Writers Block and how to cope.

* Main Entry: writer's block
* Function: noun
* Date: 1950

: a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece
(From the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/writer%27s%20block)

We all suffer from it, from time to time, the unthinkable, the unexpected and annoying...writers block. Either we’ve finally worked our way up to that one perfect scene that is all important to the chapter, we’ve managed to get past the scene and are now stuck how to go on, or somewhere in between. It can happen for no reason and come from nowhere. But how do we cope with an ever present block when that fast approaching deadline is right around the corner? Well today we’re gonna list some effective ways to go about it. And hopefully save that “next great thing” your working on.

1. Most importantly, Its all in you’re mind. To go all Matrix on you, “There is no spoon.” Sounds simple and yet I’m sure plenty of people will want to argue the point. But the reality is, your mind is creating a road block for you in one form or another. The ultimate and best way to defeat it is to realize it doesn’t exist. Don’t give your mind the power or satisfaction in overwhelming you, find the underlining cause behind the block. Are you stressed at work? Worried about something? Kids driving you batty? While its not all important at this moment that you fix the cause, it is important that you realize there is one. Sometimes just acknowledging the fact and sitting it to the side (so to speak) is enough to get those creative juices going.

2. Find some quiet time. Again, a simple thing, but not something a lot of us actually have. Give your self some down time, not worrying about that big deadline, even if only for a few hours. Relax, sit back and let your mind wander. If you start to dwell on some of those things that are crowding your mind and creating the block, calmly acknowledge the fact and sweep them aside to think of something else. It doesn’t even have to be related to whatever you are working on. Remember a favorite spot as a child. If you loved to go fishing with your dad in the lazy summer months, visualize the experience. Recall everything you can about that particular memory. What were you wearing? Did you catch any fish? Did you smell the coppery bitterness of the stream or your dad’s favorite aftershave? Was the wind blowing slightly or did you need to dip your feet in the pond to cool off? It might seem a pointless exercise but not only are you increasing your powers of memory recall and helping your visualizing techniques but your brain will release certain chemicals when calling upon strong memories, be they good memories or not. Use it to your advantage to give yourself a break.

3. Try writing something else. Do you blog? Tweet on Twitter? Maybe just pop open a blank page and start writing the first thing that comes to you, no matter if it makes sense or pertains to your story or not. Sometimes just writing anything helps give your brain a kick start again.

4. If your having trouble with one scene in particular, whether something bad is happening to your favorite character or you just can’t get their motivations sorted out, try writing the scene from a different characters perspective. Even if it you can’t use it in your novel/short story, or whatever, sometimes it will help you “see” the scene a little clearer in your mind. And who knows, you may just accidentally stumble upon other character motivations or a cool line or two that way.

5. Remember that you don’t have to write in order. If your facing a particularly difficult sex scene and just can’t get yourself in the mood, skip ahead to the imminent betrayal, or whatever comes after, and come back when your more in the right state of mind. Its your writing, write it however you feel comfortable, no one is saying you have to conform to their rules, and if they are, I highly suggest you don’t listen. Some of the greatest authors out there have some very unusual writing habits. Vladimir Nabokov. The author of such great novels as Lolita, Pale Fire and Ada did all his writing standing up, and all on index cards. To each their own. Do what is easiest for you.

6. Carry around a small notebook or journal around with you, everywhere. You can get relatively cheap little memo pads at most stores for less than a dollar and they come in very handy should you have a passing thought while at the grocery store, or the neighbors Bar-B-Q and can’t get away to your selected work space.

7. If you just can’t seem to get into the feel of the story, go back a chapter or two and read it. Sounds simple right? But sometimes just switching off the “author” mode and going to “reader” mode for awhile helps get you settled into the flow of the story. And who knows, you may just find something you want to add to or edit out during this process.

8. Go read something else. It doesn’t have to be in the same genre as what your novel, although it seriously helps, but it’s a great way to get new ideas and to get in the mood for what you need to get out on paper. Ex: Having trouble with that sex scene? Go pick up some nice erotica books, or perhaps a good romance if erotica is to steamy for you. Same goes for any other scene, got a psycho killer? Find a similar thriller or horror book to while away an hour or two on.

9. Got a beta reader, close friend or significant other that knows you like to write and shares the same tastes? Have them read to where you are, then have a brainstorming party. Maybe they will suffice as a muse and lightning will strike. Perhaps they will have a whole new perspective you never even thought of. A lot of successful writers lean heavily on spouses or writing groups for ideas, it never hurts to ask for help. (Although a note, I will caution you on this one. Not everyone is going to like your work, or think you’re the next great thing. That doesn’t mean your writing is horrible, it may just mean its not their cup of tea. Pay attention to what they have to say, but don’t take it to heart. Everyone likes something different, them not liking your work, doesn’t necessarily reflect on you.)

10. To wrap this all up, I’m going to leave you with a quote for #10.
“"My block was due to two overlapping factors: laziness and lack of discipline. If you really want to write, then shut yourself in a room, close the door, and WRITE. If you don't want to write, do something else. It's as simple as that."
Mary Garden, the author of The Serpent Rising and Coming Together

Hopefully these easy and relatively simple ideas will help you out at one point or another. And if you have any more ideas to overcome writers block, I would love to hear them.

Until next time peeps,
Doom On!
CoD