As a writer, there’s nothing worse than sitting in front of a blank page trying to find the words to keep progress moving on your book. The heaviness of this experience is a real challenge that writers at all levels encounters. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, the tips and strategies laid out here will help you overcome this common challenge and overcome the block to keep your creativity flowing. Let’s dive into how to work through the frustration and continue your self-publishing journey!
Decoding and Conquering Writer’s Block
If you’ve been lucky enough not to experience this yet, you may be wondering what writer’s block is. Fundamentally, it is a mental or emotional barrier that keeps writers and authors from producing new material. If you are self-publishing, writer’s block isn’t just impacting your ability to write; it also interferes with your ability to meet all your other deadlines to complete your book for production. As a writer, I have experienced writer’s block to varying degrees, and I can confirm that it is, in fact, very real! My first bout of writer’s block stunned me so severely that it took me 5 years to complete my book. There are a lot of reasons that writer’s block can hit. In my case, it was a paralyzing combination of trying to get everything perfect (which, in case you didn’t know, isn’t ever attainable!), a slight fear of my book failing once it got in the hands of riders, and a ridiculous amount of self-doubt.
Overthinking, unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, and a lack of motivation can trigger writer’s block. Being a perfectionist will make you analyze every single word that you write. It will most definitely stop you from moving forward. Emotional exhaustion from trying to get everything done for your book also triggers and perpetuates the block. Identifying what is triggering it is essential in being able to overcome it.
You should start by acknowledging the problem, which is sometimes hard because you must admit your issue. Take time to meditate or reflect to recognize any patterns or events leading you into the block. The newfound awareness will help you deploy strategies, like setting micro-goals targeted to lift the block. It’s important not to feel defeated by writer’s block; it is not a dead end but simply a sign to adjust your approach.
Unlock Your Creativity: Proven Strategies To Beat Writer’s Block
You must get creative and tap into your more disciplined side to beat the block. As a writer, you know the importance of writing daily; that same rule applies while you are stuck. Instead of writing for hours, go down to 10 minutes daily. It seems like such a short time, but it will feel like a long time, especially when the words aren’t coming quickly.
The whole point is to make writing not feel so overwhelming. If the 10 minutes feels like too much, don’t focus on picking up on the chapter you are on; do some brainstorming for another part of your book. I’ve also done free-writing or journaling, both powerful techniques to help get words flowing. They may not always be words to apply to your book, but moving the creative juices again takes a little creativity and moving away from your habits. If you can give yourself the space to write without judging yourself, you can discover new ideas and uncover thoughts stifled by over-analysis. At this point, you must throw all your wants for perfectionism out the window and write imperfectly. You can polish it later on!
My first stint of writer’s block was years long and required me to change my environment. A new setting for writing and working was like a shot of caffeine to my soul. I had a new, fresh perspective that allowed me to make forward progress on my manuscript. I would go 10 minutes from home to different cafes and restaurants and sit and work. When that bored me, I took my notebook and laptop, headed to the beach, and made progress there. I also didn’t always need my notebook or laptop. My handy-dandy smartphone was a great writing tool I didn’t even realize I had. I began experimenting with voice notes to record what would come to me. Then, I added it later during my dedicated writing time. You can reinvigorate your writing process in many ways, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try any or all these things.
Writer’s block thrives on the pressure to get the words out. It can become a self-defeating space when you don’t know how to escape it. Take breaks from your writing when you need to. Rest your brain and take the time to recharge so that you can come back level-headed and with renewed clarity.
Harnessing the Power of Community to Combat Writer’s Block
Another major contributor to writer’s block is isolation; this is a big one for new writers. You may not know other writers or authors and feel you shouldn’t be writing because you hit this bump in the road. That’s the farthest thing from the truth! This is precisely the time that you need to find your people. If you don’t have them, it is time to build a beautiful community of writers, authors, and other creatives who can provide support and motivation. There are online forums for self-publishing authors and writing groups where you can connect with others with similar struggles. Sharing your experiences and learning from others what worked for them serve as great inspiration for overcoming your writing challenges.
There are workshops and writer’s retreats where you can sit in a more structured environment to encourage development and growth. Typically, these events have exercises with writing prompts and group discussions to spark creativity and get the juices flowing again. This is also a space where you can receive feedback from your peers or mentors to help you see things differently. Additionally, the constructive criticism you receive at these workshops and retreats can help to reignite your passion.
Whichever route you choose, it’s important to network and create a village of support to help you progress. These spaces are mutual, so feel free to share with others, exchange tips, celebrate each other’s milestones, and troubleshoot self-publishing issues that you run into. The support and encouragement that a community provides will help you break out of the isolation that writer’s block brings on.
Boosting Your Creativity Through Physical and Mental Wellness
Physical and mental health play a big part in our day-to-day lives as individuals and even more so in overcoming writer’s block. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital to ensuring that you aren’t burning yourself out. There should be time away from writing for hobbies, socializing, and exercise. Short walks in between writing help to clear the mind and get the blood flowing to the brain, and the burst of fresh air will do you good.
Managing stress is another important aspect. Meditation and mindfulness will help you manage anxiety and improve your focus. Journaling about your writer’s block (I know it may sound off the wall, but it helps!) can provide clarity and self-support for overcoming the block. Find the silver linings, celebrate the small victories, and speak and write about your journey in the most positive light possible.
Sleep, hydration, nutrition, and overall self-care are equally as important as everything else. Wash your face, wash your hair, stay moisturized, eat well, and get your rest. When you are well-rested, your mind can process things much better. Personally, my brain is pumping all kinds of goodness first thing in the morning, so I will jot things down on my phone or nightstand notebook so that I don’t lose my thoughts. Try not to boost your system with too much caffeine, and opt for healthy, balanced meals and drinks to help you maintain good focus and concentration. Prioritizing healthy habits with the Writer’s Wellness Checklist will give you the energy, clarity, and resilience to navigate any challenges in your writing journey.
Rediscovering Creativity: Top Inspiration Hacks for Writers
Finding new sources of inspiration feels like climbing the tallest mountain when writer’s block buries you. It feels like the last thing you want to think about, but inspiration can come from so many different outlets and is a game changer. Doing other creative activities like painting or gardening can lead you down an inspired path that will fuel your writing. I spent much time visiting museums and art galleries, watching documentaries, and exiting my typical bubble. I was able to find inspiration in all different places and spaces. I picked up books and read and read until I got tired of reading others’ words and wanted my work to be what people were immersing themselves in.
The most essential thing in all of this is to get away from your writing and writing space for a little while. Go explore something you love or something new to you. Don’t limit yourself to what you are comfortable with. Get uncomfortable, and you’ll be surprised by how inspiration may jump up and take hold of you. The mental reset and unexpected inspiration combined with the intentional physical and mental wellness habits you build will help you return to writing with renewed enthusiasm.
Writer’s block is not the end of your writing journey, so don’t let it hold you back! The first step in overcoming this is to try one strategy that appeals to you and isn’t going to overwhelm you. Adjust and apply any tips that will help you stay on the course. Connecting with a supportive writing or self-publishing community or engaging in a new source of inspiration can help open the door to new sources to move you forward in your writing. No matter what you try, it’s important to remember that every small step adds up. If you are stuck, start with one of the recommended strategies, and feel free to contact me via email for a consultation. Remember, your story deserves to be told, and you deserve to achieve your dream of self-publishing!
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