Pebblepup's Writing Den

Depending on what caused your writer’s block, there are ways to overcome it. The causes determine the best way to overcome the problem.

If your block is due to physical disease or pain, you need to be patient and recover. You will find that is the best way to overcome the block. For other causes, you can try such things as free writing.

If you’re blocked because you don’t feel motivated to write, try to find a reward you can use to motivate yourself. “If I write x words today, I can have y.” It seems simplistic, but if you want that treat, you’ll write the x words to get it. This method works best if the treat is something you need to go get. If it’s near to hand, it gets harder to stay on point and writing the words.

If you’re blocked because you can’t think of the words you need, try writing a different piece. I find that when I’m blocked because I can’t think of the right words, I write a scene or two of fan fiction. I view fan fiction as a form of exercise. This often loosens the word flow and I can write the piece.

Sometimes the piece is difficult to write because you don’t want to write it. Writing something else is a good way to figure that out. If you can scrap the piece, do so. If not, get creative with the piece. Try a different slant on it. Shift your viewpoint. Take the opposite side of a piece and see what happens.

Another cause of it is procrastination. That’s another way that a reward can help. That usually works for me. Setting a deadline for yourself is another way to get the words out. “I need to write x words by t time.” Set a timer or an alarm on your phone. Then sit down and write. Cut out any distractions and write.

Set aside time to write whatever it is you have trouble working on. Then sit down and force the words out. I don’t often recommend this, but sometimes you have to force your way through a block. You might have to completely rewrite the piece. But at least you will have something to work with, even if it’s complete garbage.

I also spend time every day in meditation. You sit and listen to music, chant, or someone talking. Let your mind drift. Ideas will come to you, over time.

The words will come. Whatever the cause of your blockage, remember that it is temporary. It will pass. How long it will take no one can tell. It’s a good thing to remember. Writer’s block is not a permanent condition. Keep that in mind at all times. Don’t let the block make you feel as though it’s permanent. It isn’t. Good luck and keep writing.