I'm currently revising a novel, and last week I entered the part of the process where I return to working on paper. I love this phase, which signifies that I'm definitely out of the dreaded-first-draft. I printed the entire manuscipt and put the pages in a binder, so I can read it like a real book with pen in hand.
This makes me so happy.
There are, of course, many things I need to fix. But all of this reminds me that often when we are stuck in a project, it helps to change things. For creatives experiencing writer's block, change is the key. Here are ten ideas that can help when the words aren't flowing.
- Change your writing location. If you write at home, try a coffee shop or a library. Take a ferry ride. Sit in a park or other outdoor setting. If you generally like quiet, try a more active environment and vice versa.
- Write with other people, over zoom or in person. Making a commitment, even to relative strangers, can help keep you on track. (BTW, if you belong to Sisters in Crime, they offer regular online meetups.)
- Similarly, you could ask a friend to serve as an accountability partner. Set up weekly check-ins to share whether or not you've met your goals.
- Change your physical writing process. As I mentioned above, I alternate between drafting with pen on paper and editing/revising on the computer. The switch between handwriting and typing helps keep the process fresh instead of an endless slog of sameness.
- End a writing sessions when you know what happens next so that beginning again is easier (a concept often associated with Hemingway).
- Set up positive reinforcement. Promise yourself coffee/chocolate/social media time only after you’ve completed a certain number of words or spent a set amount of time working.
- Take a different approach to a difficult scene. Try writing it from an alternate POV or change the scene's setting. You can also try interviewing your character on paper about the work-in-progress. Or ask, “what do I need to know to write this scene?” and journal the results. Sometimes figuring out a missing piece of information can unlock a story.
- Refill the creative well. Julia Cameron suggests going on artist dates, solo activities that bring joy: “Since art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well of images and inspiration.” Visit a museum, go for a walk in nature, browse a bookstore--do something alone that allows you to daydream.
- Be kind to yourself. A draft is meant to be revised later. Perfect words don’t need to flow effortlessly onto the page to count as progress. Allow yourself the time and space to make creative mistakes.
- Try writing ANYTHING. Type up a favorite poem. Write about why writing is tough right now. Create a haiku about writer's block. Often small actions can set the stage for further progress.
Every month, the Insecure Writers Support Group hosts a blog hop with a question meant to inspire and encourage other writers. Special thanks to founder Alex Cavanaugh and to this month’s co-hosts, Ronel Janse Van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Liza @ MiddlePassages. I'm skipping this month's optional question, but look forward to visiting IWSG blogs and reading other people's answers.
Happy Writing!
Happy Writing!
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