Writers' Block: Is it a thing?
From book idea to publication and beyond.
Happy Saturday! In today’s newsletter, you’ll learn:
📚 The definition of writer’s block
📝 Why I don’t believe in it
☞ Strategies that might work for you
Is writer’ block a thing? The pat answer is maybe. I’ve heard lots of writers complain about writers’ block, but that hasn’t been my experience. I sometimes wonder if it’s an excuse for not writing. It’s not the inability to write when I sit down, it’s the sitting down part that gets me. Every. Time.
The definition of writers’ block from the Oxford Dictionary is “the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing.” Perhaps that happens to some writers. It is conceivable that a writer might be unable to move forward for whatever reason, but I’ve never lacked ideas. Yes, there have been times when I feel stuck about how the story should unfold, but that’s often a lack of planning or having too many options to choose from. But that’s not really writers’ block as Oxford defines it. In these cases, I go back to my blueprint and consider what I’ve already written, where I’m headed, and the best route to get there. I try things, knowing I can change my mind later.
“I haven’t had writer’s block. I think it’s because my process involves writing very badly.” — Jennifer Egan
Sometimes I sit down at my laptop and stare at the screen. Maybe make another cup of coffee. Put on a load of laundry. Consider vacuuming, but reject that idea as illogical. I avoid writing, but it’s not writers’ block. Other times, I play mind games. I tell myself things like I will sit down and write in 45 minutes. I don’t need to write more than a paragraph. I only need to write for twenty minutes. Anything to lessen the anxiety of facing the blank page. Also, not writers’ block. A third thing I do when I finally get my butt in the seat is write whatever comes out—good, bad, and ugly. It’s quite freeing to just let the words spew out and see where they land. My theory is it’s easier to tidy up the mess I made on the page than to have nothing on the page at all.
When I’m really not feeling the words, I turn to some other aspect of the writing process. Stare out the window and think about character or landscape. Take the puppy on a walk and ruminate about plot. Research some aspect of the novel that’s had me stumped. Read a chapter I’ve written that needs revision. Sometimes I write something else entirely. A newsletter post (can you tell from this post I’m stalling?). A short story. An Instagram post. I create something in Canva. I plan upcoming social media posts. All necessary things that make me feel like I’m being productive (I am) while pretending not to avoid writing (I am). Then, when I’m ready, I get back to the novel and write the pages. And, like magic, the words come. Okay, it’s not magic, but I like when it feels that way.
I reject the idea of writers’ block because I can’t face the idea that I might never have any ideas. I have ideas. Lots of them. I just need to make myself sit down and write them. I don’t think I’m alone in this.
Here are a few strategies that work for me:
Freewriting: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind. I prefer to do freewriting by hand.
Change Your Environment: A new setting can refresh your perspective and spark new ideas. I like a local coffee shop.
Break It Down: Tackle small sections or scenes instead of focusing on the entire project.
Set a Routine: Establish a regular writing schedule. It might be daily or weekly. It might include meeting a word count, number of pages, or a time frame.
Read: Reading can provide new ideas and inspiration.
Walk: Physical activity can clear your mind and reduce stress, allowing creativity to flow more easily.
Use Prompts: Writing prompts can jumpstart your imagination and get you writing again.
Talk It Out: Discussing your story with a friend or fellow writer can generate new ideas.
Take a Break: Sometimes, stepping away from your work for a while can help you return with a fresh perspective.
Write Something Different: Switching genres or writing something completely different can reignite your creativity.
Do you get writer’s block? What strategies do you use to get yourself writing? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
📚 Upcoming Offerings:
Women Writing Circle
The Women Writing Circle will meet on the second and last Monday of the month from 6:30-8:00 PM EST starting January 13, 2025. This offering is for paid subscribers. You can learn more about the benefits of subscribing here. I’m looking forward to creating a magical writing community with you, and getting some pages written in 2025.
8-Week Winter Group Book Coaching
A spot just opened up in the Winter Group Book Coaching sessions and it can be yours. Please contact me at liisabookcoach@gmail.com if you have any questions or to register. We start tomorrow (Sunday, January 5). Get in touch!
Happy writing!
Really great post! I’m with you on not really suffering from writer’s block. There are always ideas brewing—I may just get stuck about how to put those ideas onto the page. But eventually, the words start flowing.