Whether it’s true writer’s block, burnout or executive dysfunction, there are few strategies I have for combatting it.
Unfortunately, the first thing I do when I want to write but can’t … is start writing something new. Much of the time my brain wants to do something else or needs new stimulus (especially true when I’m editing). Not a bad way to get the writing going, but it doesn’t help me get on with the project I’m supposed to be working on.
The next thing I do is think real hard about why I can’t write. Sometimes I need to skip a scene or rip it out and start somewhere else. Sometimes it’s got more to do with my mental state rather than specifically writing exhaustion. A lot of the time I get stuck because I’m not interested enough in the scene that I’m writing. Either I put a placeholder and move on, or I decide the scene will likely not be interesting to readers either and strip it back to find the place that my brain will suddenly enjoy writing from. Easier said than done.
If I’m absolutely set on writing the scene, it becomes about changing the environment rather than changing the scene. I’ll wander around the house trying to reset my brain, like when you pretend to ignore something to get its attention.
Me: “Oh, you don’t want me to write? Fine.”
My brain: “Wait, no.”
Usually it feels like a motivation thing. Putting on a song to trigger the scene in my mind can help. I’ve tried conditional playlists, where I have specific songs for particular projects or just to encourage writing in general.
Dot pointing the scene helps as it requires so little effort and feels like a simple sketch of the scene and so I only need to worry about key movements and dialogue. If you can get some of the water dripping, sometimes the river will start running.
Other times, unfortunately, nothing works. I have to wait it out. What I do then is remind myself that it’s okay—frustrating, but okay—and eventually it will pass and I will write again. What I have learnt is that I shouldn’t spend too much time trying to force myself through the block. It’s like punching oobleck.
What do you do to combat the writing block?
