Have you ever experience writer’s block? I seem to go through it in cycles. One thing that has struck me as odd this time (which is why I’ve decided to blog about the issue) is the fact that my “block” is because of all the other wonderful things I’m working on!
Why can’t it always be so?!
I have a few major projects that I’m working on, one being launching Loving Life, and a couple that I was not planning on tackling right now, that have completely taken up my writing time.
When I’m done working, I sit to write, and get radio silence.
How I Usually Break Writer’s Block
This is the process I usually go through when I’m having writer’s block. [Again, this is what works for me. I am not recommending, just sharing]. I do find that I experience the oh so common “phenomenon” because of over writing, working, thinking, doing…your pick. I get tired, then exhausted, and then burnt out.
1. Take a break – I won’t talk and/or think about writing. No guilt-trips, brainstorming, idea lists. Complete break.
2. Start writing when I honestly feel refreshed – Yes, this could be months. Never has been but the potential is always there. The reason this is important (for me) is because it allows me to have ownership over my decision to start writing again. There is no thought, “I should…” or “I need to…”
3. Only write about what I find interesting – Of course I love what I do. I love talking, reading, writing, and thinking about it, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to have the same response to every aspect of my field. So when I decide it is time to come back to pen and paper…hand and keyboard 
I only write about the things that really ignite a fire.
Simple, but usually works for me. Time to unplug is typically what allows me to rejuvenate and refresh. So it is important when you’re working on your own blocks that you explore or full engage in what rejuvenates you.
The reason I’m sharing all this with you is to ask for your opinion/suggestions. This isn’t my typical writer’s block, so I’d like to hear other ways people deal when they have writer’s block.
If you’ve had writer’s block, how were you able to break through?
To your success,
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My favorite things to do when I get writers block is to go for a walk with my dog, take a shower, and to read something new. Thanks for the great post Monyelle.
I haven’t tried reading something new. Thanks for the idea, Preston!
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This affects most of us who blog sometimes Monyelle and I read somewhere that the best way to overcome it is just sit down and write, your brain will kick in when it realises you are going to do it anyway and in no time you will have your article.
Dave
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I have a hard time making myself write, but I think you’re right Dave. once I get started, it just flows!
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I don’t think I’ve ever experienced writers’ block, but of course over the year or three that it takes me to write a book, I have times when I need to wait to work out a problem with the ms. Unless it’s something technical that needs research, I’ve found it’s usually best to be patient and wait for the solution to appear. Sometimes I cosciously meditate on it, but as I often have several books at different stages, I can move on to answering editors’ queries, proofreading etc, while the problem works away at the back of my mind.
And although I’m not very good at doing it, I think taking a break between books or projects would be an excellent idea! ,
I think if we were graded at taking breaks, not distractions, an actual break, most of us would get a ‘D’ or ‘F’! lol I’m not good at it either.
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Definitely! I’m sure I could write a nice little piece on the importance of work life balance, but acting on it… and at that moment my daughter called, “It’s Saturday and it’s nice out – why are you working?”
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Monyelle,
My tried and true means to avoid feeling stymied when I sit down to write is to have a loose topic schedule within a more structured posting schedule. So, I know I have to write something, but if a certain topic isn’t working for me, I have a wide variety of topics available to see which one inspires.
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Great! Thanks for the idea!
What about when you have to write something that might not be of interest to you? As a freelancer, this is what I deal with once in a while, although I LOVE my clients!
Ty recently posted..Are you a STAGE MOM for your brand?
That’s when it’s almost the worse!
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These days I never get writers block because I changed my writing routine, now I write for 30 minutes as soon as I wake up! There are days when the inspiration isn’t flowing but on those days I edit blogs that are written but need tidying or think to myself ‘well I’ll write a few notes at least’ and then I find I’ve written half a blog!
I’m planning to start publishing my blogs much more frequently which I could have never considered before I started this.
Of course it wouldn’t suit everyones lifestyle but I’d love to hear your thoughts on it
Gemma Thompson (@GemLThompson) recently posted..30 Day YouTube Challenge – The Beginning
That’s a great idea Gemma. I have decided to exercise as soon as I get up but it would be interesting to see what would happen if I mix up my route. Exercise one morning, write the next. Thanks for the idea!
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Funny, It is just happening to me:-)
I am in the refreshing mode, went hiking 10 miles yesterday but still not enough energy to blog. I know it will come back:-)
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I have faith too! Good luck Anne!
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I’ve heard many people use editorial calendars to pre-plan content, rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. This is the kind of strategy that works for me – I treat it like a school or work writing assignment, where “not doing it” just isn’t an option. If I have given myself an “assignment” of a topic, then it’s much easier to get the words to flow, especially if I have a deadline.
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Reading helps me, but I also think getting away whether going to a zoo, a museum, library, art gallery or something as simple as having lunch with a friend or colleague could get ideas stirring.
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I’d definitely agree that writing block goes in cycles. For me, I just have to get away from words for a while – sometimes for an hour or two, but sometimes for several weeks. But I think it’s just natural that there are times when the words flow easily and times when they don’t. I think it depends partly on your mood, your environment and whatever else might be going on in your life, and partly on what it is you’re trying to write. For many years, I worked as a reviewer on a weekly music paper and on many occasions I had to attend a show, get home at midnight, and have 300 or 500 words on the reviews editor’s desk by 10am… And really is nothing like a tight deadline to focus the mind!!
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There are times when I have no idea what to write.. if you looked back in my blog you would see it pretty obviously!! What got me started again… usually a kick in the butt!! I have read through some of the suggestions and I like what I read here.. I think that sitting and writing each and every day no matter what, is a good idea.. i dont’ have to publish everything that I write! I also like the idea of sit down and write,, once started it will flow. If I don’t like the article one day, another day it may be the perfect fit for what I want to share. Thanks, Monyelle.
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Great tips to take care of writer’s block! For me…a long walk works great. Also getting on the phone with a friend and LISTEN to their stories can often help inspire you to write about it. Another thing is to watch some videos and get inspired with people’s stories works like a charm!
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Great tips Monyelle!
When I experience writer’s block, I also follow your first tip in order to get me into a different state. And that’s what it’s all about…getting out of your head.
There are several books that have helped me. One is called “Bird By Bird” by Anne Lamott…excellent read! and if that doesn’t motivate you… you can choose one of 366 exercises to liberate your writing. It’s called “The Write-Brain Workbook” by Bonnie Neubauer.
Love the kitty photo…my furry best friend tends to take over my office, my chair, my papers….
Now I know what to do when that happens 
Ciao,
~Miriam
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Breaks are the key for me. I will get great ideas from walking, going to the gym or even watching the news. I also head over to some of my favorite blogs (like mashable.com) for inspiration!
I think the key in fighting writers block is look at what works for you, and thanks to this blog post we can look at what works for others in order to get some ideas of how we can creatively deal with writers block better as well.
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