A writer sits hunched over their laptop. He’s just about had it. Agitated, he feels like ripping out his hair. He has hit writer’s block.
This is a common struggle for writers. If you’re here reading this, you probably have a hard time with this.
Writer’s block can come in many different forms.
First, writer’s block can come as a distraction. Your younger siblings won’t leave you alone. Friends want to hang out with you. You have a good book that you need to read. There are just so many interferences that you can’t get any writing done!
Second, you probably can’t find any words to write. You open your laptop, go to Word, and just can’t think of one single thing to type. You pull out a journal, grab a pencil, and (still!) absolutely nothing is coming to you!
Third, you can meet writer’s block as procrastination. This is the worst form of this disease. You put off writing and do other things instead. Not because you need to do them, but because writing is no longer the priority on your “to do” list. You watch movies, haunt YouTube, and get distracted by the internet.
How can you avoid writer’s block? The truth is, there are many ways, and something that helps me might not help you. In this post, I would like to help you get past your problem with writer’s block with several things I do when this disease hits me. Hopefully, just one of these will aid you with your problem.
Make a Plan
If you have a problem coming up with words to write, this is a significant step. I know some of you writers would prefer to type what words come to you, but this can set you up for some severe problems with writer’s block.
You don’t have to outline your entire book, write out a chart of what each character will be like, and build a virtual land, so you know where you’re at in each part of the book. But here are several things you can do.
(1) First, you can outline each chapter of your book or every blog post. It takes me only five to ten minutes to write out an outline, and they help me with two things. If I have trouble writing, I just look at my outline to remember where I wanted the storyline to go. Also, outlines help you find out where your story will be going over the following chapters and what you should be keeping your focus on.
(2) Second, you can do a character interview. How do you do a character interview? First, you’ll have to recruit a friend or sibling. Then, request that they ask you several questions that your characters will answer for you. You’ll find that this will pull together your story in a matter of seconds! And what’s great is the questions can be as simple as, “What’s your favorite candy?” to something as complex as, “What do you think is waiting for you in your future?” This helps you plot out the story and flesh out characters, which can help you avoid writer’s block later in your writing process.
(3) Third, think through the story. Ask yourself where you want the story to go and what the main character will face. Be sure to think up enough detail so you won’t get stuck while I am writing.
Make Some Time
This is probably one of the most important things you must do if you struggle with procrastination. If writing is important to you, you will make time to write. I know you’re busy with school or work, chores or family time, but it is dire that you at least make a couple of hours a week.
And here’s how:
(1) Put away your phone. I don’t know about you, but one of my biggest distractions is my phone. Often, I hardly get anything done because I just can’t focus with my phone going off every minute with a text from a friend or a YouTube notification. Put it in another room. Even give it to one of your family members and tell them to not give it to you no matter how hard you beg. If you write on a laptop, close Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or whatever you use to browse online. Just note, it takes a lot more self-discipline if you’re typing to not get distracted.
(2) Let your family know your priorities. Tell your mom, dad, and siblings that you need to write. You’ll often find that they’ll be understanding and respect your wishes. Do not write so much that you neglect your family. While you are still at home, enjoy time with your family! You’ll wish you had when you are gone.
(3) Pick a time that is the best for you – a time where you find that you are not doing anything important. Most importantly, stick to that time! Don’t give in to any temptations to do anything different than writing. If you do, it will get harder and harder to sit down and write. Also, never forget to reward yourself if you do get everything done!
Listen to Music
Sigh. Musical notes are one of the most beautiful things God created.
This step is a good one to take if you have a problem with distraction. I find it so hard to focus on anything with all the home noises around me. Mom singing. My sister whistling. Dad stomping through the house.
To help, I slip in the earbuds and get lost in the music. I find the words can flow effortlessly as if they are coming with each note.
Next time you think you’ve hit writer’s block because of the loud noises in the house pull on your headphones! It’s so much easier to work.
Read
If you’re having trouble thinking up words to write, this is a significant step to take. Reading works by other authors will give you the inspiration you need. For example, I’m writing fanfiction on The Hunger Games. At the same time, I am reading the series. This is really helping me find out what I’m going to write.
To find an excellent book to inspire you, first find out what genre you are writing in. If you’re writing in fantasy, I would suggest The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia. If you’re writing a drama or romance, I would recommend Pride and Prejudice or In This Moment. If you’re writing horror, any Frank Peretti book would be a fantastic place to start. Nonfiction: Unbroken. Poetry: Beowulf. Historical fiction: The Land. Christian living: Do Hard Things. Dystopian: The Hunger Games or The Giver. Sci-fi: Ender’s Game. And so on.
There are so many books that have inspired me to write. The way the authors put them together is like a fresh breath of air to me. Don’t be afraid to copy the style of your favorite authors! Think of them as mentors.
Take a Break
One thing I didn’t mention at the beginning is this: Fatigue can also bring about writer’s block. If this is the case for you, you need to stop. There is such a thing as doing too much.
It’s sort of like the old rhyme, “All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy.” If you’re on your laptop every moment that you can be, writing away, you’ll wear yourself out. I’m not saying, “Don’t work hard”; I’m warning you that you can do too much.
If you’re hard on yourself for not being able to think up the following sentence or word and you’ve been writing for hours and hours, take a few breaths. Shut your laptop (but don’t forget to save your document!!!). It’ll be fine. Go play some games with your family. Take a walk. Watch a movie.
It’s okay to take a break occasionally. Even God rested on the seventh day. Just because you stop for an hour or even a day does not mean you are lazy. It just means that you realize the importance of the other things around you. Yes, writing is essential, but there are other things that you need to do. Spending time with your family and friends. Studying. Helping others.
Praying
Finally, the best advice I can give to you is to pray. When you’re at a loss for words, it’s okay to go to God and ask Him for His help. He cares about what you’re doing! This I earnestly believe.
God cares about the ins and outs of our lives. When you’re having trouble with anything, He wants you to go to Him because He wants every area of our lives to belong to Him. It would be good if you practice giving everything to God. Even your writing.
Comment below! What do you do when writer’s block hits? Do you take one of the above steps, or do you have a completely new system of your own? Let me know!