The Seven Secrets You Need to Beat Writer’s Block
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Personally, I don’t believe in writer’s block. I believe writer’s write. To paraphrase Nora Roberts, there’s no such thing as a muse.
Still, there are times when inevitably, you will get stuck during a project and have no idea how to get out of the ditch. Here are seven secrets for getting past your writer’s block.
1. Start From the Beginning
Sometimes when you write yourself into a corner, going back to the beginning of your manuscript can provide fresh inspiration. Start with page one and read what you’ve already written. Get reacquainted with the story and the characters and observe how things have developed. Does the unfolding action make sense? Where can you add depth and dimension? Are there places where you can cut the flab? As you begin to work your way back to your trouble spot, chances are the solution will look clearer.
2. Brainstorm
Examine the scene/chapter/character you’re having trouble with. Jot down all the different scenarios good, bad, and ridiculous that could occur. Sometimes, the most out-of-left field idea is exactly what you need to make your story work. Try notecards, a notepad, dictation—whatever works for you.
3. Write the Next Scene
Some writers, myself included, are pretty linear storytellers. However, there’s no rule that states you have write your story in an A to Z fashion. When it comes to a difficult scene that I can’t figure out how to fix in the moment, sometimes, I’ll just move on. I might write the next scene or a scene in another part of the story. It’s very freeing to leave the crap behind for a little while and work on something fun and/or easy. I’ve still accomplished something for the day while liberating my mind from whatever corner I’ve written myself into.
“Every time I hear writers talk about ‘the muse,’ I just want to bitch-slap them. It’s a job. Do your job.”
-Nora Roberts
4. Do you Really Need That Scene?
At times, the scene that’s causing you to tear your hair out is one you don’t even need. Don’t delete it just yet, though. Keep a folder of deleted scenes handy, throw the problem child in there and keep going. You might realize later you need it and now know how to fix it. Maybe it really does belong in the trash heap (here’s a tip: you can use deleted scenes for bonus content to entice new subscribers to your newsletter or as a fun exclusive for existing subscribers. Kind of like outtakes or scenes on the cutting room floor found on the “Special Features” found on a DVD). Whatever the case, don’t be afraid to let it go—even for a little while.
5. Write
It’s amazing what putting your fingers on the keyboard and simply typing will accomplish. Sometimes it’s best to just steer into the skid. If your scene is going off the rails, don’t worry about it. Seriously. Just write something. Anything. Garbage like no other. Words that will never see the light of day. Sentences that serve no other purpose than to exist. Gibberish paragraphs. The next day, when you come back to it, the penny will drop and you’ll understand what you need to do to fix the train wreck.
6. Write Something Else
Writing yourself into a ditch on one project can be the perfect time to turn your attention to something else. Write a newsletter article, a character bio, the backstory or world for a new series idea. Work on a prequel, a sequel, a companion novella. The next book. One of my tricks is to write fanfiction (purely for myself). Getting away from my problem characters and fakakta stories for a little while really does help to unlock my brain.
7. Step Away from the Keyboard
Sometimes, you really do need a break. Now, this doesn’t mean lounging on the couch for days on end while participating in a Ben & Jerry’s contest for one. It means taking a bit of a breather. Try taking a quick walk or jog around the neighborhood. Meditate in a quiet place for twenty minutes. Read a magazine. Take a power nap. Hop into the shower. Slip into a hot bath (Agatha Christie reportedly dreamt up plots while soaking in a bathtub and eating apples). Again, this isn’t an extended break, but rather a quick moment to recharge the batteries.
What are some of your tricks for moving past writer’s block?
