Writing Tip: Unstacking Writer’s Block
1. Don’t Believe the Hype
A writer revealed to me that she does not believe in writer’s block. So, just don’t believe a block exists. Focus on the work. Mediate on it. Release the fears. I liken writer’s block to stage fright; you just have to do it to overcome it.
2. Rebel with a Pause
In the middle of writing that long passage, an assignment, or blog post—stop. The wall comes up suddenly. That’s okay. For some of us, it is how our brain works. Take a moment to recalibrate, reassess your writing. Notate any problems for a few moments or just walk away. I like pacing, it helps me think. Think about your direction and continue writing.
3. Let Pen move on Paper—Keep Writing
This point is the antithesis to no.2. If it is easier for you to keep writing, then do it. If you like to finish, yes knock it out in one setting, quickly do your edits, and then rewrite. I am a firm believer that each person has their own process or approach to the work. Discover or rediscover your process. Write.
4. Fake it
If you feel that you’re brain dead and your eyes are circling a blank screen, searching for something, copy the paragraph of a book you like or a sentence just to get yourself moving. It may be completely unrelated to your subject but that’s fine. The goal is to move the fingers on the keys or on the paper. Generate enough momentum, so you can write.
5. Record it, Video it, Stick figure it
Walk around with a digital recorder, record it from your phone, or record it from your computer. Talk about your writing and talk about the block and release it. If all else fails, try drawing stick figures or some other drawings. Many people work visually, and it is a good method to elucidate your thinking, the subject that you are developing through a visual medium.
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