How do you deal with writer's block?
By Lena Kovadlo
@lovebuglena (44504)
Staten Island, New York
November 19, 2015 5:06pm CST
There have been plenty of times where I sit down to write but have no idea what to write about. And when I finally start writing something I end up not liking it and deleting it.
Of course, I am not the only one facing this problem. All writers face writer's block at some point in their writing life. So, this brings to the following question. How do you deal with writer's block when it creeps upon you? What techniques do you use to make it go away?
I find that nature can help with writer's block. Being surrounded by nature seems to open up the mind, and the words just start to flow, which brings forth great pieces of writing. I also find that if I am blocked it is best to not force the writing but instead stop and come back to it at a later time.
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12 responses
@msiduri (5687)
• United States
20 Nov 15
If I have a specific task, say, work on a short story, or clean up a chapter in my never-ending novel, I work on it whether I feel inspired to do so or not. If I waited for inspiration, there'd be a whole lot of blank Word pages. And the idea is to write every day, like brushing your teeth. If you write crap, pitch it. If it's salvageable, save it and pound it into shape.
I've been in funk about writing for some time now, but I write anyway.
@msiduri (5687)
• United States
20 Nov 15
@lovebuglena That is the point. Sometimes I don't like writing. Sometimes I don wanna. But I do it anyway.
@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Nov 15
Writing every day is a great thing to do, however, that requires discipline and determination. You actually have to make yourself sit down and write, even if you are not in the mood for it or are busy with other things.
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@KristenH (33381)
• Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
20 Nov 15
I've had writer's block in the past. I also had a muse block, when she was down for over a year, since my mother passed away. Cures for it are reading, listen to music, watch TV or see a movie, do some edits or free writing. Go for a walk and head to the gym. Get your mind off it and new ideas will come back to you. Meditation is always great to think of new ideas as well. It worked for me. 
@KristenH (33381)
• Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
20 Nov 15
@lovebuglena It could. I just focused on bringing my muse back and it returned with some new ideas. If something's stressing you out in your writing, it can put things into perspective too.
@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Nov 15
I've yet to try meditating but I would fathom that it would clear the mind, get rid of the clutter and make sense of the jumbled thoughts that will result in open thought flow and hence writer's block being won over.
@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
21 Nov 15
I would never think cleaning a room would help with writer's block but whatever works for you use it.
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@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
19 Nov 15
It's good to have a book or two that inspire you every time and ones you can turn to whenever you find yourself blocked.
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@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
19 Nov 15
You don't find having music in the background a distraction when you write?
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
20 Nov 15
I just write, even it whatever I write is lame and I toss it later. I do better forcing myself to write something, anything, it works itself out.
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
20 Nov 15
@lovebuglena depends on the person too. Im not saying that what I write when I have writers block is at all worthwhile, often it is rubbish. It's the discipline of putting words down that helps me
@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Nov 15
I find that forcing myself to write usually doesn't help me. And it becomes frustrating. But maybe keeping at it can help. I guess it depends on the circumstances.
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32691)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Nov 15
I take a rest. Yes a simple sleep will help you boost your creativity. Also try to read more and watch less. What do I mean? Reading will help you expand your imagination while watching makes you too visual.
@else34 (13515)
• New Delhi, India
20 Nov 15
@lovebuglena,What a coincidence!! Right now I am facing writer's block and am trying to respond to this discussion of yours.I want to initiate a discussion,but don't know what to write and how.Therefore I am interacting.I know the block in my mind will automatically get removed.I keep interacting and then a topic flashes across my mind.I think,everyone has a unique way to deal with writer's block.
@TheHorse (218463)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Nov 15
If I go out cycling, I'll usually find something to inspire me. Ducks. Canada geese. People honking at each other. People staring blankly at their cell phones. I also sometimes look through old pictures on my computer and think of a post to write around one of them.
@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
19 Nov 15
This is interesting. My friend goes cycling and he finds it inspiring too.
@Phoenixmaid (129)
• United Kingdom
19 Nov 15
I've had it for the last two weeks since I joined. thankfully i have a friend who is great when it comes to writing prompts.
@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
19 Nov 15
I find that writing prompts can help with writer's block. Also timing yourself works. Set a timer for x amount of minutes (five minutes for example) and start writing whatever comes to your mind in that instant. It can lead to something great.
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