Overcoming Writer’s Block EMBRACING THE HORROR OF THE BLANK PAGE
Aug 16, 2015
Overcoming
Writer’s Block
EMBRACING
THE HORROR
OF THE
BLANK PAGE
The Blank Page
What do you see?
Potential
The Start of a Journey
A Roadmap of Undiscovered Places, yet to be drawn (Hey I’m a writer,
whaddya want?)
Time to Write!
Some writers have an specific ritual they go through before they
begin writing.
What do you do?
Meditate (ponder)
Yoga
Jog (or other exercise)
Make Coffee
Research
A Creative Space
Then there’s your writing space.
What’s it like?
Ambient Music
Lots of Natural Light
Candles and incense
A Dark room with just the glow of
your Monitor
Just when you thought it was safe
to write . . .
Writer’s Block1st Stage: Shock
WHAT IN THE HELL?!
Writer’s Block 2nd Stage: Confusion
I was sitting here to do something
important . . . What was it?! Was it
werds?
Writer’s Block 3rd Stage:
Concentration
Mebbe if I stare at the screen
long enough . . .
Writer’s Block 4th Stage: Frustration
My mother was right! I should
have been a plastic surgeon!
Writer’s Block 5th Stage:
Acceptance
I Can’t Just Stop
Now!Nothing was ever accomplished
sitting and staring at a monitor.
I Have a Real
Problem Here!Problems are opportunities in disguise.
I’ve Lost So Much
Momentum!The only way you get a stalled car
going is to get out and push.
Action Cures Anxiety!
Writer’s Block is typically the creative center of our brains sending us a message:
You need a change of scene or pace! NOW!
So what can you do?
Clean house.
Music.
Get out of the house!
Change the Room Temperature.
Set deadlines for yourself.
Avoid distractions – ooo shiny!
Try a different medium.
Your Attitude About the Problem
How did I get here?
Reverse engineer your block.
Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.
Research
More. MORE! MOAR!!
Move on!
Start Another Project
Story vault
Blog
Writing prompts
Poems
Alternate storyline
Talk to Family or Friends
Never underestimate the power of a good chat.
All that being said . . .
“Everyone’s mileage varies.”
Some of these tips may not work for you
YOU might discover new ways to overcome
Point: When you hit that wall, never quit.