My fingers must be broken. Really. How else can you explain their inability to type words on the page?
No answer?
That’s what I thought. Broken fingers it is.
Fine…I’ll say it.
I have a case of the writer’s block. Or what would be known as writer’s block, if I believed such a thing existed. But I don’t.
So there.
Even so, I haven’t written since early January. Every time I try, I get a few words down and quit. It feels wrong, like my fingers really aren’t working. Each moment is a struggle. I hate writing at the moment, and that makes me sad.
It’s funny how my mind starts both filling in reasons why and telling me things like I’ll never write again, that all the words I’ve written before are a fluke.
I know this isn’t true. But it feels true in the moment.
So how to beat my mind at its own game?
- Write. Even if it’s bad. Even if each word is painful. Even if I only get five words a session.
- Start a new project. Often times I get ‘writer’s block’ when I’m just not that into the project, or even section, I’m working on.
- Look to what I love about writing. I love developing story. I love learning about my characters and their world.
- Try something new. I usually write in the morning. Now I’ll try the afternoon. Or maybe I’ll try writing a section at a time rather than chronologically as I do now.
- Put more pressure on myself. I know this sounds wrong, but here’s the thing: I’m a lazy writer. Unless I’m under the gun. My official deadlines are more than six months out, so I’m not pressuring myself enough to write, not like I would if the book was due in a month.
Our minds love to play tricks on us. To make us rationalize our actions or feelings. Well, you won’t win this time, you evil genius. I’m on to you.
How do you beat writer’s block (if it exists)?
Your suggestions seemed to have worked. This is so well-written. Thanks!
If only, but thank you! I appreciate it.
Good suggestions, Julie. One of my favorites is re-locating, writing in a different environment. While my laptop was getting its tune-up, I felt chained to my PC — I write in almost every room of our house. Another one I like is to “write a letter to Pam.” I write to my long-time friend in the same comfortable, trusted-friend way in which we converse, about the problem I’m having with [plotting-craft-characterization-scene]. Like magic, it almost always blends into my WIP and current scene. Happy writing!
Oh, I like the letter writing idea. Moving to a new location too. But I never thought about writing a letter to Pam or anyone else for that matter. Pam will be so happy to receive all this new mail…:)
Thanks Julie. I like the rebranding. I’m switching my mindset to broken fingers.
Heck yes. Makes it much more understandable.
Agreed, Julie. Nothing seems to beat writer’s block for me like a deadline, even a self-imposed one!
Not sure that says good thing about either of us. But as long as we’re writing, right?
I could have written that word for word! I contacted an old friend to act as a muse…awaiting a reply hoping some “outside” guidance/advice might help. We’ll see…
I hope you get a great response from that outsider. Please, let me know what it is.
Thanks for this post, Julie! This topic is dear to our hearts, even us non-believers! 🙂 I have to fall back on your #1. Write. Even if it’s bad. I’m a slow writer, so I need to start well before deadline and I don’t dare fall behind. I’m a great believer in Anne Lamott’s “shitty first draft” and know that anything can be fixed. Well, not anything, but it sure might spark something that can be saved. I’m trying to learn to write without pressuring myself, but that one has worked in the past as well. Let’s face it, we need to just sit down and go to it, even when we don’t feel like it! Have a good day! I also believe that even if it’s a day when we just read, it’s still a productive day. Take care.
Agreed. Writing is the one way to ensure you overcome. And reading as a productive day is great advice. Takes the pressure off for sure. Thanks!
I’m a lazy writer too. I write in my head for long periods of time before I sit down at my computer and type. Maybe you’re just in the “write in your head” phase of lazy writing. Go chop some veggies or shampoo the dog or take a long walk (while “writing in your head,” of course).
My dogs are not happy with your idea. But yes, I think this is very true. I also write in my head, and then forget what I wanted to say when it comes time to type it. I’ve tried the pen by the bed or voice recorder. Never quite get it down right, but at least it’s a start.
I’m encouraged to see that I’m not alone in this dilemma. I’m going to try and push myself to just write (instead of coming up with my long list of excuses not to)! I know if I just wrote, it would take away some of the self-doubt I have of not writing. Thanks for your post!
I’m not particularly proud of this, but I allow myself to take a break yet keep my hand in the game as I edit for others.
Nice post, J.A.!
My fingers get frozen–lots.
Great ideas except for shampooing the dog. I don’t have a dog, so I tried it with my cat. Just as disastrous as my most recent paragraph.
Sunshine. I’ve gotta get a good dose of sunshine to do my best.
Great post and makes those of us in the same boat not so alone. I had coffee with a writer friend yesterday voicing my struggles over this very topic. Just talking it over with her really helped!