6 Effective Ways to Avoid Writer’s Block
The process of writing can be a challenging one. Every writer, at some point, is afflicted by “writer’s block”. If you’ve ever felt stuck, not knowing how to proceed further with your story or begin a new one, you’ve experienced this phenomenon. It is a period of low creativity and productivity for the writer. Writer’s block impedes the progress of one’s writing and leaves the writer feeling demotivated, often for great periods of time. Every writer begins their journey with a sense of purpose and writer’s block can often make the writer lose sight of their purpose. Various feelings of discontent with one’s own work can arise, along with a lack of internal motivation. Facing writer’s block is a difficult part of the writing process. Yet, by keeping in mind a few tips, you can avoid this stumbling block.
1.Have a plan for your book in mind
While writing is a spontaneous exercise, it helps to have a blueprint in mind. Make a rough layout of the key themes you want to highlight. Note down the characters and their role in the story. Doing this will help you stay on track and you will never run out of things to write about. A significant part of overcoming writer’s block is figuring out what to write next. Creating a plan beforehand is the best way to keep moving forward. This will also help you navigate through the plot and keep track of characters and situations. A book that is planned ahead has a clear structure and makes for a good reading experience as well.
2.Stick to a routine and take frequent breaks
Writer Haruki Murakami believes in the power of a routine for a successful writing career. He maintains strict discipline as he moves through various tasks during the day. This includes exercising, writing, eating healthy and indulging in leisurely activities. Maintaining a schedule is key to staying motivated to write. One must not devote endless hours to perfecting a single chapter while neglecting their physical and mental wellbeing. It is essential to take adequate breaks to avoid monotony and exhaustion. Adopt healthy habits like meditation to free your mind and encourage the flow of creative thought.
3.Stay inspired
All successful writers have one common secret- they know where to derive inspiration. When you are inspired, you cannot fall into the trap of writer’s block. Wanting to write, but not knowing what to write about is a feeling that is mutual to both seasoned and budding writers. As a writer, it is not uncommon to feel that you’ve run out of ideas. Inspiration can be found everywhere- in the world around you, in films or music or even within yourself. Travel and engage with the world around you. Interact with people that are different from you. Observe cultures and social behaviours. You will never run out of creative thoughts.
4.Don’t chase perfection with your first draft
Writer’s block often occurs because writers put a lot of pressure on themselves. They want to attain perfection on their very first attempt. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment. It is important to treat your first draft as a rough sketch with scope for improvement. Give yourself permission to write imperfectly. You can always go back and edit your draft, maybe even get a second pair of eyes to analyse the manuscript. Just putting the words on the page is enough when you’re writing for the first time. Give yourself time to develop your craft.
5.Avoid comparison with other writers
“The only writer to whom you should compare yourself is the writer you were yesterday.”
David Schlosser
Every writer has a unique voice and style. Comparing one’s writing to another’s is a doomed exercise. Don’t expend your energy in criticising yourself for not being able to write like another writer. Believe in your own ability to captivate readers with your talent. Comparing yourself to other writers will also prevent you from enjoying the process of writing your book. Focus on developing your skill instead and tracking your own progress. Doing so will help you stand out as an original and unique voice.
6.Exercise your creative muscles
Improving any skill requires practise and dedication and writing is no different. If you’re feeling stuck, it can be helpful to try writing exercises. They might strengthen your creative thinking abilities. Many writing exercises are also designed to increase the word power and improve vocabulary. Take out time for scrabble-session to bolster your abilities. There are many creative writing prompts available, along with writing exercises and writing strategies to get started. Writing exercises are a fun and productive way to get you back on track and prevent you from falling into a creative slump.
Writer’s block is an unavoidable part of one’s creative journey. However, there are many ways in which one can prevent it and overcome it. The most important thing is to stay engaged by working on your writing skills. The next time you feel like you’re unable to move forward with your book, try your hands on a course with Pencil Masterclass. The well-designed courses are made to ignite endless writing ideas. By offering you the right guidance, Pencil Masterclass will motivate you to continue on your path to becoming a great author!
