Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them
I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.
In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:
(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)
Perfectionism (most common)
What it looks like:
- You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"
- Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.
- Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?
- I hate everything I write
- Cringing while writing
- My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer
Things that can help:
- Give yourself permission to suck
- Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft
- Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later
- People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later
- Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing
- Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase
- Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail
- It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page
Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)
What it looks like:
- Head empty, no ideas
- What do I even write about???
- I don't have a plot, I just have an image
- Want to write but no story to write
Things that can help:
- Google writing prompts
- If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out
- Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that
- It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing
- Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them
- If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later
Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)
What it looks like:
- I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt
- Writing words feels like pulling teeth
- I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted
- I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window
Things that can help:
- Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.
- Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or speech-to-text
- Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score
- Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group
- Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph
- Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer
Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)
What it looks like:
- I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop
- I don't even know where to start
- I love writing, but I can never seem to get started
- I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)
- Can't find the time or energy
- Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)
- Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying
Things that can help:
- Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started
- Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)
- Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person
- Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement
The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))
What it looks like:
- I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene
- I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going
- I don't think I'm doing this right
- What's an outline?
- Drowning in documents
- This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)
Things That Can Help:
- Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working
- A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go
- If you don't have an outline, write one
- If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it
- You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural
- Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them
- Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers
- Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough
Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism
What it looks like:
- Everything in boredom/understimulation
- Everything in intimidation/procrastination
- You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism
Things that can help:
- If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment
- Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)
- Seek out neurodiverse communities for advice and support
- Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch
- Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)
And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness
What it looks like:
- You have symptoms of burnout or depression
- Struggling with all things, not just writing
- It's more than a lack of inspiration- the spark is just dead
Things that can help:
- Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.
- Seek professional help
- If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic
