing prompt! Oddly, that's when some of my best writing happens.

    I'm so glad you also like this method. I believe it's got something to do with the literal mind being terrified to go to new places. The act of letting it have its say gives it some busy work to do. While the conscious mind is distracted with that, the imagination/subconscious mind can slip in under the cracks.

    Talk about tricking ourselves to write ;~)
  • Thanks for stopping by Milli. Glad you enjoyed my tips.
    I write to myself a lot when I get stuck. I don't know if it's the words I use or the act of using pen and paper. I'm a firm believer in stepping away from the computer and getting back in touch with the old fashioned way of writing--actually writing.

    Hope you visit often and share more great tips!

    Patti
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