Getting Over Writer's Blck

Over the hurdle beyond writer’s block

Every writer gets writer's block, at one time or another. Getting over writer's block can be difficult, but there are positive and constructive things that you can do, if this happens to you.

Look seriously, at what you have been writing, for the past while.

Is it possible that you have exhausted your internal information base? When this happens, it is a good idea to begin new research. Get fresh ideas from your bookstore, library or the Internet. Perhaps you could speak to an expert on the topic you are writing about

Have you been enjoying what you have been writing?

If you are enjoying what you are working on as a literary project, it is easier to write. When it is no longer enjoyable, take a break from it or work on another project. You may go back to this one later and have no problem with it.

Are you seriously interested in what you are writing?

If you are not interested in what you are writing, it can be difficult to write, because it will not hold your attention for long. When you are interested in something, you will plunge into it, without any effort and enjoy it. Time will fly by so fast that you won't realize what is happening around you. You will be done before you know it.

Do you have other things on your mind?

When you have other things on your mind, like family issues, finances or business concerns, they take priority. These will be the things that you are thinking about, rather than writing. When this happens, make a point of resolving those issues first, if possible. This will free up your mind and you will be able to go back to what you are trying to do.

Have you discovered your passion?

Writer's block can occur because the topic that you have to write on, is not within the scope of your passion. It is easier to write if you are writing about something that you are passionate about. In this kind of scenario, see if you can find something that lies within the realm of your passion. A person can approach his or her passion from many different directions, so try another approach. Ask yourself, "What do I love to do?"

Are you being rewarded or compensated for your efforts? 

When a person feels that his or her efforts at writing are not being properly rewarded or compensated, he or she can lose his or her interest in writing. It is not a road block to writing, but more of a reflection of a writer's expectations. In this kind of a scenario, find something that does offer the appropriate rewards or compensation or do something different, for a while.

Do you really want to write?

Ask yourself if you really want to write or if you would rather be doing something else. Many times, when a person feels obligated to write, thoughts, feelings and words do not flow. In this kind of a scenario, take time off and do things that you want to do. For example, go for a brief holiday or have a family picnic. Writing will look more exciting when you return to it, after you have done what you want to do for a while.

Have you run out of topics to write on?

Most writers will never run out of topics to write on. There are only a number of ways that one can write about some things. Do brain storming with your other writer friends or other contacts and see if they have some fresh approaches or other ideas, that may trigger new inspiration and be of help to you.

Are you in a good place to write?

The place where you are writing may have a lot to do with your writer's block. If the air is not good, it is cold or there is continual disruption, writing may become difficult. In this kind of a situation, see if you can find a better, more appropriate place to write. Spend some time away from the area that you have been writing in and see if that helps your mind re-awaken. Just taking a long walk may be beneficial. Maybe all you need is some oxygen.

Are you mentally, physically or emotionally exhausted?

When you are exhausted for whatever reason, do not try to write. Instead, spend some time getting re-energized. Maybe more sleep is needed, particularly if you have been pounding away on the keyboard for hours, at a time. Rest and relaxation is necessary, even for writers.

Are you having health problems?

Having health problems or encountering serious health related issues, can be a reason for writer's block. Your health is important. You may need vitamins and minerals or perhaps a check up with your physician may be a good idea. Healthy people function better mentally than unhealthy people.

Do you have a posture related writing problem?

When sitting at a desk or computer all day, there can be posture issues that affect your concentration. It may appear to be a mental block or writer's block, when you are not comfortable where you are sitting. Look seriously at how and where you are sitting. You might find that investing in another desk and chair might be beneficial in terms of the way you feel when you are writing.

Have you been over-criticized by someone for your writing?

Sometimes, when a person has been subjected to severe criticism, writing tends to lose its appeal. Every writer likes to feel that his or her work has merit. Remember that criticism is part of writing and so is rejection. Do not expect everyone to understand what you write or to see as much value in it as you do. Perhaps that may happen over time, but do not let that stop you from writing.

The bottom line is that there can be many different reasons why you think or feel that you have writer's block. See if you can pinpoint that reason and then, do something about it.

As a last resort, ask God for His infilling, leading and guiding with respect to your writing and see what happens. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by doing that! Write on.