Writing: Conquering Writer's Block

The most common writing-related complaint I hear, from both people who love writing and those who hate is, is the struggle of writer's block. Oftentimes, the people who hate writing dislike it because of this hassle. "How do I write when I can't think of anything to write about?!" Somedays, the words just won't word themselves. *sigh*

I wrote my first manuscript in 2018, 50k words in the 31 days of July, to prepare for NaNoWriMo. I succeeded in doing this. However, before this, I hated writing with a passion. I was an active child and hated to sit still for long. I would barely start writing some assignment my mom (my teacher, since I was homeschooled) required, when my mind would wander and I'd lose all sense of what I was writing about.

Yet, when my creativity bloomed and I began needing an outlet for the stories I thought up, I began to consider writing books. A friend suggested this idea and I tried in vain for a while to put words on paper (literally with pencils and paper), but failed to make anything of it. Writer's block defeated me. 

The change occurred when I heard of NaNoWriMo and wondered if I could complete such a challenge. I love challenges in a strange way, but I am somewhat of a coward in that I don't like undertaking a challenge unless I know it is possible to succeed. Therefore, I did my own mini version of NaNoWriMo in July of 2018. I created a brand-new story idea, plotline, characters, and began afresh. 

The deadline, I believe, was what did it. I have a bittersweet relationship with deadlines. They freak me out, yet keep me on track. They're like those friends who call you out on everything, yet you know they do it because they love you. Anyway, I powered through and succeeded in my goal. 

Since then, I've completed fourteen manuscripts, surpassed a lifeline word count of one million words, and am nearly a fifth of the way to a second million. 

So, how do I deal with writer's block? Answer: in several ways. 

1. Powering Through 💪 Honestly, this is hardest way for me to defeat writer's block and yet I use it most often because it trains me to deal with future writer's block. The more I just power through, the easier it becomes. I picture Mini Me inside my mind just screaming at the top of my lungs as I furiously type away, simply to put words on the screen. Eventually, the words flow naturally, I feel properly immersed in the scenes, and I can just edit out the unnatural-sounding writing later. 
2. Distraction Removal 💥Sometimes, my problem lies in my physical surroundings. All writers are different in terms of what environment best suits their writing but, personally, I cannot write in a perfectly silent place or in an overly loud place. I need an environment with a little, but not a lot, of background noise. Oftentimes, I have to physically move locations to be able to write fluently. Sometimes I have to put on some ambient background music, or turn the music off. I recommend experimenting with your environment to find what works best but, in the end, do not obsess over your environment because this can lead to procrastination. 
3. Caffeine (or a different snack or beverage) 👅Sometimes, I'm just hungry or thirsty. If I'm being healthy, I first drink a big cup of water and that hydrates my brain and gets the words flowing. Other times, I need coffee or a little snack. 
4. Changing the Project 👽When I just can't bear to write the next planned chapter or scene, not matter what I do, I sometimes just move on and decide to come back to it later. This can mean writing the next scene and saving the planned one for another day, or it can mean taking a break from the present project altogether. For example, I sat down today to write a chapter and BAM! Writer's block! So, instead, I decided to write this blog post and then tackle that chapter. Honestly, I already feel refreshed and ready to take it on! 
5. Reimagining the Project 😎 When a preplanned scene just isn't working, I sometimes have to change it entirely. Character #1 is supposed to have a conversation with Character #2 about their relationship while down at the lake? Yeah, well, maybe the location needs to change. Maybe a different conversation takes place first, and leads into the planned conversation. Maybe Character #1 talks first with Character #3 before Character #2 comes on the scene. Whatever needs to change, let it. Writer's block can sometimes occur for a reason and we can use it to our advantage to improve our writing. 
6. Taking a Break 💃 No, I don't always recommend this, but sometimes I need to come to terms with the fact that I just need a break. When nothing else works, I close my laptop and do something else. If I'm really upset, then I go exercise. Usually, after I exercise, the words flow very rapidly and smoothly. Take heart! TAKING A BREAK IS NOT GIVING UP!!! Once, I took a break for three months! I speak from experience about this - breaks are good! Just don't use them as an excuse for laziness. Laziness means something different for each person. For me, personally, laziness results in staring out the window, wandering the house aimlessly, or surfing the internet. Be intentional about your breaks, and make something good of them. 

Writer's block can be quite a pain to deal with but, instead of seeing it as a nasty monster that wants to ruin your day, try turning it into an opportunity to strengthen your writing powers. You got this! 👊

1 Peter 5:8-11

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.