Writer's Block and How I Overcame It!
I have a confession, in the last month, I haven't been able to write more than a few hundred words a day. For some people, that’s okay, but for me, it’s a problem. I never subscribed to the idea of writer’s block. Have I had trouble finishing a scene? Yes. Have I fallen behind schedule and missed (self-imposed) deadlines? Of course. But never have I ever had trouble fleshing out a story idea.
I will admit, not being able to write has stressed me out, which only added more fuel to the fire. Eventually, I reached a place where I accepted that I wasn’t in a space to write.
Once I accepted that, the ideas started flowing.
Here are the three things I did to overcome my writer’s block:
1. R-E-S-T!
My good friend, Bria, is always telling me to rest, and I’m always like, “Okay, girl.” Then, I continue to work full throttle. I should’ve listened to her because when I least expected it, I shut down. I know my husband was tired of me moping around the house complaining about not being able to write. (LOL) His advice was the same as Bria’s. Finally, their words got through to me. At the beginning of 2021, I outlined my publishing goals and one of those goals was to publish a novel in February. Here we are the eighth day of the month, and no novel in sight (or coming, for that matter). However, I have been working on a serial short. What I’ve enjoyed most about writing this short is that there’s no pressure. I write a couple hundred words a day (maybe more) and I’m okay with it. Writing the short has also inspired me to follow through on outlining a project I know will challenge my pen. So, if you’re reading this and you’re on your last leg, take a break, sis. We all need to rest, recharge, etc.…
If you’re reading this and you’re on your last leg, take a break, sis.
2. Delete the Apps!
I am a firm believer in taking breaks from social media. When I was deep in my writer’s block crisis, scrolling my timeline did nothing but magnify my insecurities as a writer. So, I deleted Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram from my phone. During that week off of social media, I focused on reading technical writing books, did some vocabulary exercises, and wrote freely. The free writing was the beginning of my serial short. Yes, I know social media is the best way to reach readers and promote your work. But listen, you need to be intentional with your social media presence. Scrolling aimlessly for hours is unproductive, and all you’re doing is consuming content of people living “amazing” lives while you’re struggling with your pen! Schedule some content and DELETE THE APPS!
DELETE THE APPS!
3. Realizing Nothing Was the Same (PIVOT).
Look at your neighbor and say, “PIVOT, SIS!”
Let’s face it, things will never be the same. I probably won’t write outside (coffee shops) for a while. I had to come to that harsh realization toward the end of 2020. It may sound crazy, but I remained hopeful that I would be writing outside in 2021. I’ve accepted the reality of this situation. I won’t lie, I miss the smell of coffee and the sound of chatter. I’ve tried coffee scented candles, coffee shop themed playlists, AND downloaded coffee shop sound apps. Trust me, I’ve tried it all! Unfortunately, I must adjust to the times and in doing that, I have to create a NEW writing routine. A routine that includes me using my Keurig more, learning how to make my own damn lattes (thanks to TikTok) and listening to LoFi music to focus. It may take me longer to release projects, and that’s okay. Because honestly, readers aren’t going anywhere, and my mental health is TOP priority.
If you or someone you know is experiencing writer’s block, I hope these tips work for you all. And remember, this isn’t a competition. No one will like you any less because you weren’t able to write and publish a book in a month (or whatever timeline you’ve created in your mind.)
You cannot create if you aren’t your best self. Take care of you and everything else will fall in place.