Five Actual Solutions To Writer's Block

Intro, blah blah blah. Okay, what are the solutions to writer's block?

Solution 1: Consistency

Yup. The age-old solution you're tired of listening to, yet is oh so important. If you want to shake writer's block you have to plan time to write consistently. I know it's uncomfortable to bite the bullet but completing a project requires discipline.

As a freelance writer and editor, I have a daily schedule that I put together. Even though I work from home, I still prioritize getting up in the morning and getting dressed, washing my face, and eating some breakfast. I make my bed every day and keep my desk clear so I can focus.

When it comes to my assignments for the day, I have two categories: dark pink work, which are tasks I need to get done by the end of the day, and light pink work, which are things I'd like to get done if I have time, but won't pressure myself to complete. I don't letting myself up for disappointment, so I don't give myself more than two or three tasks a day when they're time consuming. And I try to pepper in days that are only shaded in light pink; days where I'm just going to answer emails, work on one creative project, and finally tackle some laundry, dust, or meet a friend for tea. Setting a healthy boundary for yourself so you're not overbooked is as important as setting a goal. I take off on weekends; those days are dedicated to catching up on video games and quiet time so I don't crumble from sensory overload. It doesn't matter who's calling or sending me work related emails. I will get back to you on Monday.

I've learned all of this through trial and error. Believe me. Being in charge of yourself means f*cking up sometimes.

The busier my schedule, the more I split tasks up between these categories. I usually roll light work into my priority section the next day.

My daily work space. I like adding digital stickers.

If I'm writing a traditional manuscript, I plan how many pages I'm going to get done each day, and structure it around breaks for lunch, going on a run, and letting my dog out to go potty. For graphic novels, my approach is similar, modified for illustration time and story development. I also strive to write for at least 30 minutes every work day (Monday through Friday) when I'm not committed to a manuscript or an assignment so my creative muscles are lubed up and in working order. Sometimes, yes, it does feel like I'm forcing the words onto the paper. However, if you can't bring yourself to write for even a half-hour, how can you expect to write an entire novel? Sure, you may write well when the mood strikes you, but those strokes of inspiration are fleeting. Before you know it you'll run out of steam. You have to create your own steam by writing as much as possible. You don't even have to be working on a project you intend on anyone to see. I wrote an entire piece about a character going to the grocery store for eggs once, and by God, NO ONE will ever read it.

My organization for social media, video editing, and blogging is the same. I write professionally for other blogs in addition to my personal business, so it's safe to say at this point I'm in tune with myself, what I can get done in an amount of time, and what just isn't feasible. Consistency is rooted in every professional's success, especially when you're self-employed.

One of my favorite authors is Haruki Murakami. His routine is almost as famous as his books.

When I’m in writing mode for a novel, I get up at 4:00 am and work for five to six hours. In the afternoon, I run for 10km or swim for 1500m (or do both), then I read a bit and listen to some music. I go to bed at 9:00 pm. I keep to this routine every day without variation. The repetition itself becomes the important thing; it’s a form of mesmerism. I mesmerize myself to reach a deeper state of mind. But to hold to such repetition for so long — six months to a year — requires a good amount of mental and physical strength. In that sense, writing a long novel is like survival training. Physical strength is as necessary as artistic sensitivity.

The Paris Review, Summer 2004

Is the lesson here to get up at 4:00 am and run 10km everyday you plan to write? No. But as he says, repetition is key.

And believe me, I know not everyone can have the same approach to a task. I have post concussive syndrome and fibromyalgia after a fall I took in college. It was a poopy day...

My days aren't always ones of peak efficiency and accomplishment. But, I still do what I can, and I try my best to celebrate the little victories, even if I didn't cross off every last thing from my list. Whether you have depression, anxiety, ADHD, or a physical limitation, you can still give yourself the gift of a routine. One that is feasible and earnest. And the more you stick to it, even if you have to adapt to life's many sudden events, the less daunting it will be.

You're not incapable. You have autonomy, strength, and you can do this. ♡

Solution 2: Draw Something Related to Your Story.

I'm not going to patronize you. Even though I highlighted the benefits of consistency right up top there, writing is hard. Even if you've published a book before.

Anyone who says it isn't is lying. You may have a myriad of great ideas but not know

where to take them, or if you're skilled at scene development you have no idea what

scene to write. And then writer's block sneaks up behind you, on a date with self-doubt, and you start crying at your kitchen table over an empty notebook...

*Ahem*

Something to get me out of my funk that I do is drawing what I've written or what's floating around in my head. I've drawn characters, animals, landscapes, even little made up things like steampunk-styled watches and magical plants. It's a reprieve from writing but you won't feel lazy or neglectful because you're still working on aspects of your story.

Don't hesitate to look up reference images, too, if you're not interested in drawing. Compile everything in a folder and toss some chicken-scratch notes alongside it. Being able to actually look at a building I've imagined has always helps me describe it to the reader.

Solution 3: Say It Out Loud

I've certainly felt like a crazy person for this but I'm not going to lie: I talk to myself. A

lot. Like, a lot lot lot, especially when I'm writing. Something that helps me battle writer's block is getting up and walking around my kitchen talking out my story to myself. Take out your phone or another device to record audio, and talk through your ideas.

Speak them out loud over and over again and from different angles. Play it back and use it to write out what you're thinking. This has helped me from sitting at my desk just staring at my blank page. If you're really brave and don't care about strangers opinions, take a walk outside and speak into a recorder. Get some vitamin D.

And, know that even if you don't record this little conversation with yourself, talking an idea out is certainly useful.

Solution 4: Waltzing Note Cards

Similar to drawing an image, having note cards is especially helpful for timelines or

separating your story into chunks mentally. If you're in the world-building phase or trying to keep track of several events or characters, this can alleviate the frying of your brain. Jot down chapter ideas, dates/times, character arcs, or anything else you need to breakdown in order to digest.

I often do this with information about fantasy lands and townships I've come up with (even for D&D I do this) and after making all the note cards I organize them into piles. Then put the piles in chronological order.

I've found this technique not only helps for clearing writer's block but useful for editing a draft as well.

Ex. Chapter One ----> Riley gets fired ----> Riley decides to hunt for a new job ----> The

stove explodes ----> Riley goes to bed, seeing the day as ruined.

Having the story in small chunks to reference feels less stifling than the pressure of having to get it all down on the paper in one go.

Solution 5: Read Some Flash Fiction, or Poetry

I am an avid reader. There are some problems I see in blogs suggesting you read a lot before writing to get ideas. Not only do I get sucked into the book I'm reading and forget about my writing all together, I'm too inspired by the story and then I worry my draft will become an imitation. Still, I agree reading is essential to succeeding as a writer. If I need something to quiet my brain before a writing session I'll meditate, or turn to a collection of poems or flash fiction I've read before and read it with my breakfast.

Flash fiction is a unique medium, and for me it's better to read this than a chapter of a book you like or some poetry. Flash fiction is just enough to getting you in the story telling space without being time consuming and giving you a novel that will subconsciously impact your draft.

I really recommend looking to Jellyfishreview.wordpress.com for flash pieces. When it comes to poetry, haikus are my favorite to relax.

This is one of my favorite books for Haikus. This anthology is well worth the read before bed, too.

These are the main solutions I turn to to shake writer's block. It can be frustrating, but at the end of the day writer's block is another excuse to not write. Don't fall into the trap of saying you, "will write after it passes." The longer you wait, the bigger the block will become.

If you have friends who write, talk to them as well! We all have struggles and self-esteem issues when it comes to creativity. That doesn't mean you have no business being an artist.

Good luck! I can't wait to read your next great work.