Chipping Away at Writer's Block

When I first found out that I was expected to write a piece for the Big Bad Book Blog, I was stumped. As I sat staring at the blinking cursor on my computer screen I realized I could use this to my advantage. I decided to write about writer's block. We’ve all had it dozens of times: the feeling of blank impossibility in the face of a writing project.

Writer’s block is generally defined as a temporary condition that prevents a writer from finishing–or beginning–a piece of work. It’s a phenomenon that almost every writer (of any genre) has experienced, and when it hits, it often seems insurmountable, as if the writer will never again be able to access his or her creativity and move the work where it needs to go. Luckily, there are some things you can do to overcome it.

1) Free Write

One of the best ways to get your creative juices moving again is to write–about anything. It doesn’t even have to be good. Just sit down, pen in hand, and let the ideas flow. A great way to do this is by using “free association.” Psychologists sometimes use this exercise with their patients to determine the subconscious cause of a problem. It can be similarly used by writers to understand the basis of their writer’s block or just to generate ideas.

2) Writer’s Exercises

We all know how important it is for athletes to warm up before a competition. Writers need to do the same, especially when the right words just aren’t coming. There are many sources for writer’s exercises; you can buy a book or “toolkit” meant to help writers overcome writer’s block in creative and fun ways. Some of these include:

• The Writer’s Toolbox: Creative Games and Exercises for Inspiring the “Write” Side of Your Brain by Jamie Cat Callan
• The Write Brain Workbook: 366 Ways to Liberate Your Writing by Bonnie Neubauer
• Creative Block: Over 500 Ideas to Ignite Your Imagination by Lou Harry

Or, you can browse websites offering exercises and advice. Some great sites are:

• Writing Resource Directory – offers links to writing exercises, writing forums, and samples of flash fiction, a format well-suited to jump-starting creativity
• Quotes for Writers – a huge compilation of quotes from literary heroes that will make you eager to put pen to paper (or, more likely, finger to keyboard). Sample: "Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else." –Gloria Steinem
• Get Writing – This site from the BBC offers some great resources, among them writing minicourses and a word cut-up tool

3) Get Out and Do Something
The easiest thing to do when you’re out of ideas and frustrated is to step away from what you’re working on and do something else. You’ll be surprised what taking a walk or going to the park or local coffee shop will do for your writing. You might see an interaction between people in a crowded place that sparks an idea. Or you might, during a moment of quiet contemplation, think of just what’s missing in your writing. Whatever you choose to do, it’s important to distance yourself from your work if you’re having trouble moving it where you want it to go.

Don't forget that writer’s block is a temporary problem. It might go away after the first few exercises you try or before you round the block for the second time during a walk. Or it might stick around through hours of free association and dozens of visits to the coffee shop. But if you keep trying, you’re sure to have a breakthrough and get your writing back where it needs to be.