Writer’s block. That frustrating event when you can’t figure out what to write next. But what should we do about it? Here's five approaches to help you get unstuck.
- Be sure your story is on track. Sometimes, writer’s block is our subconscious telling us we’re off course. Double check your story. Does the plot make sense? Am I following themes like I intended? Are my characters acting naturally or am I forcing them to act out-of-character? This approached helped me get unstuck last November. I reread the first two chapters of my book and realized I’d dropped several themes I’d introduced.
- Plan your scene. Let’s say your story is on track, but you don’t know what should happen next. Go on a walk or bike ride to think about your story. Brainstorm with a friend or family member. Imagine you’re in a theatre watching your novel on the silver screen.
- Switch to another scene to get warmed up. Do you have a scene later on you could write? Get your creative juices flowing, then return to the scene giving you trouble.
- Just write it. Cue up your writing playlist and tackle the scene. Set a timer and make yourself write for ten minutes, no matter what. You may hate it and delete it, but at least it's written and now you know what you don’t want.
- Learn to push through it. I listened to a speaker who wrote for a living. When he came to the office, he had to write, no matter how he felt. That should be our approach. We don’t hear about ‘electrician’s block’ or ‘doctor’s block.’ Ultimately, our goal should be to sit down and write no matter how we’re feeling. (note: if the scene is unplanned, planning it becomes your writer’s work).
What solutions have you found helpful? Comment below!
