Demystifying Writer's Block

Writer's block. The bane of every author's existence. It's a phase most, if not all, writers experience. It's that time when you feel like all your wells of creativity have dried up. Or it could be that the motivation to get up and write is severely lacking. But is it really as mysterious and infallible as you think? I beg to differ.

In all the times I've sunk into and waded out of this thing called writer's block, I've noticed two things: one, it always arrives for a reason; two, it always beats a hasty retreat once that reason disappears. And the two main reasons I face writer's block are these:

Not Knowing What Comes Next

It happens every now and then, even with an outline for reference. A certain scene just hasn't come to life in my head. Perhaps it's because a character's one sentence that's supposed to be loaded with lots of subtext sounds all wrong. Or perhaps I inadvertently created a spanking new organization in my last writing session and I have no idea what it does. Or perhaps I have no clue where to place my character—in a worn-down room or a shabby dungeon? These questions are much like a big red STOP sign to my subconscious. And once this comes up, my next course of action is to put away my book. Not because I'm frustrated by the lack of progress or inspiration, but because only by stepping away can I see the problem with a refreshed, uninfluenced mind.

Usually, a person looking at a sealed room from outside can determine its shape more easily than the person trapped within. Inside that sealed room, which is dark, damp, and cluttered with junk, is not the best place to hunt for ideas. So you need to leave. With haste.

After a day or two of de-stressing, ideas come flowing back in. These ideas could either be the fruit of conscious pondering, or by sudden inspiration (from perhaps a book or movie I'm consuming at the time). And after refining the idea some, I'd be itching to get back to my book and put it all down. Tada~ writer's block defeated.

Fleeing in defeat due to the almighty writer's block and consciously creating space to think up solutions are mightily different things. Even if it seems like no manner of brainstorming would resolve the issue, you can always seek assistance from a fellow writer or a friend or a family member. Putting down your thoughts and confusion on paper can also help straighten out the issue.

Unhealthy Mental State

I will never emphasize this enough. Always keep your mental health in mind. Writing while stressed, depressed, or anxious can often exacerbate the issue. I don't recommend. Though it seems like sometimes, writing takes away those negative emotions, it can also bring on a new wave of them if the effects of your writing are not satisfactory.

So, if you find yourself in a less-than-desirable state of mental health, do give yourself some timeout. You need not beat yourself up for being unable to write. When in better shape, you will be able to accomplish much more that you would if you forced yourself to work.

There may be other reasons you find yourself unable or unwilling to write. Whatever the case, know that it is not permanent. It could be that you need a bit of rest, brainstorming, or perhaps some external assistance.

Thus, you have been armed, with sword and shield, to defeat the dragon called Writer's Block. Till we meet again!

Your friendly neighborhood editor,

Chiedozi.