Writer’s Block.
It’s something that plagues even the most seasoned writers, creating mental road blocks, hampering you from finding inspiration or finishing a scene. It leaves a bitter taste and the scent of discouragement. And it’s easy to give up right then and there, isn’t it, to throw in the towel and not look back?
But is that really what’s best for you?
It’s also relatively simple to overcome “writer’s block”. Though honestly, I don’t believe in it at all. Yep, I refuse to believe in it. Why? I think there’s always a way around mental barriers, a way to keep pushing past them. Plus, theoretically, if you don’t believe in something, it doesn’t exist, right? That isn’t to say that I don’t get stumped sometimes, I do, however I choose to shove my way through (or write my way through). Even if what I write is beyond terrible, I remind myself I can fix it later. That’s what editing’s for.
To aid in smashing through your writer’s block, here are three tips:
* Try and write through any blocks. Or, is there another scene you can work on until you become unblocked?
* If that doesn’t work, take a break. Rest is vital. Try doing something that you enjoy for a little while: read, listen to music that relates to the story you’re working on, eat some candy.
I find that when my brain is occupied with something else, the answer to my writing problem jumps right in.
* Exercise helps with motivation and gets your mind flowing with fresh ideas (also helps burn off all that candy!).
So, take a breather and remember, if you refuse to believe in writer’s block how can it affect you?
By Renée Shearer
Renée is a full-time writer who lives in Sydney, Australia, with a crazy pooch named Abbey and a boisterous, somersaulting rescue budgie named Kaleb. Her days are spent living in her fictional worlds and consuming way too much caffeine. She has an (unhealthy?) obsession with all things cupcake- and coffee-related plus Kerouac and YA dystopia/fantasy books.
Renée can often be found surrounded by books, marathoning crime shows and munching on vegan goodies, on Twitter (@Renee_Shearer), Pinterest, or dancing in a rainstorm.
Renée hopes to one day visit Rio and is currently learning Brazilian Portuguese.
You can find her books on Amazon, Smashwords, Google Books and Barnes and Noble.
This is right in line with my own views on writer's block. I don't believe in it! I really think what people are experiencing is mental/emotional exhaustion. Taking a break, recharging yourself, taking care of yourself-- these are so important. Most of us Indies are juggling two careers, family, and so on. It's hard to slow down. But sometimes it is necessary!
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