How do we define Writer's Block in 2022?
You’re sitting down ready to write and can’t seem to come up with anything.
Your brain refuses to work and you can’t seem to zone.
We’ve all been there. Even some of the best authors in the world.
It's Writer's Block!!
Fear not, I’m here to show you a few ways you can overcome it so you get back to writing that masterpiece!
We’ve all seen it before. That blank white screen with no words on it. Just emptiness. Not the type of blank that involves staring at a wall in meditation until enlightenment strikes.
I’m referring to the sort of perspiration dripping down your back, the misery and worry you feel, and the torture you go through. Writer’s block grows worse as a deadline approaches closer.
After all of that, allow me to state for the record: “The closer the deadline, the more agonizing the writer’s block becomes.” Is there anything you can think of that could be causing this terrible loss of speech?
Is it Fear?
FEAR is the obvious response to this question. You’re afraid of what’s on the other side of that white blank space. You’re scared to death that you’re going to be unable to say anything worthwhile. You’re terrified of writer’s block because you’re afraid of it!
A decade of study doesn’t matter if all you have to do is throw phrases together that you can repeat in your sleep to form coherent paragraphs.
Anyone may have writer’s block at any moment. It instills concerns about our own self-worth because it is rooted in fear, but it is cunning. You know you’ve got writer’s block when you’re unable to get started on a new project.
Having your frontal lobes removed via your sinuses does not make you feel smart. You’d be uttering nonsense if you tried to communicate with the rest of the world.
Common reasons why you're having writer's block
- The need for things to be perfect. There’s almost no room for error when it comes to the first draft. A total failure is warranted in this case. Stop trying to be perfect!
- Your editing rather than writing. When you enter “I was born?” your monkey-mind yells, “No, not that, that’s incorrect!”
What a blunder! Stop editing. It breaks your creative flow. Save it for later - You’re focusing too much on yourself. Stop being selfish and thinking about you! Focus on what brought you to write today.
It feels impossible to get started. The first sentence is usually the most difficult to write. We, as writers, are well aware of the critical importance of the first phrase. It’s got to be fantastic! It has to be one of a kind!
It must grab the attention of your readers right away! Before we can begin writing the article, we must first overcome this impossibility in the first phrase.
Your concentration is broken. Your pet has been ill. You have reason to believe your partner is having an affair. You never know when the power will go out.
There’s a million and one things on your mind. Non of which have anything to do with writing. It’s impossible to focus if you haven’t cleared your mind and removed distractions.
Putting things off. It’s what you’re most passionate about. It’s a match made in heaven. Your garage workshop is the reason you’ve knitted 60 argyle sweaters or built 300 bookshelves. It’s why Brie never runs out.
ARE YOU WILLING TO FACE IT? One of the reasons you get writer’s block is because of this!
How to Get Past Writer's Block
Okay. Listen to the herd of you sprinting away from this article at full speed. Absurd! Huffing and puffing, you sputter. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why.
It’s difficult to get through writer’s block, no matter how hard you try.
I mean, come on! This is obviously not a simple task. Try to sit down for a few minutes and listen to what’s being said. Listening is all that’s required, right? You don’t even have to write a single word.
Writer’s block can be broken, and I am here to tell you how!
Please keep your seat!
Writer's block may be overcome using these tried and tested methods:
Tricking this monster isn’t impossible. Decide on one or more and give them a go. Guess what? Before your pulse has a chance to increase, it will happen sooner rather than later.
- Plan ahead of time. Fear is the only thing to be afraid of. There is a cliche about that, but it’s true. However, as soon as you begin writing, you are free to make changes.) Avoiding the worst of the paralyzing terror could be possible if you take some time to think about your topic before sitting down to write.
- Don’t worry about being perfect. The first draft is seldom a masterpiece. Don’t put any pressure on yourself while you’re writing. As a matter of fact, tell yourself you’re going to write a piece of trash and then proceed to do just that.
Instead of revising, write new material. Your monkey mind should never be present when you begin writing your first draft.
There is a charm to the act of composition. It is light years ahead of the conscious intellect. Even the conscious, editorial, monkey-mind can’t comprehend it. Plan your ambush accordingly!
Sit down at your computer or desk and start working. Blow away all your thoughts with a long, deep breath. Pick up your pen or let your finger rest on the keyboard.
Using your thumb and index finger of your dominant hand, toss that tiny bothersome ugly monkey back into the barrel of laughs it came from, pretending to write.
So, what are you waiting for? quickly! Anything goes as long as you use a pen or a computer keyboard to express yourself.
Forget about the first paragraph. That elusive one-liner can wait till after you’ve completed your work. Why bother? Try to get to the middle or even the conclusion of the story.
Anywhere and everywhere is a good place to start. Probability is if you read it, you willAs soon as you’re done, the first line will be shining its neon lights right at you from the depths of your writing.
Put an end to procrastination. Make a rough outline. Keep a close eye on your study notes. Get started by reading someone else’s work. If necessary, ramble incoherently on paper or a computer.
Don’t hesitate! (Yeah, I know, I plagiarized there somewhere?) Notes, outlines, and photos of your grandma may all help you get started.
Just start writing!
Keep your reward for finishing your first draft close at hand. Though it’s out of reach for the time being. Then go out and read something similar to what you’ll be writing.
Then go back and read it all over again. I assure you that the anxiety will subside with time.
Grab your keyboard as quickly as humanly possible. and start writing!
